Abstract: A yarn is spun by dividing a traveling fiber assembly into a plurality of fiber sub-assemblies, causing the sub-assemblies to traverse different paths and then recombining them, wherein the paths are sufficiently proximate for fibers to continuously transfer from one or more of the sub-assemblies and be drawn onto or into another or other sub-assemblies. Also disclosed is a method for forming a yarn comprising twisting a plurality of fiber sub-assemblies together at a convergence point to form a fiber assembly being a yarn, and further including cyclically altering the relative twist propagation in and/or into the sub-assemblies upstream of the convergence point. Still further disclosed are alternative methods involving cyclic variation of paths traversed by the sub-assemblies, and cyclic alteration of the relative positions of the sub-assemblies. Apparatus is described for carrying out each method.

Abstract: A system for preparing oriented block copolymer structures includes a copolymer solution, a device capable of providing a flow field and an evaporation device. The device can be at least two cylinders that are parallel and adjacent to one another to form a nip and a driving mechanism to rotate each cylinder. Means for controlling a solvent environment and evaporation are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flamme fancy yarn manufacture for textile production of various number of effects along the length and in a given length of ready-made yarn, irrespective of the length of the fibres of the inlet product both from short staple and long staple material as the flamme fancy yarn is obtained by simultaneous feeding of two slivers with one and the same staple fibres length, as one of the slivers may not be subjected to a permanent force in the draft zone, it may be drawn normally without breaking to be used for the formation of a core thread. The apparatus for achieving the method has the advantage of an easy readjustable construction, and the ability to change the range of products without replacement of the performing elements.

Abstract: A spinning or twisting machine is adapted for the formation of knop yarn by a drive mechanism for the lower yarn feed rollers of the draw frame, which includes a unidirectional clutch allowing the lower feed rollers to run at a higher speed than that imparted by the drive transmission of the machine, and a further unidirectional clutch by means of which an actuator, which may be pneumatic or electric, acts periodically upon the lower feed rollers to increase the speed of the latter for preselected times and intervals to cause the formation of knops in the yarn.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing flaked or nubbed yarns wherein the method is carried out by altering the draft effect on the sliver of the yarn through providing, in the rubber roller of a draft apparatus of a conventional textile machine, grooves or depressions so that a flaked yarn section is obtained with a stronger resistance to traction due to a thicker accumulation of textile material.

Abstract: A fiber web for use in the manufacture of slub or jaspe yarn is produced by a modification of a carding engine whereby a final fancy roller is mounted on a controllably movable support for movement towards and away from the surface of the carding drum, thereby varying the thickness of the sliver obtained before the sliver enters the doffing cylinder. The movement of the fancy roller may be controlled by a programme carried on an endless tape.