Abstract: A process for producing a bale of crimped staple fibers includes the repeated steps of cutting continuous filament crimped nylon tow into segments, maintaining the integrity of the segments while tramping charges of the segments under pressure to form a compacted layer, holding the layer to retain layer compaction and then pressing the layers and strapping the pressed layers.

Abstract: A method of producing crimped tow by continuously feeding a tow against an adjustable counter pressure means; the tow is maintained at an average predetermined thickness and steam enters the chamber and is exhausted from the chamber in a manner to provide uniform heating of the tow to provide a fiber that is uniformly annealed as determined by measuring light reflectance for yarn dyed with a structural sensitive Milling Blue "B" dye or shrinkage uniformity determined by thermal analysis.

Abstract: A process for producing a bale of crimped staple fibers includes the repeated steps of cutting continuous filament crimped nylon tow into segments, maintaining the integrity of the segments while tramping charges of the segments under pressure to form a compacted layer, holding the layer to retain layer compaction and then pressing the layers and strapping the pressed layers.

Abstract: A method of producing crimped tow by continuously feeding a tow against an adjustable counter pressure means; the tow is maintained at an average predetermined thickness and steam enters the chamber and is exhausted from the chamber in a manner to provide uniform heating of the tow to provide a fiber that is uniformly annealed as determined by measuring light reflectance for yarn dyed with a structural sensitive Milling Blue "B" dye or shrinkage uniformity determined by thermal analysis.

Abstract: Controlling the cross-sectional characteristics of moving tow lines by providing monitors and positioning devices so as to improve stuffer box crimp uniformity. The mass distribution profile of a filamentary tow band is continuously measured as a function of the width of the band, and the information obtained is used to change the position of the band when a deviation from a predetermined value is noted. Positioning devices are used to carry out the movement or adjusting of the band in accordance with a signal so as to correct the deviation and present to a crimping apparatus, such as a stuffer box crimper, a band having a uniform mass distribution profile.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for crimping yarn wherein the yarn is introduced to the crimping chamber by means of an injector supplied with steam under constant pressure. The position of the wad in the crimping chamber is controlled by the position of discharge regulation means in response to the fluid pressure above the wad to maintain a space above the wad.

Abstract: A cutting device used in conjunction with an apparatus for processing a continuously advancing strand material is actuated by an air cylinder that is preloaded to full pressure before moving the blade to cut the strand. An air activated linkage releases the cutting blade to begin its travel under full operating pressure.