Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed for extruding and spinning a thermoplastic melt, and which is adapted to accommodate high melt pressures. The apparatus includes a melt supply head having melt supply duct means extending therethrough, with the melt supply duct means including a plurality of separate duct chambers connected in parallel, and with each duct chamber mounting a filter. The outlets of the duct chambers communicate with a cavity located on the upstream side of a spin plate, and such that the melt passes through the filters and then through the spin plate. The presence of the several filtering duct chambers permits the area upstream of the filters and which is exposed to the high pressure melt to be minimized, to thereby minimize the axial forces operative on the components of the spinning head by reason of the melt pressure.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed which comprises an elongate heating chamber having a generally U-shaped outline in cross section and so as to define two parallel leg sections of hollow, double wall construction, and an intermediate leg section extending between the two parallel leg sections which is also of hollow, double wall construction in several of the disclosed embodiments. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart tubular nozzle casing receptacles extend vertically through the bottom one of said leg sections, and a pump block rests upon such bottom one of the leg sections so as to completely cover each of the casing receptacles. Each pump block includes a connecting plug aligned with each of the receptacles for releasably mounting a nozzle assembly within each of the receptacles, and the pump block is connected to a metering pump which is disposed between the parallel leg sections for pumping the melt through the melt supply lines of the pump block and to the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed which comprises a stationary melt supply assembly which includes a spin block, and a nozzle assembly releasably connected to the spin block. The means for releasably connecting the nozzle assembly to the spin block includes a cylindrical connecting plug fixed to the spin block, and a tubular casing for the nozzle assembly, with the connecting plug and casing being threadedly interconnected. The mating threads are preferably in the form of a threaded bayonet joint comprising multiple thread segments so that the nozzle assembly may be attached to and removed from the connecting plug by a partial rotation of the nozzle assembly. Also, the nozzle assembly is sealed to the melt supply assembly by an arrangement which includes a piston mounted for limited movement within the casing of the nozzle assembly and below the connecting plug, and such that the piston is biased into sealing contact with the plug by the pressure of the melt.

Abstract: A yarn texturing nozzle is disclosed which comprises a yarn feeding inlet portion wherein a yarn is subjected to a heated and pressurized treatment fluid to heat the yarn and also advance the yarn therethrough. The nozzle also includes a stuffer box located downstream of the inlet portion. The inlet portion comprises a rectangular block which is divided into two parts along a plane extending coaxially through the yarn passageway to facilitate yarn threadup, and the stuffer box includes a slot through the side wall thereof which further facilitates yarn threadup.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed which includes a spin block and a spinning nozzle assembly which is threadedly joined to the spin block. Also, an axially movable protective tube is disposed coaxially at the outlet end of the spinning nozzle assembly, and the upper end of the tube mounts casing assembly means in the form of a rotatable flat plate or an annular ring, for engaging the nozzle assembly and thereby facilitating threaded assembly of the nozzle assembly to the block as well as disassembly of the nozzle assembly from the block.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for dividing a molten polymer into a plurality of streams to form synthetic filaments. The apparatus comprises a spin block assembly having two opposite sides, and two separate heating chambers disposed adjacent respective ones of the sides of the spin block assembly. The two heating chambers are interconnected by threaded members, so that the opposing surfaces of the chambers may be drawn together to clampingly engage the opposite sides of the spin block assembly therebetween. The formation of air gaps between the opposing surfaces, and which might hinder the heat transfer between the heating chamber and spin block, are thereby avoided.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which comprises a rigid outer housing of U-shaped cross section and including transversely spaced apart side walls, and three plates mounted between the two side walls. A contact pressure gap is formed between the side walls and the adjacent surfaces of the two outer plates, and the central plate includes a yarn receiving groove on each of its outer surfaces. The central plate is laterally movable to a threading position wherein the grooves are exposed, and heating duct means is provided for introducing a hot pressurized vapor into the contact pressure gaps, to bias the two outer plates inwardly toward each other and thereby resiliently engage the central plate therebetween. The pressurized vapor is also conducted to each of the yarn receiving grooves.

Abstract: A yarn handling apparatus is disclosed for a textile yarn winding machine of the type having a plurality of side by side winding positions extending along the length of the machine. A separate yarn handling apparatus is associated with each winding position, and each handling apparatus comprises an assembly which includes yarn catching means, yarn severing means, and yarn suction means for withdrawing the severed yarn end. The assembly is mounted for movement along a predetermined path of travel between a first end position located on the upstream side of the spindle and where the yarn catching means is adapted to engage the running yarn as it moves in its predetermined yarn traverse stroke, and a second end position located on the opposite side of the winding spindle and where the running yarn is adapted to be engaged by a yarn catching and severing notch on the associated empty bobbin tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a warp sheet of synthetic multifilament yarns is disclosed, and wherein the yarns may be withdrawn from supply packages and advanced along a path of travel in warp sheet form, heated and drawn while in advancing warp sheet form to orient the filaments, and then wound, for example, on a warp beam. Upon detection of a yarn break, the advance of the warp sheet is terminated, and means are provided for interrupting the application of heat to the sheet while the advance is terminated so as to avoid damage to the remaining yarns from a continued application of heat.

