Abstract: A device and method uses ultrasonic vibration to modify the molecular structure of water, alcohol, and other additives in a closed container without opening the container and without adding additives. The method comprises applying ultrasonic vibration to a bottle holding an alcoholic beverage to speed up the aging process of the beverage. The ultrasonic vibration is applied at resonant frequency for a length of time sufficient to produce desired aging of the alcoholic beverage. The method further comprises establishing a separation distance between the said vibration delivery plate and the alcoholic beverage. A vibration transfer medium, which may be clean or drinking water, is used to transfer the ultrasonic vibration from the vibration delivery plate to the alcoholic beverage to be aged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining the edge of a moving web on a web handling apparatus at a desired operating path. The operating path of a web edge is monitored with respect to a first desired edge path. The web is secured for movement along an intended path of travel. The web edge is maintained at the first desired edge path. The web edge is monitored with respect to a second desired edge path as it is maintained on the first desired edge path. The web is automatically maintained along the second desired edge path.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for handling a moving material of indeterminate length utilizes a pair of endless elements located on opposite sides of an intended path of travel for the moving material. Each element is configured to engage and hold a corresponding edge of the material at least partially through the apparatus. The apparatus includes a detector assembly adjacent the path of travel for detecting deviation of at least one edge of the moving material from a normal operating path and outputting signals to initiate corrective reaction to the deviation. The reaction is defined in a predetermined relationship to time the edge remains out of its normal operating path. The apparatus also includes an adjustment device in operative communication with at least one frame member and the detector assembly. The adjustment device receives the corrective signals and positionally adjusts the corresponding frame member in response thereto to achieve the normal operating path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tenter frame for treating web materials such as woven or knitted fabrics, film or the like, to apparatus for removing a web from a tenter while controlling the web and to a process for removal of a web from a tenter. A pair of endless opposed tenter chains having a plurality of pins thereon engage opposite edges of the web material for holding it as it is treated on the tenter frame. Pinned rolls are provided for engaging and transferring the web material from the pins of the tenter frame with the web taken off of the tenter chains without loss of control over the web. A cutter unit is also be provided for trimming the edges from the web after it has been removed from the tenter chain, and while the web remains under control of the pinned rolls, after which trimmed edges are automatically removed from the pins for discarding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tenter frame for treating web materials such as woven or knitted fabrics, film or the like, to apparatus for removing a web from a tenter while controlling the web and to a process for removal of a web from a tenter. A pair of endless opposed tenter chains having a plurality of pins thereon engage opposite edges of the web material for holding it as it is treated on the tenter frame. Pinned rolls are provided for engaging and transferring the web material from the pins of the tenter frame with the web taken off of the tenter chains without loss of control over the web. A cutter unit is also provided for trimming the edges from the web after it has been removed from the tenter chain, and while the web remains under control of the pinned rolls, after which trimmed edges are automatically removed from the pins for discarding.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the lateral position of a web moving along a path of travel across a scroll roll or other roll capable of imparting lateral movement to the web. The apparatus includes sensors to detect lateral position of the web and elements, preferably conical brushes, which are movable into and out of contact with the web to cause the roll when in contact to move the web in a corrective lateral direction. A mechanism is employed for imparting movement to the web contacting elements which will achieve impact of the elements against the web at a velocity approaching zero. Further, the web contacting element is adapted for pivotal movement away from the web upon contact with the web, thus permitting webs of differing thickness across a normal thickness range to be controlled without additional adjustment to the apparatus.

