Abstract: A given plurality of empty round (cylindrical) cans are brought by a can carrier into an empty can magazine of a textile machine which produces a band output. These cans are taken from the can carrier, one after another, to be filled at a filling station from whence filled cans are sequentially moved to a just emptied can carrier in a full can magazine. This can carrier, after the receipt of a given plurality of filled cans, are transported out of the full can magazine. Subsequently, the can carrier, which, in the intervening time, has been emptied and is now to be found in the empty can magazine, is transported by means of an elevated crossover into the full can magazine, which has become free. For the well-timed release of a can carrier loaded with empty cans as well as the transporting of a can carrier from the filling operation loaded with filled cans, there is a Hold Station serving as a buffer zone for an empty can with its can carrier.

Abstract: A device for guiding and compressing a sliver running through the device in a travel direction includes first and second guide elements adjoining one another in the travel direction. Each guide element has two opposite first sides and two opposite second sides. Each guide element is formed of two face-to-face disposed wall elements which are spaced from one another perpendicularly to the travel direction and which form the first sides of the guide element. The second sides of each guide element are open in a direction perpendicular to the travel direction. The first and second guide elements are offset at an angle with respect to one another as related to the travel direction.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a stretch machine with a drive mechanism which is placed in a drive enclosure (3). This drive is covered by a movable top (2), which lies with its edge areas (24) on a stationary part (10) of the stretch machine and which top carries a blower (4) with at least one suction side and one discharge side. The blower stands with its suction side in connection with a filter (5) and with its discharge side open to the interior of the drive enclosure (3). Within the drive enclosure is provided an air distribution system (6). This is so arranged and so oriented that the blower (4) produces, in the entire peripheral area of the cover (2), an effect which is essentially of uniform strength. The blower 4 is provided with a control apparatus (71) for a reversal of its direction of impelling air.

Abstract: A device for measuring properties of fiber in a sliver is constructed with a first and second curved aluminum guide piece that is coated with either Teflon or ceramic. The guides compress the sliver of fiber. A Xenon bulb provides light which passes through a first transparent window located in the first guide piece. The light then passes through the sliver of fiber and out of a second transparent window located in the second curved guide piece. The light is then focused by optics upon a charge coupled device camera. The charge coupled device camera uses an array of pixels to create an image of the compressed sliver of fiber. A pulse generator provides simultaneous trigger signals to the Xenon bulb and the camera so that the image of the sliver of fiber is created at the same time as the light is produced.

Abstract: A process for producing dyed spun cotton yarns having a reduced number of irregularities and increased luster is described. The process involves dyeing at least a portion of the cotton fibers which are to form the yarn, then combing the dyed fibers subsequent to the dyeing process. The dyed and combed fibers are then optionally blended with fibers having a visually distinct appearance, and spun into a yarn using conventional spinning methods. The resulting yarns having a dramatically reduced number of thick and thin places and improved yarn properties including improved luster and hand. Furthermore, when the thus-dyed fibers are blended with differently-colored fibers prior to the combing operation, the resultant yarns match the visual colors of like-colored yarns produced by conventional processes, while the color is more intimately blended and the yarns have a markedly increased uniformity, luster and tenacity.

Abstract: Flat carder in which the main carding drum receives the fibers from a multiple number of briseurs operating in parallel to feed the main carding drum at different points. Each briseur or opening cylinder is equipped and actuated independently from the other.

