Abstract: A fiber property testing system for classing fiber samples based on properties of the fiber samples. Loading means receive unloaded cassettes and load the fiber samples into the unloaded cassettes to produce loaded cassettes. Testing means receive the loaded cassettes, remove fiber subsamples from the loaded cassettes, and perform property testing measurements on the fiber samples and the fiber subsamples. Unloading means unload the tested fiber samples from the loaded cassettes to produce the unloaded cassettes. Conveyance means receive the loaded cassettes from the loading means and deliver the loaded cassettes to the testing means, and receive the unloaded cassettes from the unloading means and deliver the unloaded cassettes to the loading means. Control means control delivery and receipt of the loaded cassettes and the unloaded cassettes, receive and correlate information generated during the property testing measurements, and class the fiber samples based on the information.

Abstract: An apparatus for delooping fibers in a fluid flow preferably includes a cyclone for receiving entities from a fiber individualizer and delivering individual fibers to a sensor. The fluid flow rate to the cyclone is set to optimize operation of the individualizer and the flow rate from the cyclone is set to optimize operation of the sensor. A nozzle is provided in the sensor for mechanically delooping the fibers so they are sensed in a straight condition. In addition, electronics associated with the sensor detects sensor signals corresponding to looped fibers and electronically “deloops” the fibers to produce data, such as the actual length of a fiber that was presented to the sensor in a looped condition.

Abstract: An apparatus that individualizes fibers within a feed stream without breaking the fibers. A first stage, having first pinch rollers, receives the feed stream and provides it to a second stage. The second stage receives the feed stream from the first stage, and provides a thinned stream to a third stage. Second stage apron belts draw the feed stream under tension from the first stage into the second stage. Second pinch rollers draw the feed stream under tension from the second stage apron belts and provide the thinned stream to the third stage. The third stage receives the thinned stream from the second stage and provides individualized fibers. Third stage apron belts draw the thinned stream under tension from the second stage into the third stage. Third pinch rollers draw the thinned stream under tension from the third stage apron belts and provide the individualized fibers.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: A device for measuring properties of fiber in a sliver is constructed with a first and second curved aluminum guide piece that is coated with either Teflon or ceramic. The guides compress the sliver of fiber. A Xenon bulb provides light which passes through a first transparent window located in the first guide piece. The light then passes through the sliver of fiber and out of a second transparent window located in the second curved guide piece. The light is then focused by optics upon a charge coupled device camera. The charge coupled device camera uses an array of pixels to create an image of the compressed sliver of fiber. A pulse generator provides simultaneous trigger signals to the Xenon bulb and the camera so that the image of the sliver of fiber is created at the same time as the light is produced.

Abstract: A fiber quality monitoring apparatus is constructed with a sample window for viewing a fiber sample. As the fiber sample passes the sample window, a bulb is strobed to produce a light pulse that is directed toward and reflected by the fiber sample. When the light pulse reaches a desired intensity, a first photo diode generates a synchronization signal. A second photo diode detects reflected light with a wavelength between about 500 nanometers and about 600 nanometers and produces a reflection signal. A third photo diode detects reflected light with a wavelength between about 430 nanometers and about 530 nanometers and produces a color signal. A charge coupled device camera is positioned to receive the reflected light pulse. The charge coupled device camera has an array of pixels which receive the reflected light pulse.

Abstract: A fiber classing device having a sample window for viewing a fiber sample. A light source provides light that is directed toward and reflected by the fiber sample, producing reflected light. A photo sensitive detector is positioned to receive the reflected light, and it detects lightness, redness, and yellowness of the fiber sample. Processing means assign a preliminary grade to the fiber sample based at least in part on the lightness and yellowness of the fiber sample. The processing means also selectively adjust the preliminary grade to a final grade based at least in part on the redness of the fiber sample. The photo sensitive detector has one or more of a spectrometer, a camera, or a set of three photo diodes. A first photo diode detects light with a wavelength of between about 505 nanometers and about 605 nanometers, corresponding to the lightness of the fiber sample.

Abstract: An apparatus measures moisture content of cotton based upon rates of electrical charges flowing through the cotton. The apparatus includes a moisture sensor having first electrodes, second electrodes, and ground electrodes which are interdigitated between the first and second electrodes. The apparatus also includes a moisture content determination circuit that provides first electrical charges to the first electrodes, and second electrical charges to the second electrodes. The moisture content determination circuit determines the rate of electrical charge flowing from each of the first and second electrodes through the cotton to the ground electrodes, and determines the moisture content of the cotton based upon the rates of electrical charges flowing through the cotton. By thus applying first electrical charges to the first electrodes and second electrical charges to the second electrodes, the apparatus accurately measures the moisture content of the cotton over a wide range of moisture contents.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: A gin process control system including sensing stations for sensing the physical properties of cotton as it progresses through a gin. A moisture sensor determines, over a wide range of values, the amount of moisture in the cotton. A quality monitor determines the color of the cotton, color distribution, and the amount and type of trash or other impurities which may be entrained in the cotton. A micronaire unit determines both micronaire and cotton maturity. A fiber length tester provides information on the length distribution, breaking strength, and elongation of the cotton fibers. Cotton samples are gathered from the gin flow stream and presented to the sensing stations in a variety of manual, semi-automated, and automated fashions. In a fully automated unit, the sensing stations are connected directly to the gin. The sensing stations are also in communication with the gin process control system, which uses the data from the sensing stations to automatically control the operation of the gin.

