Patents by Inventor Franz Mettler

Franz Mettler has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8251102
    Abstract: A heddle frame (1) is driven via drive rods (15), which pass through its lateral sampsons (13). To that end, the lateral sampsons (13) each have a corresponding channel (19). The play between the circumferential face (22) of the drive rods (15) and the channel wall face (21) of the respective channel (19) has an intermediate layer (24), which extends over the full length, or portions, of the drive rod (15). The intermediate layer (24) preferably comprises an impact-proof, permanent-elastic, damping material. A slight residual play allows the introduction of the drive rods (15) and the intermediate layer (24) into the channel (19) without force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7823608
    Abstract: The shaft rod (2) according to the invention has, at one of its narrow sides, at least one recess (21) which is later provided in the shaft rod and in which a reinforcing element (24) is glued. The material externally of the shaft rod forms securing zones (32, 33) which serve for the attachment of additional elements. The recesses are preferably applied in such a manner that hollow spaces free from Eloxal coating are exposed which may be utilized as recesses into which reinforcing elements are glued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7779869
    Abstract: A profile rod (15) preferably consisting of an extruded aluminum profile has lateral walls (18, 19) that have two snap-in zones (25, 26) that project toward each other and extend parallel to each other over the entire length of the profile rod (15) and that are located on the same height. The distances of the two snap-in zones (25, 26) from the closest strip (21) correspond to each other. In this manner, the profile rod (15) may be made extremely thin-walled, on the one hand, and offers possibilities for fastening profile pieces that permit the input of larger forces into the profile rod (15) as well as the output of such forces therefrom, on the other hand. This concept offers a basis for the construction of light-weight heald shafts that can still handle great loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7726347
    Abstract: The heald shaft (1) for weaving machines is divided into a machine-resident frame part (14) and a removable frame part (15). While the removable frame part (15) supports a heald mounting rail (30) that must be released from said frame part for a heald change, said removable frame part is associated with an additional heald mounting rail (33) that is releasably held on the lower shaft rod (16). The upper shaft rod (25), together with the two heald mounting rails (30, 33), forms a removable frame part (15). The lower shaft rod (16), together with the lateral supports (19, 20), forms a machine-resident frame part. Preferably, the lateral supports (19, 20) and the lower shaft rod (16) are rigidly connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Publication number: 20090277527
    Abstract: The heald shaft (1) for weaving machines is divided into a machine-resident frame part (14) and a removable frame part (15). While the removable frame part (15) supports a heald mounting rail (30) that must be released from said frame part for a heald change, said removable frame part is associated with an additional heald mounting rail (33) that is releasably held on the lower shaft rod (16). The upper shaft rod (25), together with the two heald mounting rails (30, 33), forms a removable frame part (15). The lower shaft rod (16), together with the lateral supports (19, 20), forms a machine-resident frame part. Preferably, the lateral supports (19, 20) and the lower shaft rod (16) are rigidly connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: GROZ-BECKERT KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7581566
    Abstract: A heddle (1) for flat, band-shaped warp threads (36) is provided with a thread eyelet (7), for which the width preferably exceeds the height. A thread eyelet (7) of this type prevents a deformation of the band-shaped warp thread (36), in particular a compressing on the sides during the shed formation. In addition, the heddle (1) according to the invention is preferably provided with thread guiding surfaces, which are longer than the thickness of the heddle (1) body (3), relative to the running direction of the warp thread. As a result of these measures, the wear on the heddle (1) as well as the warp thread (36) can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Publication number: 20090065088
    Abstract: A profile rod (15) preferably consisting of an extruded aluminum profile has lateral walls (18, 19) that have two snap-in zones (25, 26) that project toward each other and extend parallel to each other over the entire length of the profile rod (15) and that are located on the same height. The distances of the two snap-in zones (25, 26) from the closest strip (21) correspond to each other. In this manner, the profile rod (15) may be made extremely thin-walled, on the one hand, and offers possibilities for fastening profile pieces that permit the input of larger forces into the profile rod (15) as well as the output of such forces therefrom, on the other hand. This concept offers a basis for the construction of light-weight heald shafts that can still handle great loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: GROZ-BECKERT KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7500496
    Abstract: For releasable attachment of heddle bars (8) to shaft rods (2) of a heald shaft (1) of a weaving machine, holding devices are provided which are composed of two sheet metal members, with one part forming a flat surface for bonding to the shaft rod (2). The parts that remains free receives respective metal ribs (31, 32), which may be riveted or welded to the sheet metal members. The reinforcing strips engage securing elements for a bracket to position the latter in a form-fitting manner. The sheet metal members are tightened against the bracket, e.g., by bolts or rivets, to firmly clamp the bracket in the desired position. The reinforcing strips are configured and secured to the sheet metal members such that the reinforcement simultaneously serves for the exact positioning of the bracket (22), and for preventing a vertical shift of the bracket during operation of the heald shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7493921
    Abstract: A heald having a heald body (8), whose thickness increases toward the yarn eyelet (6). The lateral surfaces of the heald body (8) constitute guiding surfaces which are oriented in the warp yarn direction and which, adjacent the yarn eyelet (6), serve as spacers (35, 36) for holding at a distance adjoining yarn eyelets (6) of adjoining healds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Franz Mettler, Herbert Schwane
  • Patent number: 7467646
    Abstract: The heddle according to the invention, provided in particular for band-shaped warp threads, comprises two bands (5, 6) that extend in vertical direction during use, are arranged at a distance parallel to each other and hold two thread support elements (16, 17) disposed between them. The thread support elements (16, 17) together with the respective flat segments of the bands (5, 6) between them jointly form a flat thread eyelet (18) that is oriented transverse to the warp thread and the longitudinal direction (7) of the heddle. The bands (5, 6) preferably extend with undiminished width up to the heddle support rails (2, 3) and are provided with end eyelets (10, 11, 12, 13) for positioning them on the support rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Franz Mettler, Eckhard Fehrenbacher
  • Patent number: 7464730
    Abstract: A heddle for jacquard machines essentially consisting of fiber-reinforced plastic material, with a thread eye formed by a mail or thread eyelet member (12) of a harder material. The heddle body comprises two legs (3, 4). Between the relatively wide thread eye region (5) and the legs (3, 4), ramp sections (6) are provided on the mail, which sections have a length that is greater than the length of the thread eye (1). Preferably, the length is greater than twice the longitudinal extension of the thread eye, and in most cases, is between 10 and 30 mm. As a result of this measure, the wear of the plastic material in the vicinity of the thread eye (13) is kept minimal enough that neither any damage to the stiffening fibers (22) in the body of plastic material nor any damage to the warp threads needs to be feared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Publication number: 20080083471
    Abstract: An inventive heddle for jacquard machines essentially consists of fiber-reinforced plastic material, whereby the thread eye is formed by a mail (12). The heddle body comprises two legs (3, 4). Between the relatively wide thread eye region (5) and the legs (3, 4), ramp sections (6, ) are provided, which sections have a length that is greater than the length of the thread eye (1). Preferably, the length is greater than twice the longitudinal extension of the thread eye. In most cases, said length is between 10 and 30 mm. As a result of this measure, the wear of the plastic material in the vicinity of the thread eye (13) is kept minimal enough that neither any damage to the stiffening fibers (22) in the body of plastic material nor any damage to the warp threads needs to be feared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7264022
    Abstract: A shaft rod (2) having, particularly in its mid region, a particularly low mass. The shaft rod has an upper ledge (11) and a lower ledge (12) which have a reduced thickness in the mid region of the shaft rod. As a result, the load induced by acceleration forces is significantly less in the mid region than in conventional constructions. By virtue of the reduced acceleration forces, the extent of bending of the shaft rods in the middle is less and therefore a shaft rod of such a structure is better adapted for use in very rapidly operating weaving machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert AG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Publication number: 20070144603
