Abstract: An air-permeability measuring apparatus for textiles includes a measuring fork having first and second rigid legs disposed in parallel overlying relations. A first double pipe stub is displacably mounted to the first leg and has inner and outer stub parts providing an inner flow channel and an annular flow channel. A second double pipe stub is mounted into the second leg and includes inner and outer stub parts providing a second inner flow channel and a second annular flow channel. The double pipe stubs are coaxial and the first double pipe stub is adapted for being displaced between an insert position and a clamping position and in the clamping position the inner and annular flow channels are aligned and communicate. A pipe extends from each of the second inner and annular flow channels and the pipes are connected to an exhauster which exerts a vacuum on the inner and annular flow channels and thereby induces air flow therethrough.

Abstract: A differential-vacuum alarm device is disclosed. The device comprises a housing divided into three chambers by two walls. One wall isolates one chamber from the other two. The other wall, preferably transverse to the first wall and integral therewith, substantially isolates the second chamber from the third. The second wall preferably carries a vibratable reed which is activatable when air, moving via effects of differential vacuum, passes from the second chamber into the third. The housing further includes a cover, preferably snap engageable with the housing. The walls are preferably integral with, and depend from, the cover. Inner surface portions of the housing preferably include integral, U-shaped channels for receiving edge portions of the walls. With the wall edge portions engaged in the channels and the cover snap engaged with the housing, the three chambers are substantially isolated, one from the other. A housing bottom, forming a floor common to the three chambers, includes three through apertures.

Abstract: Method of controlling the continuous convective heat treatment of a textile fabric web, which includes continuously remotely monitoring the temperature of a web being transported over a path in a given direction, directing heated air toward the web, and measuring the amount of heat given off to the web, which is proportional to the temperature of the web, as a function of the difference between the temperature of the air impinging on the web and the temperature of the air reflected by the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a process carried out on a moving web in which the web is held stationary while movement through a sequence of processing zones is simulated by means for rapidly changing the process conditions to which the web is exposed, and method and apparatus for rapidly changing the operative parameters in a processing zone.

Abstract: A simulator for simulating on a test sheet the actions of a dryer section of a paper making machine. The simulator includes a closed chamber to which there is connected a temperature and humidity control system to maintain the chamber in constant temperature and humidity during a test. A dryer fabric web is mounted within the chamber and is so guided as to have two parallel runs thereof in closely spaced relation. A holder is provided for mounting a test sheet between the two runs. Dryers are mounted above and below the two runs. The dryer fabric has openings therein which are selectively positioned in centered relation along the two runs so that the upper dryer may pass through an upper opening, pick up a test sheet and press the same against the dryer fabric of the lower run.

Abstract: A method and means for programming the operation of an apparatus having at least a plurality of different control functions provides a control panel, an arrangement for causing the control panel to appear blank prior to initial activation of the apparatus, circuitry for initially activating the apparatus, and circuitry responsive to initial activation for indicating and allowing selection of the different control functions, the circuitry for indicating and allowing selection including circuitry for sequentially displaying the control functions on the control panel to allow selection thereof.

Abstract: A differential pressure signal device employing an audible vibratory reed assembly having the property of being activated automatically upon being subjected to a predetermined energy level. The assembly is preferably all plastic and includes a unique rockable flapper valve that is automatically activated when the differential in pressure between two chambers reaches a predetermined level. The opening of said valve provides a large inrush of air that activates and operates the audible vibration of said reed until the differential in pressure is lowered below said predetermined level.

Abstract: A moisture detector and controller including a pair of spaced-apart plates positioned in a moist air duct, a cleaner positioned between the plate surfaces adapted to wipe them upon initiation and termination of air flow, and an associated circuit effective to measure the resistance between the plates and compare it with a preselected reference resistance indicative of a desired humidity of the air present in the duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of monitoring air flow in a bulk tobacco curing and drying structure wherein the system and method is designed to actuate an alarm device in response to the air flow within the bulk tobacco curing and drying structure falling below a preset level. In particular, the system and method entails providing an air flow monitoring device in the path of a system of air that is circulated vertically through the mass of bulk tobacco contained within the curing and drying structure. The air flow monitoring device is operatively associated with a master "on-off" switch and is operatively connected to a main control panel or unit that is in turn operatively associated and connected to an alarm device such as a siren.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for monitoring the behavior of a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed. More particularly, the invention relates to monitoring the behavior and bed characteristics of a magnetically stabilized fluidized bed by measuring the magnetic field fluctuations in the bed. The bed may be operated in a batch or continuous solids addition and removal mode.

Abstract: An improvement in method and apparatus for drying seed cotton to a predetermined range of moisture content; including the steps and means for performing the steps of passing the cotton in contact with a first moisture sensor, subsequently passing the cotton through a drying system, subsequently passing the cotton into contact with a second moisture sensor located outside of the drying system, and using the combination of signals from the sensors to control the amount of moisture removed from the cotton while in the drying system; characterized by employing a plurality of the first moisture sensors so connected that the moisture sensors sensing the least moisture content will have its signal used in the combination of signals to control the amount of moisture removed. This compensates for a problem in the prior art of having a moist leaf or the like cause excessive drying of the seed cotton because of the high moisture contents sensed.

Abstract: The field of the instant invention pertains to identifying levels of vital activity in stored seeds. The instant invention teaches a method employing infrared sensors for determining the level of stability of stored grains, for detecting instability in grains, for detecting levels of preservation and/or deterioration of grain, as well as controlling means for restoring the grain environment to a stable condition.

Abstract: An improved control system, especially for dryers, adapted to sample dryer air, in a sample taking circuit, determine the moisture content of said air, and control the flow of make-up air to the dryer and exhaust air from the dryer in response to said moisture content. Means are provided for reducing the temperature of the dryer air in the sample taking circuit to one that can be handled by a signal producing means responsive to sample air moisture content. The flow of dryer air through said circuit is maintained by an aspirator and compressor combination, the compressor being adapted to provide purge air to the circuit before and/or after periods of sample taking.

Abstract: A curing system is disclosed for continuously curing a resinous coating on an elongated member such as a wire. The wire passes through a curing chamber which contains a plurality of removable modules alternately positioned on opposite sides of the wire. Each module contains a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as an ultraviolet lamp, and an excess number of modules is provided. Each lamp can be turned on and off individually. If a lamp fails another lamp is turned on and the curing proceeds while the module containing the defective lamp is removed and the defective lamp is replaced.

Abstract: The LEL (Lower Explosive Limit) control includes a gas analyzer normally connected to receive sample gas from the evaporation enclosure of a press dryer section and which, during calibration, is sequentially connected to first analyze solvent free gas and then gas having a known solvent content. Situated with the analyzer is a detector the resistance of which changes in proportion to the temperature within the flame cell of the analyzer. The detector forms a portion of a bridge circuit, which also includes a potentiometer. The output of the bridge is amplified, compared to a selected reference voltage and a signal representing the difference therebetween is processed. The processed signal is combined with a signal representing the web speed to form a resultant signal to control a pneumatically operated damper in the enclosure exhaust conduit. Automatic calibration of the system is initiated periodically and takes place in two phases.

Abstract: A drum-type machine for the treatment of batchwise textile material, especially a washing machine, with at least one drive drum rotatably supported in an approximately horizontal position having a central opening in one end wall for loading purposes and a central opening in the other wall for unloading purposes, as well as a conveying paddle in the interior for moving the batch of material about within the drum during rotation of the drum in a first direction and for the axial transporting of the batch of material through the unloading aperture in the other direction of rotation of the drum is provided with a sensor having a feeler oriented into the loading and/or unloading aperture, wherein the feeler is effected by the batch of material moving through the loading and/or unloading opening and acts to generate a signal if a part of the batch of material remains in the zone of the aperture after unloading.

Abstract: A control circuit for a drier wherein a buzzer is provided for signalling termination of the normal drying cycle or operation of the drier in an anti-wrinkle cycle. When utilized to signal the end of a normal cycle, the buzzer provides a short time duration signal and when utilized to indicate the operation of the drier in the anti-wrinkle cycle, the buzzer provides a longer duration signal at periodic intervals during the cycle. Control of the buzzer is by a single cycle switch connected in cooperation with a timed switch for controlling operation of the drier drive motor, and a centrifugal switch also provided for controlling operation of the drier drive motor. The cycle switch may be a double throw switch and may have an associated pulser mechanism for effecting the desired intermittent operation of the buzzer for indicating the anti-wrinkle cycle.

Abstract: An audible vibratory biased reed assembly having the properties of being activated or commencing vibration upon being subjected to a predetermined energy level. This assembly utilizes a straight, flat, elongated, closed or clapping reed, to produce a clatter or buzzing sound, with the reed being biased through application of a bias force to one edge to distort its flatness adjacent its free extremity. The bias force is applied by an angular transverse bridge which substantially triples the frequency of the mechanical clatter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which the degree of concentration of ionizable foreign matter conveyed by an entraining air flow is detected and signalled and in which at least a portion of an air flow and matter conveyed thereby is passed through an ionization detector spark gap while a continuous arcing electrical discharge is maintained across the gap. The electrical conductivity of the discharge is monitored, so that fluctuations in the concentration of conveyed matter are indicated by fluctuations in the monitored discharge conductivity.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed which permit an air-stream interface to be maintained in a continuous vulcanization cable production process in order to enable accurate optical measurements of the cable to be taken at all times. Specifically, a baffle assembly is provided in conjunction with a high pressure, high temperature steam supply and a high pressure air supply to maintain a clear air region in a steam vulcanization chamber. The baffle assembly together with interconnected air and steam supply lines and an exhaust line provides a flow pattern which permits an optical window within the clear air region to be maintained in a clear and unobstructed state so that optical measurements can be continuously conducted while the vulcanization process is in operation.

Abstract: A signal device signals cycle changes in a dryer by sounding a bell assembly upon acceleration and/or deceleration of the motor shaft. When the rotational speed of the flywheel is synchronized with the rotational speed of the motor shaft there is no striking contact between the bell assembly and the clapper of the flywheel assembly. A one-way spring clutch is employed to limit signaling to either acceleration or deceleration of the motor shaft. The device also may be constructed in a reverse manner, with the bell acting as a flywheel journaled on the shaft and the clapper assembly rotatable with the motor shaft.

Abstract: Volatile, organic solvent is removed from textile articles that are provided with thermosensitive fibers capable of visually indicating predetermined maximum temperatures. Textile articles, such as tufted carpet, are heated under conditions effective to evaporate the volatile organic solvent under prevailing pressure conditions, as indicated by the thermosensitive fibers which are woven or tufted directly into and form a part of the textile articles, to remove the solvent from the textile articles.