US854673A - Weft-replenishing loom. - Google Patents

Description

No. 854,673. PATENTED MAY 21, 1907. H. SMITH & J. v. LANGLEY.

WEFT REPLENISHING LOOM.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 6, 1907.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFTQEQ HERBERT SMITH AND JOSEPH v. LANGLEY, or NEW BEDEoED, MASSACHU- SETTS, ASSIGNORS TO DRAPER COMPANY, OF HOPEDALE, MASSAOHU SETTS, A CORPORATION OF MAINE. I

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 21, 1907'.

Application filed January 5, 1907. Serial No. 350,867.

lb aZZ 1077 0711 it may concern:

Be it known that we, HERBERT SMITH and JosEPH V. LANGLEY, citizens of the United States, and residents of New Bedford, county of Bristol, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Looms, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawing, is a specification, like letters on the drawing representing like parts.

This invention relates to looms for Weaving, and it has for its principal object the production of novel means for preventing thin places in the cloth being woven.

In the Northrop type of loom, such for instance as shown in United States Patent to Northrup No. 5299-10, the running shuttle is provided automatically with a fresh supply of filling, such fresh supply being inserted in the shuttle when boxed at one side of the loom and as the lay is about to complete its forward beat. Looms of this type are frequently provided with two filling-forks or detectors, which detect on alternate picks, so that each pick is a detecting pick, the object being to detect filling absence as promptly as possible, and various means have been de vised to arrest take-up upon detection. Upon filling replenishment the new filling-end extends from the feeder or hopper to the nearer edge of the cloth on the first shot of the replenished shuttle, and so remains until severed automatically, as for instance by a temple thread cutter, the term filling end meaning the portion of filling laid on the pick following filling replenishment and extending from the feeder to the cloth, as distinguished from the running filling. It sometimes happens that the filling end is not severed at once, as several picks may intervene after replenishment before the filling end is severed. This filling end while intact is engaged by the fork at that side of the loom on each forward beat of the lay, and tilts the fork each time so that the said fork cannot act to detect ab sence of the running filling, as will be obvious. When weaving on double fork, filling replenishing looms of the type referred to, some kinds of cloth, such as fine textures or grades of fabrics, using fine yarns, show noticeable and objectionable thin places when the running filling is replenished.

Our present invention has for its object the production of novel and effective means for preventing the formation in the cloth.

In the present embodiment of our invention we provide take-up mechanism controlled by both detectors to arrest take-up upon detection of filling absence by either detector, one of the detectors controlling the operation of the replenishing mechanism, and we have provided means to retract the other detector from detecting positiontwhen the first-named detector detects filling absence, such retraction operating to prolong the period of arrested take-up initiated by the firstnamed detector. WVe prefer in most cases to provide not only for arrest of take-up but also for suitable let-back each time the replenishing mechanism is operated.

By our invention we prevent the formation of thin places on the most delicate goods and no noticeable thick place results.

Herein we have shown our invention as embodied in one practical form in a loom provided with means to effect filling replenishment prior to complete exhaustion of the run ning filling, by a so-called feeler instrumentality, and also when absence of the filling is detected by a filling-detector, such as a filling-fork.

The loom used for the purpose of illustration is equipped with two filling-detectors or forks, one only of which controls the replenishing mechanism, while both forks control take-up and let-back.

The various novel features of our invention will be fully described in the subjoined specification and particularly pointed out in the following claims.

Figure 1 is a top plan view, centrally broken out, of a portion of a double-fork, filling-replenishing, feeler loom, with one embodiment of our invention applied thereto; Fig. 2 is a front elevation thereof, centrally broken out; Fig 3 is a transverse section on the line 33, Fig. 2, showing a sufficient portion of the take-up mechanism, the let-back device, and the means for controlling the same; Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the action which takes place ordinarily upon the occurrence of a mis-thread ,"Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the difference in the action which takes place in a loom embodying our invention.