Abstract: A nep separator and detector for presenting a fiber sample having fibers, neps, and trash. A toothed rotating cylinder receives the fiber sample at a fiber sample receiving point, and impacts and propels at least a portion of the trash and neps along an ejection path. An air curtain is directed toward and passes across a portion of the toothed surface of the rotating cylinder, at a location rotationally after the fiber sample is received by the toothed rotating cylinder. The air curtain crosses and is oriented transverse to the ejection path, and draws at least a portion of the neps out of the ejection path and onto the surface of the toothed cylinder as it rotates. The trash propelled by impact with the toothed rotating cylinder has sufficient momentum to pass through the air curtain along the ejection path. A dead air space is positioned in the ejection path and disposed adjacent the air curtain and across the air curtain from the fiber sample receiving point.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of control of textile machinery which enables optimal control of fiber processing machinery to achieve a target operating point. The method optimizes the processing of fibers by determining a machinery model which simulates a fiber processing machine and introduces to the model different parameters related to the machinery and the input fibers to create optimized settings for the parameters of the machinery and the input fibers for the desired output. These optimal settings are introduced to the machinery and the inputted fibers to process the fibers to achieve the desired output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and processing a web of textile materials which includes a plurality of entities including fibers, neps, seed coat fragments and trash. The web is monitored, preferably by an imaging unit, to produce a monitor signal. A computer receives the monitor signal and locates the position of entities of interest and controls a web processor in accordance with the location of the entities. Preferably, the web processor includes ejectors for ejecting entities from the web under the control of the computer. In one embodiment, the web is formed by a sampler and forming apparatus which removes a sample of fibers from a supply and reconfigures it into a desired configuration, such as a web, for being monitored.

Abstract: Conditioned gas flows are applied at various critical locations in instruments and apparatus for testing and processing textile fibers, such as cotton. In the context of test instruments, a standard test zone environment (which becomes part of the test record) is effected by the introduction of controlled conditioned gas flows directly into a testing zone, including into testing instruments themselves. In the context of processing apparatus, direct control of processing performance parameters is effected by "controlling parameters", which are in turn effected by the application of conditioned gas flows. A plurality of "performance parameters", which may be in conflict with each other, may be controlled in accordance with a predetermined compromise control strategy, carried out by feedback or feedforward control systems implementing modern statistical control approaches.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring characteristics of entities in a sample of textile material, including trash, provides a sample of textile material to a processor where entities are individualized and thereafter transported to a sensor system. Characteristic signals are generated by the sensor signal corresponding to sensed characteristics of the entities, including trash, and a computer analyzes the characteristic signals to identify signals corresponding to trash and to classify the trash signals as corresponding to one of several types of trash. Based on the characteristic signals, the computer determines an entity length, diameter and speed and also determines a peak value of a characteristic signal corresponding to an entity. Based on these measurements, trash is characterized as to one of several types of trash.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors a web of textile material which is also processed by a textile processing machine. The web is in motion relative to an imaging unit, and the imaging unit repetitively scans at least one strip across the web in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of relative motion of the web. A computer receives signals from the imaging unit and produces digital data corresponding thereto. The computer further analyzes the digital data to find entities of interest in the web and determines parameters of the found entities of interest. Preferably, the imaging unit and computer include distinguishing means for producing a plurality of optical images of the same portion of the web where each of the optical images are distinguished one from the others by the spectral content. In addition, the imaging unit and computer produce a plurality of time separated images, where each of the time separated images are produced during different lighting conditions on the web.

Abstract: Disclosed are various needle-based devices for individualizing single fibers and other entities from a fibrous mass, particularly for testing purposes. In one embodiment, an accelerated pin drafting machine has a plurality of combing elements which sequentially pierce a fiber mat and move within a drafting zone with increasing distance between adjacent combing elements. The accelerated pin drafting machine in turn feeds a fiber individualizer. In another embodiment, a comb-like needle sampler is provided which moves past a perforated plate such that portions of fibrous material protruding through the perforations are loaded onto the needle sampler. An elastomer clamping feedroll moves against the needles to clamp the sample, and then rotates to gradually feed fibers from the sampler. As an alternative to the elastomer clamping feedroll, a clamping block presses against the needles, and the needles are slowly retracted to gradually release fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are various needle-based devices for individualizing single fibers and other entities from a fibrous mass, particularly for testing purposes. In one embodiment, an accelerated pin drafting machine has a plurality of combing elements which sequentially pierce a fiber mat and move within a drafting zone with increasing distance between adjacent combing elements. The accelerated pin drafting machine in turn feeds a fiber individualizer. In another embodiment, a comb-like needle sampler is provided which moves past a perforated plate such that portions of fibrous material protruding through the perforations are loaded onto the needle sampler. An elastomer clamping feedroll moves against the needles to clamp the sample, and then rotates to gradually feed fibers from the sampler. As an alternative to the elastomer clamping feedroll, a clamping block presses against the needles, and the needles are slowly retracted to gradually release fibers.