Abstract: A tenter frame for spreading and treating open widths of a moving fabric which includes a pair of endless tenter chains each of which has a plurality of upstanding pins adapted to engage opposed edges of the fabric for transporting the fabric through the tenter through a first generally horizontal plane. A feed roll is provided for guiding the fabric which has an upper periphery located in a second generally horizontal plane which is higher than the horizontal plane of the tenter chain. A static decurling apparatus is disposed along each side of the tenter frame at a point between the ends of the tenter chains and the feed roll and extends in a generally inclined plane which intersects the first plane and the second plane. The decurling apparatus contacts the edges of the moving fabric and removes the curl, folds and the like from the edges for guiding the fabric towards the tenter chains.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling rolls of web goods such as fabric, preparatory to the unwinding of same. A carriage is movable vertically about a support frame between a first position where a roll of web goods is stored and a second upper position where the roll of web goods will be unwound. The carriage includes two independently driven arm assemblies, each of which has a chuck for holding engagement with the core of the roll of web goods. With the carriage in the upper position, once a roll of web goods is fully unwound leaving the bare core chucked between the movable arms, a core receiver is placed beneath the core, after which the core is unchucked and automatically stripped from the arms, whereby it is caught by the core receiver. The core receiver then moves out of the way and the carriage descending about a new roll of web goods. When the chucks are properly vertically aligned with the core of the new roll, the arms are driven inwardly to position the chucks within opposite ends of the core.

Abstract: A web replenishing apparatus and method for replacing an exhausted web supply with a fresh web supply. The apparatus includes means for detecting the exhaustion of the web supply and for stopping the web processing machine when the tail end of the web reaches a predetermined location. After the web processing machine is stopped, the empty spool or beam is removed by an operator and a fresh supply beam is placed thereon. The head end of the replacement fabric is draped over a lift roll and a supporting surface into a predetermined position. A clamp is provided for locating and securing the edges of the tail end of the exhausted web and the edges of the head end of the replacement web and for bringing them into alignment with each other at a sewing station. The excess web is pretrimmed from the head and tail ends and the head and tail ends of said webs are sewn together by a horizontal sewing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supplying a secondary fabric to a fabric processing machine. The movement of the primary fabric to the fabric processing machine is interrupted and the primary fabric is clamped at spaced points. The primary fabric is severed at a point between the clamping points and the tail end of the primary fabric is aligned with the head end of the secondary fabric and the two are sewn together by a sewing machine which traverses the widths of the fabrics. The head end of the primary fabric is moved to a holding position. The clamp for the head end of the secondary fabric and the clamp for the tail end of the primary fabric are released and the feeding means for feeding the fabric is restarted to feed the secondary fabric to the fabric processing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing real or false twist from a moving fabric in rope form. Fabric is moved along a first path followed by second and third generally vertical paths which define a fabric loop. A twist removal device is located along the first fabric path to remove twist from the fabric. A fabric opening or spreading unit is located along or downstream of said third path with a twist detector located between the fabric opening unit and the nadir of the fabric loop, preferably adjacent the location where the fabric is just begins to spread for detecting direction and magnitude of any twist remaining in the fabric. Controls are operatively associated with the twist detector means and the twist removal device to control further twist removal responsive to detected remaining twist in the fabric.A preferred twist detector includes spaced parallel cylindrical rolls contactable with the fabric rope on opposite sides thereof.

Abstract: A winder for textile fabrics or other web materials including a frame having spaced apart support arms pivotally secured thereto. Each support arm has a core holding chuck at the outer end of same, at least one of which is torque driven. A surface drive roll is located on the frame to receive material and apply same to the roll of material being produced. A load cell associated with the surface drive roll measures nip pressure at the interface between the surface drive roll and the roll being formed and is associated with a pneumatic bellows or the like via a control system to cause movement of the support arm for maintenance of a predetermined nip pressure at the drive roll interface. The chucks for holding winding cores include a plurality of arms pivotally secured within a chuck housing which are pivotally movable to an extended core engaging position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for monitoring a moving web for structural defects at a plurality of independent locations across the width of the web, determining the location and magnitude of a detected defect and controlling movement of the web responsive thereto. A plurality of light sensing elements may be employed operatively connected to a microprocessor. A separate edge sensor may be employed and is claimed.

