Abstract:
Apparatus is provided for detecting the oscillation of a moving strand of yarn at a particular frequency as it is being wound about a bobbin. The strand when oscillating, impinges more than once upon photoelectric detector cells moved past a detection station to thereby give electric output pulses as an indication of proper yarn feed. Indicator signals may be provided by counting the cell output pulses or by measuring the time between successive pulses. Multiple cells may be presented in sequence with two signal processing channels being used to provide higher reliability or detection speeds and to eliminate spurious signals produced by either a-c or d-c noise superimposed upon the photocells.
Abstract:
A spinning frame having a plurality of spindles with bobbins thereon being wound simultaneously with yarn has a travelling service tender that monitors each spindle work station over a trip through all spindle positions to determine and correct malfunctions performed by an automatic service cycle performed at each spindle location work station requiring attention. Thus, full bobbins are detected and doffed, roll wraps are detected and stations disabled, flag down spindles are bypassed, and improper yarn feed is sensed and corrected by the service tender for each station encountered on a trip requiring such service. Stored data is retained to indicate the position and type of malfunctions and various indications of the machine performance and efficiency. Counters store data individually for each spindle and accumulate data for all spindles traversed. Provision is made to control the machine operation from either the detected or stored data by modifying the service cycles, the service trips, or shutting down operations if the danger of machine damage occurs. Alarms or other controls are operated from the stored data if the machine efficiency indicates the need for service outside the automatic tender operation, and the data is retained for indication of machine performance, efficiency and for trouble shooting analysis.
Abstract:
Apparatus for sensing the presence of an object, such as a machine operator, in the path of 1 travelling tender is disclosed. The tender is movable by drive means relative to a strand processing machine and incorporates a source of electrical energy and means in circuit with the electrical energy source to provide a modulated output signal. Radiant energy emitting means are provided for receiving the signal and providing a radiation output proportional to the signal. Radiation sensitive means for receiving the output from the emitting source and transmitting a control signal in response thereto is also included. The control signal is measured by a comparator and gating means are connected with the comparator, the gating means being in a normally nonconductive state. The gating means is switched to a conductive state to program the tender drive means to a zero speed state to program the tender drive means to a zero speed state when the amplitude of the control signal drops below a predetermined value such as, for example, when the operator interrupts the output signal from the output signal producing means. In consequence thereof the travelling tender is halted without injury to the operator.
Abstract:
Two photocell detectors are spaced along a path of a moving strand with a gap of known fixed distance therebetween. The photocells view a length of the strand on each side of a knot or defect in the strand when the knot is presented in the gap. An inspection cycle is started by entry into the detectors of a knot or defect and a defective knot or defect is determined by comparing the dynamic signal status of a photocell spaced some distance behind the knot with the signal taken from a photocell ahead of the defect and stored. The existence of a signal at this position or of an exceptionally large signal indicated by comparison at the time of initiation of the cycle indicates the presence of a defective knot.