Abstract: An arrangement for sorting a first category of fibers having a first set of properties into at least a second category of fibers having a second set of properties and a third category of fibers having a third set of properties. The arrangement comprises a sorting channel including at least one travelling teeth laden carrier surface driven in a first direction within the sorting channel. The sorting channel further includes at least a first inlet and at least first and second outlets. A first energy field flows through the sorting channel in a second direction. The first category of fibers are plied to the travelling teeth carried on the driven carrier surface and the first energy field causes at least the longer fibers from the first category to be held latched onto the travelling teeth as it washes and strips away shorter fibers and impurities producing the second category of fibers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for effecting sample-specific cycles for the environmental conditioning of material samples, such as cotton samples, prior to testing; and for the environmental conditioning of testing laboratory space, a sub-space or "oasis zone" within the testing laboratory space and/or a test zone within a testing machine. A sensor measures at least one material property of the sample, such as moisture content of a cotton sample. Based on the material property, a sample-specific conditioning cycle is determined and effected by driving through the sample a gas flow conditioned as to at least one parameter which affects properties of the sample, such as a temperature, relative humidity, and volume per unit time, and all of which are relevant in the case of a cotton sample.

Abstract: A spinning preparation process and device with a mixer (3) for mixing fibers, with a withdrawal apparatus (10) for withdrawing fibers from the mixer (3) and a separating device (4), arranged downstream of the same in the conveying direction of the fibers, for separating foreign matter from the fibers, characterized in that the separating device (4) is arranged immediately downstream of the withdrawal apparatus (10), the fibers are taken from the withdrawal apparatus (10) as a fiber fleece (22) which is spread out transversally to the conveying direction of the fibers and are thus supplied to the separating device (4), and the fiber fleece (22) is examined by the separating device (4) for foreign matter and is substantially cleaned from the same.

Abstract: A colored yarn is made in an inexpensive manner that allows a wide variety of different colors or hues within the product line, and also allows a wide variety of different effects to be produced including yarns with minimal leather effect, or yarns with a distinct and desired heather effect. A first coarse feeder yarn, e.g. a 1/1 semi worsted yarn, is ring or open end spun with about 2.5 turns per inch. The coarse feeder yarn is dyed, dried, and then cut and opened up into individual fibers about four inches long or less (preferably two inches long or less). The individual fibers are blended with differently colored or hued fibers produced in the same way, and/or with greige or colored staple fibers, to produce a blended composite of fibers. The blended composite is then spun, for example ring spun or open end spun, into a final colored yarn. Rayon fibers may especially effectively and uniquely be utilized, although almost any fiber or mix of fibers can be used.

Abstract: A spinning can stand of a fiber sliver-processing machine such as a flyer or a jet spinning frame having a plurality of spindles in at least one row. Rectangular cans are used instead of round cans for reducing the expenditure for exchanging the spinning cans. Each unreeling spinning can or operating can has an instantaneous filling level. The filling level differs between adjacent operating cans by a fraction of the can filling. A full can or reserve can is allocated to the position of the operating can emptied to the greatest extent.

Abstract: The position of foreign matter in a bale pattern after its separation in a separating device (10) may be evaluated in that the relative position of the opening device (1) and the transport time of the fibers between the opening device (1) and the separating device (10) is determined in each relative position. Given a separating procedure, taking account of the mentioned variables, the position of the opening device (1) at the point in time of opening the foreign matter (28) is evaluated. The determined opening position of the foreign matter on the fiber bales (27) is stored as a signal and subsequently preferably graphically represented. The method permits conclusions on the degree of contamination of the fiber bales.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a foreign substance in a pneumatically advancing fiber tuft stream and for separating the foreign substance therefrom includes a conduit; an optical sensor arrangement situated at a first location of the conduit for detecting a foreign substance in flight and for emitting signals representing the foreign substance; a separating arrangement situated at a second location of the conduit downstream of the first location as viewed in the conveying direction; an evaluating device for processing the signals; and a control device connected to the optical sensor arrangement, the separating arrangement and the evaluating device for operating the separating arrangement.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a two-head one-cubican drawing system provided with two sets of drafting mechanisms and two coilers. A cubic can is used to receive slivers from two coilers so as to decrease the space occupied by the system and facilitate the arrangement of automatic transportation. Through the control of driving mechanisms by transverse devices, evener drawing frames, and rollers the system can have two slivers equally formed in the cubic can.

Abstract: A laboratory-scale device for assisting in the simulation of heat setting conditions includes a pair of laterally spaced-apart flexible heat-resistant cords (e.g., formed of aramid fibers) tensioned between forward and rearward rigid cross-support bars. At least one rigid tensioning bar is provided parallel to the support cords and extending between the cross-support bars so as to maintain the desired tension on the flexible heat-resistant cords. The tensioning bar thus allows for manual or automated lateral winding of the synthetic heat-settable fibers or yarns about the spaced-apart heat-resistant cords during preparation of the device for a laboratory test run. The tensioning bar may thereafter be removed once the device has been secured in position with the laboratory heat-setting oven. In such a manner, therefore, various effects on heat-setting conditions simulating can be investigated.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed through a blending system. The blended fibers are passed to a continuous flow bleaching unit comprised of a forming station and a bleachery. The bleached web is passed through a drier unit. The dried web is subjected to further processing which includes carding machines forming a blended fiber web and a hydroentangling machine stabilizing the web. The web is then rolled and readied for other processing. The final nonwoven web consisting of bleached cotton fibers may be made into highly purified and absorbent wipes, pads, and other articles for medical, industrial, or domestic use.

Abstract: Lofty battings are prepared by a process involving carding to make one or more webs of fibers, preferably using a blend of mechanically-crimped filling fibers with bicomponent fibers of helical configuration, and that preferably also contains binder fibers, the fiber orientations preferably being randomized in the web(s) before cross-lapping to build up the batt, and preferably followed by spraying with resin and curing, thus providing a bonded batt in which the loft is improved by the presence or the different crimp configurations and/or randomized orientations that are fixed in the fibers in the bonded batt.

Abstract: A system for spinning is provided where a pair of carding machines are arranged side by side. A first drawn sliver is produced by feeding two carded slivers simultaneously into a sliver collector and a drafting system. The drafting system includes a pair of linear density sensors disposed at the inlet and outlet thereof and coupled to a control system for controlling the draft ratio of a first drafting zone to maintain the inlet and outlet linear density at a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fiber processing plant including a series of processing stages in order to supply fibrous material as a product with predetermined qualities, whereby the qualities of the product can be influenced by suitable, selectively adjustable treatment of fibrous material during its passage through the plant and whereby in at least one of the intermediate stages of the plant an ascertainable quality of the product of this stage is determined. In this intermediate stage a signal is obtained which is equivalent to the ascertainable quality and which is used for controlling the previous stages.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a non-woven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers delivered from a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber preparation process and then through a fiber cleaning process where the fibers are individualized, opened, aligned and cleaned. A selective delivery system which is capable of moving the fibers through a multiple of stations during the precleaning process is provided. From the precleaning processes the fibers are processed into a fiber web and fed to a web stabilizing and bleaching apparatus which forms a stable bleached web. The bleached web is then passed through a drier unit. The dried bleached web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The carding machines reform the fibers into a web which is hydroentangled and dried.

Abstract: An autoleveller derives the signal for its draft correction from an averaged value of the sliver weight or thickness signals in each of a plurality of unit lengths of the sliver path. A preferred embodiment uses upstream and downstream sliver weight or thickness measuring means to derive signals for a draft correction and the gain of a draft correction made in response to the first sliver measuring means is varied in response to the averaged signal from the second sliver measuring means.

Abstract: Machine setting values containing similar functions are grouped together as a group in a setting value table and as many tables, as present groups, are correlated to machine operating elements. Parameter vectors are obtained from each table, effectuating a predetermined machine setting and the totality of the parameter vectors represent (for instance along a diagram axis) settings for the associated operating element. The group formation of setting values for a fine cleaning machine encompasses, for instance, setting values of the knife or carding element-distance from the beater circle, the point density of the carding element, the clamping distance of the feed trough or funnel from the clothing of the opening roller, and the rotational speed of the opening roller. These setting values are grouped together in a first group and included in a first table for forming parameter vectors for the cleaning intensity.

Abstract: A bale opening machine is provided with a safety apparatus, by means of which there are produced safety barriers or fences parallel to lengthwise sides of a row of bales to be opened and/or substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the bale opening machine. The safety apparatus moves in conjunction with the bale opening machine. The safety apparatus can comprise mechanical and/or sensory protective structure. The sensory protective structure comprises one or more electro-acoustical transducers arranged in a sonic chute together with one or more reference reflectors such that transmitted acoustical signals are split into a measuring signal and a reference signal. The reference signal is reflected at one of the reference reflectors, whereas the measuring signal is reflected at a deflection reflector into the monitored area and back again by an object located in the monitored area.

Abstract: A textile machine is provided with apparatus for preparing the trailing end of a lap and a leading end of a fresh lap so that each end has a reduced fiber mass per unit length of lap in the prepared end. These lap ends are thereafter superimposed and joined together for subsequent processing in a combing unit of a combing machine or a drafting unit of a ribbon lap machine. The respective ends of the two laps may be prepared by a tearing action caused by clamping of the respective lap end between two spaced apart nip lines which are moved away from each other and wherein the spacing is slightly more than the length of the longest fiber in the lap. Preparation of a lap end may also be accomplished using a suction head for clamping of a lap along a nip line in order to carry out tearing of the lap to produced a prepared end.

Abstract: A sliver is created by directly condensing the carded web from a carding apparatus and then feeding it to a drafting set from which it is subsequently delivered by way of an autoleveller comprising sliver thickness sensing means and variable draft means.

Abstract: A continuous textile processing system and method are disclosed for producing a nonwoven web containing bleached cotton fibers in a single line system which includes a supply of fibers such as a bale opening device, a plurality of fiber delivery lines transport the fibers through a fiber opening process where the fibers are individualized and opened. The opened fibers are collected and fed to a blending system and then to web forming apparatus which forms a stable web. The web is processed in a continuous flow bleaching unit and then through a drier unit. The dried web is slit into a plurality of web strips or slivers which are fed to carding machines. The fibers are reformed into a web which is hydroentangled and dried. The web is then rolled and redied for other processing. The final nonwoven web consisting of bleached cotton fibers may be made into highly purified and absorbent wipes, pads, and other articles for medical, industrial, or domestic use.

Abstract: A textile machine for processing textile material is provided having a control and drive unit and a feeding device for feeding textile material drawn from storage means allocated to the feeding device. The textile machine further includes a delivery device for delivering drawn-off textile material to a receiving container. The feeding device of the machine has an independent feed control unit associated therewith for independently controlling the operation of the feed apparatus in a non-dependent relationship with the processing machine control unit. With this arrangement, a continuous supply of textile material is supplied to the processing machine without the feed device control unit being dependent upon external commands. The feeding device control unit is completely responsible for the initiation and operation of the continuous textile material feeding process.

Abstract: The cleaning or blow room line comprises at least one bale opening machine connected by ducts and at least one cleaning machine and a blender with a plurality of cards. The transport of the fiber flocks extracted by the at least one bale opening machine through the cleaning line is achieved by suction ventilators provided for such cleaning line. After at least one cleaning location a pressure sensor is arranged in an associated duct and delivers a signal to a control or regulator which controls or regulates, as the case may be, the size of a false air opening which co-dictates the air flow through the ducts. The false air opening can be constructed as an adjustable element in the form of a hinged flap or a slide element positioned relative to an opening in a duct, whereby the regulator controls the extent to which the flap or slide member is pivoted or slid, thereby adjusting the amount of air that is drawn into the duct.

