Abstract: An expander roller for the wrinkle-free guidance of webs in closed chambers comprises two stationary supporting bodies (7, 8) which are oriented with respect to one another at an obtuse angle in the proximity of a center plane (E—E). On both sides of the center plane (E—E) on the supporting bodies (7, 8) are disposed roller sections (12) with surfaces in the form of truncated cones with shell lines (M1, M2) and which during their rotation pass through positions in which said shell lines (M1, M2) are aligned with one another. The surfaces (12a) of the rollers are herein steplessly in line one with the other in succession and the rollers are supported via roller bearings in groups (10, 11) on the two supporting bodies (7, 8).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for spreading fibers in a fibrous tow provides a fiber spreader for spreading a tow of fibers moving in a machine direction having a plurality of spaced pins, where the spacing between the pins is variable relative to the machine direction, and the position of the pins is variable relative to the machine direction. Variation of the spacing and position of the pins during motion of the pins contact with a tow moving generally in the machine direction provides a spread tow of lower, more uniform areal weight for further use in product applications. Variation in pin spacing and fiber spreading results from rotation of at least one pin relative to another after the pins are inserted into a tow. Alternate techniques for fiber spreading and additional features for stress relief of fibers during the fiber spreading operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A spreading roll having a simplified and inexpensive configuration is provided. The spreading roll includes a curved shaft and several successive roll segments mounted on the curved shaft. Rolling bearings are supported by a sleeve around the shaft and rotatably support the roll segments. The ends of the roll segments are connected together by coupling elements formed by a rubber ring, an inner sleeve situated inside the ring and metal bracing sleeves situated at the corners on the outer circumference of the rubber ring. As the spreading roll rotates, the rubber rings of the coupling elements yield and the bracing sleeves form a tight joint with the roll segments.

Abstract: An apparatus consisting of two stationary plates, at least two idle rolls with their shafts mounted to stationary plates, two separate servo drives, and a plurality of weft sensors comprising a bow roll having its shaft made of two pieces spliced rotatably in the middle of the bow roll, so the ends of the bow roll shaft can be rotated independently about the splicing spot.

Abstract: A device for widthwise control of web material, comprises bar structure having resiliently bendable beam means for effecting a primary bowed adjustment. A set of side-by-side independent but cooperative wrap area members are carried by the beam means and are adapted to be individually selectively adjustable relative to the beam means to effect secondary adjustments incrementally at any of the members, without altering the primary bow relation, for correctionally compensating for uneven tension in any part of the web material, such as may be caused by web thickness, bulk or length.

Abstract: A broad drawing apparatus for moving webs of material comprises a roll having a plurality of individual roll sections mounted on shaft sections and a two part thrust bearing for determining the degree of curvature for the two adjacent shaft sections of every two adjacent roll sections. A ball and socket bearing for each shaft section is provided such that the ball and socket bearings of adjacent shaft sections are disposed side by side on opposite sides of the thrust bearing and wherein each thrust bearing part carries one of the adjacent ball and socket bearings.