US4173115A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Yarn forming apparatus with node welding
Assignee: WWG IND Inc
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Filing: 1978-02-06
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Granted: 1979-11-06
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Expires: 1998-02-06
Abstract
Abstract False-twisted yarn strands are separately carried around a guide wheel and the nodes thereof are brought together and locked by applying heat to the nodes and pressing them together, after which the strands are self-twisted. Embodiments include a cam actuated clamping device which holds the yarns in an ultrasonic transducer to which energy is supplied to accomplish the welding. Devices using resistance heating and laser impulses are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Phillip W. Chambley
- 👤 Alan H. Norris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:11
CPC Classifications
D; D02; D02G; D02G3/00; D02G3/22; D02G3/26; D02G3/28; D02G3/286; H; H01; H01B; H01B13/00; H01B13/02; H01B13/0292
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
146 words
An improved apparatus for joining synthetic yarn strands in a machine of the type having means for forming at least two singles yarn strands, means for twisting each of said strands individually to form false-twisted strands, each having longitudinally spaced nodes at which the direction of twist reverses, rotatable guide means having a central axis for guiding and carrying said strands into spaced substantially parallel paths with the nodes of said strands substantially aligned with each other, means at a predetermined location on said guide means for bringing the nodes of said strands into contact with each other, and means for joining said strands to each other at the nodes, the improvement wherein said means for joining comprises heating means for elevating the temperature of said yarn strand nodes to a temperature substantially at the softening point thereof whereby said nodes are welded to each other.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
146 words
An improved apparatus for joining synthetic yarn strands in a machine of the type having means for forming at least two singles yarn strands, means for twisting each of said strands individually to form false-twisted strands, each having longitudinally spaced nodes at which the direction of twist reverses, rotatable guide means having a central axis for guiding and carrying said strands into spaced substantially parallel paths with the nodes of said strands substantially aligned with each other, means at a predetermined location on said guide means for bringing the nodes of said strands into contact with each other, and means for joining said strands to each other at the nodes, the improvement wherein said means for joining comprises heating means for elevating the temperature of said yarn strand nodes to a temperature substantially at the softening point thereof whereby said nodes are welded to each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
101 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means on said rotatable guide means for bringing said strands into contact with each other includes guide surface means for pressing said strands together axially relative to the axis of rotation of said rotatable guide means and clamp means for pressing said strands together in a radial direction relative to said rotatable guide means, and wherein said heating means includes a transducer mounted in said rotatable guide means at said predetermined location for vibrating said strands against each other to generate frictional heat, and a source of oscillatory energy connected to said transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said transducer comprises a body of piezoelectric material having a groove therein shaped to receive said strands, and said source comprises circuit means for producing electrical signals at a predetermined frequency at which said body vibrates, and electrical conductors connecting said circuit means to said body.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
107 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said clamp means includes a cover clamp, means for hingedly connecting said clamp to a peripheral portion of said rotatable guide means adjacent said predetermined location to permit said clamp to be moved between a clamping position in which said clamp lies across said paths and said body, and an open position in which said clamp is spaced from said body; and spring means for urging said clamp toward said open position; and wherein said apparatus further comprises cam means mounted adjacent said rotatable guide means for periodically contacting said cover clamp and moving said clamp to said clamping position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said transducer comprises a magnetostrictive body, and a winding coupled to said body, said winding being connected to said source.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said heating means comprises a heating element including a plate of electrically conductive material mounted in said guide means at said predetermined location with a surface thereof exposed to said nodes, and a source of electrical current connected to said heating element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
75 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said heating means includes a heating element including a plate of electrically conductive material mounted in said guide means and a plurality of needlelike projections protruding radially from said plate to contact and penetrate said nodes, a body of electrically nonconductive material overlying said plate, said body having a plurality of holes therein through which said projections extend; and a source of electrical energy connected to said plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
96 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said heating means comprises a laser; control circuit means for causing said laser to emit a pulse of energy; support means for supporting said laser with the output thereof directed toward a target area on the guide path of said rotatable guide means; switch means adjacent said guide means for energizing said control circuit means; and means on said guide means for operating said switch means to cause said laser to emit said pulse when said guide means is rotated to present said predetermined location at said target area.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-11-05 | 1983-05-07 | 1983-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-11-05 | 1987-05-07 | 1987-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-11-05 | 1991-05-07 | 1991-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |