US3739183A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and process for measuring fiber lengths
Assignee: Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd
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Filing: 1970-10-15
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Granted: 1973-06-12
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Expires: 1990-10-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and process are disclosed and claimed for measuring fiber lengths which involves the use of gripping means to hold the fibers together, a suction means for straightening the fibers between two substantially parallel transparent plates and counting means comprising at least one photocell mounted on a carriage with at least one fiber optic duct terminating in juxtaposition therewith.
Inventors
- 👤 R Burton
- 👤 T Baldwin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 18:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B11/00; G01B11/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for measuring fiber lengths in a longitudinally oriented fiber assembly, comprising fiber assembly advance means, fiber gripping and withdrawal means for gripping leading endportions of fibers projecting from the fiber assembly advance means and withdrawing the gripped fibers from the advance means, suction means located in the path of said withdrawal means for engaging the free ends of fibers projecting from said fiber gripping means with suction action, said suction means having a longitudinal chamber for said fibers of substantially parallel light-transparent plates, and means for counting said fibers held by the gripping means in said chamber, said counting means sensing said fibers through said transparent chamber plates.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
110 words
An apparatus for measuring fiber lengths in a longitudinally oriented fiber assembly, comprising fiber assembly advance means, fiber gripping and withdrawal means for gripping leading endportions of fibers projecting from the fiber assembly advance means and withdrawing the gripped fibers from the advance means, suction means located in the path of said withdrawal means for engaging the free ends of fibers projecting from said fiber gripping means with suction action, said suction means having a longitudinal chamber for said fibers of substantially parallel light-transparent plates, and means for counting said fibers held by the gripping means in said chamber, said counting means sensing said fibers through said transparent chamber plates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for counting said fibers is a photoelectric sensor coupled with a digital counter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the photoelectric sensor is mounted for traverse along the transparent chamber plates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 having means for automatic recycling the means for advancing, gripping, withdrawing, suction and counting said fibers.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for measuring fiber lengths in a substantially parallel assembly of staple fibers comprising forwarding said assembly of fibers a predetermined distance less than the length of said individual fibers, gripping said assembly of fibers and withdrawing fibers grasped away from said fiber assembly taking therewith the gripped fibers, passing said gripped fibers across a suction chamber having transparent sidewalls, drawing said fibers into the suction chamber to thereby straighten the fibers held within the suction chamber, photoelectrically sensing the straightened fibers through the sidewalls of said suction chamber and counting and measuring said gripped fibers in said suction chamber.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
101 words
A method for measuring fiber lengths in a substantially parallel assembly of staple fibers comprising forwarding said assembly of fibers a predetermined distance less than the length of said individual fibers, gripping said assembly of fibers and withdrawing fibers grasped away from said fiber assembly taking therewith the gripped fibers, passing said gripped fibers across a suction chamber having transparent sidewalls, drawing said fibers into the suction chamber to thereby straighten the fibers held within the suction chamber, photoelectrically sensing the straightened fibers through the sidewalls of said suction chamber and counting and measuring said gripped fibers in said suction chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 5 including the steps of releasing the gripped fibers on completion of the photoelectric sensing and repeating the cycle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-06-11 | 1976-12-11 | 1977-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-11 | 1980-12-11 | 1981-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-11 | 1984-12-11 | 1985-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |