Abstract: An apparatus and method for scanning a carpet is used for detecting tuft defects in the carpet during manufacture. The apparatus or system incorporates a light source for providing light along a width of the carpet; a scanning array for detecting light from the light source passing through the carpet; and control circuit means for controlling the sensor array to scan the carpet and for receiving the output signals from the first and second sensor cells detecting tuft defects in the carpet based on the light passing through the carpet. The scanning array has at least one pair of first and second sensor cells, and is positioned opposite the light source with the carpet passing transversely therebetween. Each of the first and second sensor cells includes first and second sets of sensor elements, and an output node between the first and second sets of sensor elements. The output node outputs a signal detecting tuft defects in the carpet based on an amount of light passing through the carpet.

Abstract: A high-speed precision winder for winding a running yarn onto a package tube to form a cross wound yarn package, including a spindle for rotating the tube about a spindle axis, a yarn traversing mechanism for guiding running yarn received along an infeed path back and forth across a transverse zone, a bail roll disposed in rolling contact with the peripheral surface of the yarn package being wound, apparatus for controlling tension of the infeed yarn, and a control system for continuously regulating operation of the winder during formation of the package. The control system includes three separate variable speed drive motors and respective associated motor control circuits forming a spindle drive, a transversing means drive, and a down pressure drive providing three independent motor systems which are separately controllable.

Abstract: A high-speed precision winder for winding a running yarn onto a package tube to form a cross yarn package, including a spindle for rotating the tube about a spindle axis, a yarn traversing mechanism for guiding running yarn received along an infeed path back and forth across a traverse zone, a bail roll disposed in rolling contact with the peripheral surface of the yarn package being wound, apparatus for controlling tension of the infeed yarn, and a control system for continuously regulating operation of the winder during formation of the package. The control system includes three separate variable speed drive motors and respective associated motor control circuits forming a spindle drive, a traversing means drive, and a down pressure drive providing three independent motor systems which are separately controllable.

Abstract: A yarn tension control apparatus for tensioning a running length of yarn such as textile yarns or the like, wherein a plurality of tensioning devices form a controlled channel and are controlled by an electronic control circuit having a manually adjustable tension setting potentiometer for adjusting a circuit to provide output voltages to the tension devices of the channel adding selecting tension values to the yarn. The tensioning devices each comprise an electromagnet coil and core structure alongside which a pair of wear surface members in the form of plates or discs are supported in parallel vertical planes with the yarn running between and engaging the confronting surfaces of the wear surface members and the wear surface member located beyond the yarn plane from the coil and core structure being of magnetic material to be drawn toward the companion wear member by magnetic attractive forces to vary the tensioning of the yarn leaving the yarn tension devices.

Abstract: Automatic loom stopping apparatus for detecting yarn breakage or improper shedding defects and generating loom stop signals to be associated with a loom comprising two or three vertically spaced monitoring light beam units forming horizontal transverse light beams perpendicular to the warp yarns spanning the warp yarn path. One of the beams forms a center beam located to pass through the open shed and the other beam or beams located to be interrupted by or both of the shed sheets occupying the upper or lower limit shed positions. Detector signals responsive to interruption of the light beams by yarns are processed and applied to gating circuits and NOR or AND circuits to detect yarn breakage, broken heddles, and other shedding defects.

Abstract: A ball and funnel type yarn tension control apparatus for tensioning a running length of yarn such as textile yarn or the like, wherein a plurality of tensioning devices form a controlled channel and are controlled by an electronic control circuit having a manually adjustable tension setting potentiometer for adjusting a circuit to provide output voltages to the tension devices of the channel adding selecting tension values to the yarn. The tension control devices each comprise an electromagnet coil structure and associated core structure including pole pieces adjacent one or a pair of ball and funnel tensioning stations in each tension device to exert magnetic attractive forces on the ball member and vary tensioning of the yarn leaving the yarn tension device. Degaussing circuit means are also disclosed for applying intermittent negative going pulses to the electromagnet coils during downward adjustment of the tension setting potentiometer to minimize residual magnetic effects.

Abstract: Automatic loom stopping apparatus for use with a loom for detecting warp yarn breakage or improper shedding and actuate the loom stop motion means of the loom, comprising light beam emitter and detector means positioned adjacent the warp yarn path toward the supply end from the weaving zone of the loom forming a monitor light beam transversely spanning the open shed, the detector means providing a detector defect signal when any portion of a warp yarn or broken end interrupts the monitor light beam, amplifier and comparator circuitry for producing a processed defect signal responsive to the detector defect signal, timing pulse forming circuitry including a sensor monitoring rotation of the loom drive shaft for producing timing pulses indicating a predetermined phase time in the cycle of operation of the loom applied to a gate control pulse generator to produce short duration window pulses when the shed is in predetermined open condition, and first and second gate circuits conditioned by the window pulses and

Abstract: An automobile burglar alarm including a battery voltage level sensor to be connected to the positive terminal of the automobile battery for providing an output signal level indicating the battery voltage level and responsive to reduction in the automobile battery voltage when an automobile dome light or trunk light supplied by the battery is turned on to provide a changed output signal level which persists for a predetermined time period, indicative of the reduced battery voltage level, a normally non-conducting transistor connected in circuit with the automobile headlight and horn relays to a supply voltage source to energize the relays when the transistor conducts, a timer circuit connected to the transistor to supply a timed output signal for causing the transistor to conduct for a predetermined short conduction interval, and an operational amplifier coupled to the sensor and the timer circuit for supplying an amplified signal adequate to cause the timer circuit to produce the timed output signal.