Abstract: Disclosed is a remotely-controlled adjustable-curvature roll of the present invention which includes a hollow, cylindrical axle in which two rods are inserted. Each of the rods is securely fastened to an endplate at one end of the axle, and the opposite end of each rod is threaded within one of two oppositely rotating intermeshed gears. An air-impact motor is connected to one of the meshed gears to rotate the gear to which it is connected. The rotation of the gears in one direction causes an increase in the compression applied to one of the rods while at the same time exerting an increased tension on the other rod which is connected to the oppositely rotating gear. This combination of tension and compression causes the curvature of the roll to change. A remote control unit regulates the flow of air from an air supply to the air-impact motor. The remote control unit includes a filter for filtering the air supply and an oil mist lubricator for adding a lubricant to the air supply.

Abstract: An optical sensing system that detects the angular orientation of weft threads in a moving web of a textile has a sensor array that receives light transmitted through the web from a light source. The sensor array is preferably a single monolithic chip that includes a radial pattern of photosensitive areas that each generate an electrical signal proportional to the total intensity of the light incident on the area. The areas are elongated and narrow so the moving shadow of a weft thread passing over the area will modulate the output signal. The modulation is strongest when the thread is generally aligned with the area. Electronic circuitry generates a DC signal associated with each area that is proportional both of the magnitude and frequency of the modulation of the signal. The circuitry also compares these signals, selects the largest one, and generates an analog output voltage characteristic of the area associated with the largest signal.

Abstract: An optical sensing system that detects the angular orientation of weft threads in a moving web of a textile has a sensor array that receives light transmitted through the web from a light source. The sensor array is preferably a single monolithic chip that includes a radial pattern of photosensitive areas that each generate an electrical signal proportional to the total intensity of the light incident on the area. The areas are elongated and narrow so the moving shadow of a weft thread passing over the area will modulate the output signal. The modulation is strongest when the thread is generally aligned with the area. Electronic circuitry generates a DC signal associated with each area that is proportional both to the magnitude and frequency of the modulation of the signal. The circuitry also compares these signals, selects the largest one, and generates an analog output voltage characteristic of the area associated with the largest signal.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a mechanism for aligning bobbins in, for example, a loom for subsequent movement of the bobbins to, for example, a stripping unit associated with the loom. The apparatus includes an inclined ramp upon which the bobbins fall and an upstream deflector mechanism to deflect and position a falling bobbin for engagement with the inclined ramp to align the bobbins and to prevent jamming thereof.