Textiles: spinning – twisting – and twining – Apparatus and processes – Splicing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-29
2001-03-13
Calvert, John J. (Department: 3741)
Textiles: spinning, twisting, and twining
Apparatus and processes
Splicing
C015S300100, C015S319000, C015S340100, C015S340200, C028S206000, C028S173000, C057S022000, C057S263000, C057S264000, C057S303000, C242S131000, C281S034000, C281S013000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199359
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to splicing yarn in a textile operation and, more particularly, to a positioning unit for a mechanical yarn splicer mountable to a creel in a yarn winding operation.
In a typical yarn winding operation, numerous yarn packages are mounted on a rack, a so-called creel. The yarn packages are mounted on the creel in cooperating pairs, with the trailing end of one package being connected to the leading end of the second package for continuous winding of the package pair. The yarn from the packages is collectively guided by the creel to a winding drum, a so-called warp beam.
Conventionally, in order to connect the trailing end of yarn from the first package with the leading end of yarn from the second package on the creel, a creel attendant manually ties the ends together. A similar operation is performed in the event that the yarn should break during winding. This operation is not only time consuming, but also effects a defect in the end product. In another method, the creel attendant uses an adhesive to adhesively splice the yarns together, which is also time consuming and somewhat unreliable.
Air splicers are also known for this purpose but are not widely used because of their bulky nature, high cost and tedious and time-consuming method of operation. In an air splicer, the ends of the yarns to be spliced are arranged within the bore or passageway of the splicer beside each other and facing in opposite directions. The bore is typically open-sided, that is with a slot extending along its length that may have a lid for closing the slot. In operation, pressurized air or the like is directed transversely into the bore to effect entanglement of the fibers or filaments of the ends of the yarn with each other.
An example of an air splicer used for yarn packages in a textile creel is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,833,872.
There is a need, however, to provide a positioning unit for a yarn splicer that facilitates operator handling and positioning of the splicer. When easily maneuvered and operated, the splicing operation with an air splicer can be performed rapidly and efficiently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a positioning unit for a yarn splicer mountable to a textile creel in a yarn winding operation that provides an efficient and effective splice for the yarn and is easy for a creel attendant to position relative to the creel and operate.
This and other objects of the invention are achieved by providing a positioning unit according to the present invention. The positioning unit for a yarn splicer mountable to a creel in a yarn winding operation includes a rolling unit attachable to the creel, main support members secured to the rolling unit, and a slide unit supporting the yarn splicer. The slide unit is slidably mounted to the main support member. With the creel extending along a longitudinal direction, the rolling unit includes a rail attachable to the creel and extending in the longitudinal direction and a roller assembly supported by the rail. The main support unit may include an air cylinder, which drives the slide unit actuator vertically therealong relative to the creel. Alternatively, the main support unit is a hollow beam, and the slide unit includes rollers rotatably supported by axles mounted between side plates surrounding the main support. These rollers engage the main support. In order to facilitate positioning of the yarn splicer, the positioning unit includes a pivot extension attached to the slide unit, wherein the yarn splicer is supported by the slide unit via the pivot extension.
To simplify the use and operation of the splicer, the positioning unit may also be provided with a counterweight assembly coupled with the slide unit via a line and pulley. This counterweight assembly is contained in a counterweight conduit, and the main support member includes the counterweight conduit and a beam member slidably supporting the slide unit. The slide unit is preferably provided with a safety catch urged open by the line and closed by a spring. Upon failure of the line, the safety catch is closed into engagement with one of a plurality of apertures in the main support unit.
The yarn splicer is coupled with a pressurized air source via a pressurized air line to drive the splicer. A chain retractor is also secured to the main support, which serves as a guide for an air tube that delivers pressurized air to the yarn splicer.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a positioning unit for a yarn splicer mounted to a creel in a yarn winding operation. The positioning unit includes a main rolling member attachable to the creel for displacement along a longitudinal length of the creel, and a slide unit supporting the yarn splicer. The slide unit is slidably mounted to the main rolling member and is displaceable vertically along the main rolling member relative to the creel. In this arrangement, the main rolling member includes an upper rail attachable to a top portion of the creel and a lower rail attachable to a bottom portion of the creel. The main rolling member preferably further includes a main support member supporting the slide unit and a roller assembly attached to the main support member. The roller assembly engages the upper rail and the lower rail.
The main rolling member preferably includes an air cylinder that drives the slide unit vertically therealong relative to the creel. In this arrangement, the slide unit is operable with the air cylinder using cooperative structure. The slide unit may alternatively be constructed of rollers rotatably supported by axles mounted between side plates surrounding the main support. A counterweight assembly is coupled with the slide unit via a line and pulley. This counterweight assembly is contained in a counterweight conduit, and the main rolling member includes the counterweight conduit and a beam member slidably supporting the slide unit.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3575359 (1971-04-01), Furst
patent: 3753274 (1973-08-01), Koslowski
patent: 4208865 (1980-06-01), Koella
patent: 4598539 (1986-07-01), Stahlecker et al.
patent: 4833872 (1989-05-01), Czelusniak, Jr. et al.
patent: 5207547 (1993-05-01), Kawamura
patent: 5613643 (1997-03-01), Weiner
patent: 5683056 (1997-11-01), Gravitt
Hart Rubin
Willis Maurice
Calvert John J.
Cone Mills Corporation
Hurley Shaun R
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
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