Abstract: Machine setting values containing similar functions are grouped together as a group in a setting value table and as many tables, as present groups, are correlated to machine operating elements. Parameter vectors are obtained from each table, effectuating a predetermined machine setting and the totality of the parameter vectors represent (for instance along a diagram axis) settings for the associated operating element. The group formation of setting values for a fine cleaning machine encompasses, for instance, setting values of the knife or carding element-distance from the beater circle, the point density of the carding element, the clamping distance of the feed trough or funnel from the clothing of the opening roller, and the rotational speed of the opening roller. These setting values are grouped together in a first group and included in a first table for forming parameter vectors for the cleaning intensity.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing a blended yarn from cotton fibers and man-made or synthetic fibers. According to conventional methods the blending of cotton fibers and man-made fibers has been hitherto effected subsequent to a cotton combing process. In order to obtain an appropriate yarn quality, it is necessary to comb out the cotton and thereby separate the short fibers thereof. With the prior art method of bringing together or combining the blend constituents subsequent to the cotton combing process, there have been problems with regard to a homogeneous blending of cotton and man-made fibers. A great number of machines is thereby required and the corresponding constructional expenditure is high. Therefore, a method and an apparatus are suggested and according to which the two blend constituents, namely cotton fibers and man-made fibers, are already brought together or combined prior to the combing process.

Abstract: Controlling the cross-sectional characteristics of moving tow lines by providing monitors and positioning devices so as to improve stuffer box crimp uniformity. The mass distribution profile of a filamentary tow band is continuously measured as a function of the width of the band, and the information obtained is used to change the position of the band when a deviation from a predetermined value is noted. Positioning devices are used to carry out the movement or adjusting of the band in accordance with a signal so as to correct the deviation and present to a crimping apparatus, such as a stuffer box crimper, a band having a uniform mass distribution profile.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for establishing whether fiber material is contaminated with foreign objects is characterized in that for the finding of foreign objects in the form of foreign fibers and pieces of foil, for example packaging remnants such as jute sack remnants, plastic foil remnants, cords or bands, rags or cleaning scrim, the fiber material delivered in bales is investigated during bale opening. The investigation takes place by scanning the surface of at least some of the layers of fiber material exposed during the bale opening, and the degree of the contamination with the scanned foreign objects is retained and is stored in association with the particular bale which has been scanned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of maintaining a predetermined quality of a carded sliver, wherein there is a predetermined overproduction from a card and/or a drawframe relative to a spinning machine. The method includes temporarily decreasing production to temporarily compensate for the overproductions. The sliver which is produced during the decrease in production may be delivered to a separate can.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for producing continuous slivers of improved uniformity, open-loop or closed-loop control of the production process is corrected in dependence upon the absolute air humidity measured near the installation. Long-term variations in sliver weight, which have been found to correlate with the absolute air humidity, are obviated.

Abstract: An automated fiber processing system for processing of fiber stock in a continuous, uninterrupted process from fiber bales to the formation of spun yarn.

Abstract: In an apparatus for transporting textile laps to a comber, wherein the apparatus includes a bridge structure for traveling movement between a lap storage station and the comber, a trolley movable along the bridge structure, and a lap gripping mechanism suspended from the trolley by an elevating mechanism, sensors are provided for detecting the presence of a lap at the lap storage station and detecting the central supporting tube of the lap for precisely positioning the gripping mechanism at a lowered position at the lap storage station to engage a full replacement lap. A controller is associated with the sensors for controlling subsequent lowering of the gripping mechanism at the comber by the same distance the gripping mechanism was lowered at the storage station to initially receive the replacement lap, thereby to insure that the lap is deposited at the comber safely and gently without damage.