Abstract: A pneumatic sensor is provided for detecting and indicating the tension in running strand material, such as yarn, wire and the like. A source of compressed air is connected to an air escape nozzle having an outlet opening in one end thereof and a closing member is supported adjacent the outlet opening and is normally spaced a predetermined distance from the outlet opening to regulate and partially restrict the escape of air therefrom. The strand engages the closing member and varies the space or gap between the closing member and the nozzle outlet in accordance with the amount of tension in the strand. A pressure gauge is provided for indicating the amount of air pressure in the pneumatic pressure system and for thereby indicating the amount of tension in the running strand.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in a surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, heating means is provided for introducing saturated water vapor into the yarn passage in the operative position, and the surfaces of the two members are in substantial heat exchange relation in both the operative and threading positions, so that the temperature of the two members remains substantially constant during a yarn threading operation.

Abstract: A yarn traverse apparatus is disclosed for winding a running yarn onto a rotating package, and which includes a first traverse means comprising a guide rail, and a pair of oppositely rotating arms mounted for rotation about closely adjacent parallel, or coaxial axes. A second traverse means is also provided which comprises a grooved roller positioned between the first traverse means and the yarn package being wound. In order to achieve a precise guidance of the yarn onto the package, the first yarn traverse means defines a guide stroke which extends beyond each of the ends of the traverse stroke defined by the grooved roller. In addition, the guide rail and/or the arms include means for guiding the yarn adjacent each of the ends of the guide stroke such that the yarn is free to rapidly rebound a short distance toward the center of the stroke, and is then restrained during movement through a second traverse distance.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in the surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, heating means is provided for introducing saturated water vapor into the yarn passage in the operative position.

Abstract: A yarn traverse apparatus and method are disclosed for winding a running yarn onto a rotating package, and wherein at each end portion of the traverse stroke there is provided a guide rail, and a pair of oppositely rotating arms mounted for rotation about closely adjacent parallel, or coaxial axes. One arm moves the yarn along the guide rail and toward the end of the stroke, and the other arm returns the yarn toward the center of the stroke. The guide rail and/or the arms include means for guiding the yarn adjacent each of the ends of the stroke such that the yarn is free to rebound a short distance toward the center of the stroke, and is then restrained in such movement, and so that proper engagement of the yarn by the extremity of the arm moving into the traverse stroke is assured.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in a surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, heating means is provided for introducing saturated water vapor into the yarn passage in the operative position, and the surfaces of the two members are in substantial heat exchange relation in both the operative and threading positions, so that the temperature of the two members remains substantially constant during a yarn threading operation.

Abstract: A yarn heating chamber is disclosed which is adapted for thermally processing an advancing yarn. The chamber comprises first and second members each having a discontinuity in the form of a groove, shoulder or the like in the front surface thereof, and the members are movably mounted with respect to each other between an operative position wherein the discontinuities are positioned relative to each other to define a relatively narrow yarn passage, and a threading position defining an enlarged opening to facilitate threading. Also, at least one of the first and second members includes a rear surface which faces oppositely from the front surface of such member. Heating means is provided for introducing a hot pressurized vapor into the yarn passage when the members are in the operative position, and a portion of the hot pressurized vapor is directed into contact with the rear surface so that the hot pressurized vapor acts to bias the front surfaces toward each other to provide a firm contact therebetween.

Abstract: A yarn winding apparatus is disclosed which is characterized by the ability to wind a plurality of running yarns onto a corresponding number of bobbins mounted on a common support spindle, and wherein the bobbins may be closely spaced apart to thereby permit the required length of the support spindle to be minimized. The apparatus comprises a plurality of side by side traversing assemblies extending along the length of the bobbin support spindle, with each traversing assembly comprising a yarn guide bar and a pair of oppositely rotating rotors. The rotors are each composed of two oppositely directed radial arms, which define two closely adjacent planes of rotation. The two rotors of each assembly are mounted for rotation about off-set axes, and such that the arms sweep across the guide bar in opposite directions to define the traverse stroke.

Abstract: A yarn winding apparatus is disclosed which is characterized by the ability to wind a plurality of running yarns onto a corresponding number of bobbins mounted on a common support spindle, and wherein the bobbins may be closely spaced apart to thereby permit the required length of the support spindle to be minimized. The apparatus comprises a plurality of side by side traversing assemblies extending along the length of the support spindle, with each traversing assembly comprising a yarn guide bar and a pair of oppositely rotating rotors. The rotors include arms which define two closely adjacent planes of rotation, and the two rotors of each assembly are mounted for rotation about offset axes and so that the arms sweep across the guide bar in opposite directions to define the traverse stroke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a ribbon free randomly wound yarn package is disclosed, and wherein a plurality of critical winding ratios at which undesirable pattern formations or ribbons would normally occur are determined and stored in a microprocessor control unit. During the winding operation, the spindle speed and traversing frequency are monitored by sensors and are transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit computes the optimum time for rapidly changing the traversing frequency so that the actual winding ratio moves rapidly through each of the approaching critical winding ratios. The original traversing frequency is re-established after having passed beyond each of the critical winding ratios.

Abstract: A melt spinning apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for forming a plurality of synthetic filaments from a molten polymer. The apparatus comprises a spin block composed of a spin plate having a plurality of transverse ducts, a cover plate overlying the spin plate, and a cavity formed between the two plates and communicating with the ducts for receiving the molten polymer. A pair of side plates are disposed along respective opposite sides of the block, and the block and side plates include mating inclined contact surfaces whereby tightening of the side plates against the block causes the spin plate and cover plate to be pressed toward each other, whereby a seal is formed between the plates which prevents leakage of the molten plastic from the cavity.