Abstract: Two lengths of discrete web materials are automatically joined by suitable alignment and positioning of their respective leading and trailing web edges. Transverse movement of such edges is automatically controlled so that longitudinal margins of such edges are aligned, also. Once a first roll of material is emptied and its trailing edge is joined with a leading edge of a new roll of material, support structure for the new roll is pivoted so that the new roll is physically moved into the support and drive position previously occupied by the old roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing real or false twist from a moving fabric in rope form. Freely rotatable, diagonally opposite elements are located on opposite sides of an fabric path of travel. Each element has a helically wound fabric contact member therearound with the helix direction of the diagonally opposite elements being the same. Fabric passing between the elements and engaging the contact members of the elements imparts rotation to the elements while the contact members impart rotation to the fabric for twist removal. A twist direction detector is located downstream of the elements to detect any remaining twist in the fabric, and a twist measurement sensor is located downstream of the twist detector to determine the amount of any remaining twist.

Abstract: A fabric accumulation apparatus including a housing defining a fabric entrance, a fabric exit and a generally vertical fabric storage area therebetween. A gate is located along the fabric housing, being moveable between a closed and an open position. First sensors are located along the path of travel of the gate and are operatively associated with apparatus for opening and closing the gate. Second sensors are located along the path of gate travel and are operatively associated with fabric feed to control the rate of fabric feed dependent upon the height of a fabric column in the housing.Initially, in a filling mode and with the gate closed, fabric is fed into the housing at a high rate of speed relative to fabric withdrawal speed and a fabric bundle is produced thereabove, which ultimately forces the gate to start to open. The gate is then rapidly fully opened and closed, permitting the fabric bundle to drop into the fabric storage area.

Abstract: A device for removing curl, folds and the like from a moving web in which opposing banks of elongate fins cooperate to define a web passageway therebetween. The banks of fins are preferably associated with top and bottom plates, respectively, that may be biasable apart by seams, etc., passing therebetween, and may include quick release coupling to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the device without affecting the process with which the device is employed. Relative positions of the top and bottom banks of fins may be adjustably controlled. Preferred different fin spacing permits the handling of webs of varying weights and construction. Fin banks are of unitary construction from material exhibiting a low coefficient of friction as exemplified by ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A device for removing curl, folds and the like from a moving web in which elongated fins associated with top and bottom plates cooperate to define a web passageway therebetween. The top plate is preferably associated with the bottom plate such that the top plate is biasable away from the bottom plate by seams, etc., passing therebetween, and may include quick release coupling to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the device without affecting the process with which the device is employed. Relative positions of the top and bottom fins may be adjustably controlled. Preferred different fin spacing permits the handling of webs of varying weights and constructions.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for smoothing and laterally guiding a longitudinally moving web of material wherein the web is longitudinally moved in a generally upward vertical direction past first pressurized fluid discharge manifolds disposed adjacent the web path on either side of the plane of the web to continuously direct streams of pressurized fluid, such as air, outwardly of the central portion of the web and toward side edges of the web to smooth and remove wrinkles from the same, and second pressurized fluid discharge manifolds located adjacent at least side edge portions of the web path for intermittently directing streams of air across opposite faces of the web toward one or the other of the side edges thereof, in response to web edge sensing means, to laterally move and guide the web during its longitudinal travel.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the position of a moving web. The web passes between a driven roll and a pair of pressure applicators that are positioned on either side of center of the web path. Edge sensors are located adjacent the driven roll and are operatively connected with the pressure applicators. Once the web misalignment is sensed, the opposite pressure applicator is actuated to apply pressure against the web. The driven roll, preferably a scroll roll, then drives the web in the direction of the pressure applicator until the web returns to proper alignment and the pressure applicator is deactuated. The pressure applicator is preferably a device that is brought into contact with the web and applies frictional forces thereon to cause movement of the web along the roll, while avoiding any substantial frictional forces axially with respect to the normal web path. Structure is also disclosed to uncurl rolled selvages of a moving web.