Abstract: The fiber material (of which a yarn is to be spun) is drawn and combed after carding. In order to determine the combing intensity, a sample is taken from the fiber material after carding and is subjected to an analysis for fiber length and/or impurities. Certain limits are set for fiber length and/or impurities and the combing intensity is adjusted according to the results of the analysis. The fiber material treated with this combing intensity is again drawn and is then opened into individual fibers which are incorporated into a continuously spun and drawn-off yarn.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting full textile laps to a plurality of combers includes an elevated bridge structure movable in series between a lap storage station and the plural combers, a trolley movable along the bridge structure, and a lap gripping device suspended from the trolley for carrying a full replacement lap. The bridge structure is provided with a detector for each work station of each comber to recognize detectable elements at the work stations which are normally obscured by laps supported thereat but are uncovered when the laps are depleted to a sufficient extent that a replacement lap is required. Upon recognizing the detectable elements at any work station, the associated detector element transmits a signal to a controller which actuates the gripping mechansim to deposit a full replacement lap at the work station.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing textile fibers is disclosed which includes a carding machine (14) and a batt former (A). Batt former (A) includes an air circulation loop which includes a plenum (B), fiber compacting chamber (C), air separating means (72, 74), acceleration channel (30), duct (46), and fan blower (54). Fan blower (54) has an adjustable angle of incidence "a"to direct a jet of fiber-laden air into plenum (B) against a splash plate (66) to cause fibers to be deposited in fiber compacting chamber (C) in a cross-directional profile so that fibers at side walls of the plenum may have increased residence time in the fiber compacting chamber compensating for side wall friction. A first separated air flow (5) is divided by side friction. A first separated air flow (5) is divided by side channels (92a, 92b) and combined with a second air flow (4) to form supercharged air flow regions at the sides of the air flow passing through acceleration channel (30).

Abstract: In order to effect a controllable change in the production of a fiber-processing machine there is changed the working width of the fiber-processing machine.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and feeding textile fibers is disclosed wherein supply units (A) include a cleaning machine (B) fed by a batt forming machine (C) which includes a reserve chute (42) and a formation chute (44). The reserve chute and formation chute are partitioned whereby a serial flow of fiber laden air may be utilized to deliver fibers to a number of the supply units connected in series. Each supply unit (C) may feed a parallel line (10, 12, 14) of card machines (16). Each card machine (16) is fed by a vertical chute feed (18) to which a fiber delivery air flow is delivered from supply units (60, 62, 64). In this manner, a first fiber batt of uniform density across its width is fed to the cleaning machines. The fibers are more uniformly fed and separated to provide more uniform opening and cleaning of the fibers. The individual and cleaned fibers are fed to a vertical chute feed wherein a second fiber batt is formed for feeding to the textile cards.

Abstract: A cotton gin lint cleaner includes a rotating saw cylinder. A continuous layer of lint cotton is fed along the cylinder by feed works. The layer is seated in and moved downstream by saw teeth on the cylinder. Foreign matter is loosened from the layer as it is moved beneath grid bars spaced along the cylinder surface. A combing bar downstream of the grid bars with teeth opposed and proximate the saw teeth further cleans the cotton layer.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for depithing fibrous vegetable material, such as sugarcane bagasse, comprises a rotary hammer assembly suspended from a rigid framework that is supported removably on an upright enclosure which itself is supported in functioning position by a framework on its base. The hammer assembly comprises a plurality of individual stacks of hammers and their holders, each of which constitutes a unit separate from the other stacks and has means individual thereto for adjusting the radial positions of the hammers in the stack relative to a screening wall through which pith is separated from fibers by rotation of the hammer assembly. The screening wall is composed of several perforated arcuate screening sections any of which may be reached through a door in the enclosure, and may be unfastened and displaced to give access to the hammer assembly or for replacement of a screening section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein a tow of continuous filaments is fed to a tow cutter and severed into fibrous material of predetermined staple length while the fibrous material delivered from the tow cutter is fed to and through at least one textile picker. The fibrous material may be formed into laps at the picker for being subsequently processed through cards, or the fibrous material may be fed in loose fibrous form from the picker to a bank of cards. Means are provided for automatically controlling operation of the tow cutter and pickers and for controlling feeding of the fibrous material to the pickers.