    Abstract: The heddle according to the invention, provided in particular for band-shaped warp threads, comprises two bands (5, 6) that extend in vertical direction during use, are arranged at a distance parallel to each other and hold two thread support elements (16, 17) disposed between them. The thread support elements (16, 17) together with the respective flat segments of the bands (5, 6) between them jointly form a flat thread eyelet (18) that is oriented transverse to the warp thread and the longitudinal direction (7) of the heddle. The bands (5, 6) preferably extend with undiminished width up to the heddle support rails (2, 3) and are provided with end eyelets (10, 11, 12, 13) for positioning them on the support rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Franz Mettler, Eckhard Fehrenbacher
  • Publication number: 20070131301
    Abstract: A heddle (1) for flat, band-shaped warp threads (36) is provided with a thread eyelet (7), for which the width preferably exceeds the height. A thread eyelet (7) of this type prevents a deformation of the band-shaped warp thread (36), in particular a compressing on the sides during the shed formation. In addition, the heddle (1) according to the invention is preferably provided with thread guiding surfaces, which are longer than the thickness of the heddle (1) body (3), relative to the running direction of the warp thread. As a result of these measures, the wear on the heddle (1) as well as the warp thread (36) can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7204274
    Abstract: A heddle (14) of the invention is distinguished by end eyelets (15, 16) of reduced size, with which heddle support rails (6, 7) of reduced cross section are associated. The axial play of the heddles on the heddle support rails (6, 7) is limited to from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The lateral play is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. This system formed of heddle support rails and heddles is especially suitable for particularly rigid heddle shafts for power looms with an extremely high operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Publication number: 20070062596
    Abstract: The shaft rod (2) according to the invention has, at one of its narrow sides, at least one recess (21) which is later provided in the shaft rod and in which a reinforcing element (24) is glued. The material externally of the shaft rod forms securing zones (32, 33) which serve for the attachment of additional elements. The recesses are preferably applied in such a manner that hollow spaces free from Eloxal coating are exposed which may be utilized as recesses into which reinforcing elements are glued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Applicant: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Publication number: 20070000552
    Abstract: The heald according to the invention has a heald body (8), whose thickness-increases toward the yarn eyelet (6). The lateral surfaces of the heald body (8) constitute guiding surfaces which are oriented in the warp yarn direction and which, adjacent the yarn eyelet (6), serve as spacer means (35, 36) for holding at a distance adjoining yarn eyelets (6) of adjoining healds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Franz Mettler, Herbert Schwane
  • Publication number: 20060249218
    Abstract: For a releasable attachment of shaft staves (8) to shaft rods (2) of a heald shaft (1) of a weaving machine, holding devices are provided which, for example, are composed of two sheet metal members, of which one part forms an adhesive surface for bonding to the shaft rod (2). The part that remains free serves for receiving respective metal reinforcing strips (rib (31, 32)) which may be riveted or welded to the sheet metal members. The reinforcing strips serve for receiving securing elements for a bracket and for positioning the latter. In this manner the positioning is effected in a form-fitting manner. The sheet metal members are tightened against the bracket preferably by bolts for firmly clamping the bracket in the position determined by the form-fit. In the alternative, rivets may also be used which, when required, may be released, for example, by pushing them out with simple tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: GROZ-BECKERT KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler
  • Patent number: 7059356
    Abstract: A shed forming device (1) for a power loom has a plurality of heddle shafts, to which a drive mechanism with a plurality of servo motor groups (13, 14) is assigned. The servo motor groups are located below each of the heddle shafts (3 through 8), in each case as a cluster, and they are located with their pivot axes (27 through 32) on a circle, an ellipse, or a similar figure. They are also axially offset from one another. Each servo motor (15 through 20) is provided with a driven lever (21 through 26). The free ends of all the levers are located approximately at the center of the circle or ellipse or other figure of revolution. They are connected to the heddle shafts (3 through 8) via connecting rods (34 through 39) and form various angles with the connecting rods (34 through 39). The result is a drive mechanism with little inertia, low resilience, and little play. Very fast shaft motions can be attained in a controlled way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventor: Franz Mettler