Referring to Fig. 1 the filling-replenishing of such thin places mechanism F of the Northrop type, such substantially as shown in the patent referred to, and the controlling or operating rock-shaft d for said mechanism, are of well-known construction, the rock-shaft being mounted in bearings 1 on the loom-frame 2 and having rigidly attached to it an upturned arm 3, adapted to be swung forward by outward movement of the slide f on which a main filling-detector or fork f is mounted, in usual manner. Such outward movement of the slide is effected as usual by or through the weft-hammer W when the fork detects filling absence on the pick of the shuttle to the left, away from the replenishing side of the loom. The arm 3 has its hub 4 provided with a radial notch 5, Fig. 2, into which extends a lug 6 on the end of a sleeve 7 rotatively mounted on the rock-shaft d and having a limited angular movement relative to the shaft by virtue of the width of the notch 5 compared with the thickness of the lug 6.

A depending arm 7 Figs. 2 and 3, is fixedly secured to the sleeve by means of the hub 8, the arm cooperating with a lug 9, Fig. 3, on a pawl-carrier 10 provided with a takeup pawl 11 adapted to normally engage and rotate step by step a take-up ratchet 12. When the sleeve 7 is turned in the direction of arrow 100, Fig. 3, the arm 7 acts through lug 9 to disengage the pawl 11 and ratchet 12, thereby arresting take-up, and this occurs either when the sleeve is turned on. the rockshaft (1, orsupposing the parts to be in the position shown in Fig. 2when the said shaft is turned in the direction of arrow 100, Fig. 3. In the latter case the turning of shaft and sleeve are in unison, and such turning is due to detection of filling absence by the main detector or fork f, as will be manifest, or by the operation of the feeler device, as will be explained hereinafter. When the rock-shaft d is so turned, however, the filling-replenishing mechanism is actuated, and consequently take-up is arrested when filling replenishment occurs. The let-back device or means comprises the two pawls 13 and 14, a fixed stud 15 serving as a fulcrum for the longer pawl 13 while the shorter pawl 14 is slotted at 16 to embrace and slide on said stud when the pawl 13 is raised from engagement with the ratchet 12. A lateral projection 17 on the pawl 13 extends over the pawl-carrier 10, the pawl normally acting as a detent for the ratchet 12 to prevent retrograde movement thereof. When, however, the pawl-carrier is rendered inoperative, it lifts the lug 17 and withdraws the pawl 13 from engagement with the ratchet, and the pawl 14 then slides back on stud 15, permittin the ratchet to let back the cloth as much as esired.

From the foregoing it will be ma'nifest that let-b ack is caused by and upon arrest of takeup, and take-up is arrested whenever the replenishing mechanism is actuated, and also when the sleeve 7 is turned upon the rockshaft (1 in the direction of arrow 100.

The illustrated take-up mechanism and let-back device may be of any suitable character, as for instance the general structure shown in United States Patent to Clement No. 643284, dated February 13, 1900.

The independent turning of the sleeve 7 is effected by outward movement of the slide g of the second. or auxiliary filling-detector or fork g, the outer end of the slide being hooked at g to receive the bent over upper end 18 of an upturned arm 19 having its hub 20 clamped on the sleeve. When the fork g initially detects filling absence, on the pick of the shuttle to the right, or toward the replenishing side of the loom, its slide is moved outward in usual manner by the hook, of the weft-hammer WV co-operating with the tail 9 of the auxiliary fork. Consequently detecting action of fork g arrests take-up and and causes left-back of the cloth, but it does not have any effect, immediate or remote, on the filling-replenishing mechanism, as will be manifest. When the fork f detects filling failure the rock-shaft d is turned to cause filling replenishment, and the sleeve 7 is turned in unison with the shaft, for the upper edge of the notch- 5 is in engagement with the top edge of lug 6, and take-up is rrested and let-back effected. But the turning of the shaft and sleeve are caused by detection of filling absence on the pick of the shuttle to the left, and the turning of the sleeve 7 swings the arm 19 outward, thereby pulling forward the auxiliary slide g and its fork g from full to dotted line position, Fig. 3. For a moment let it be supposed that the shuttle is now picked to the right. On that pick as the lay beats up the weft-hammer W moves forward just after the detecting instant for the fork 9, but that fork has already been moved part way forward, as explained, and as the hammer W completes the forward stroke its'hook will pick up or engage the fork-tail g and complete the outward slide movement, thereby prolonging without any interruption the period of arrested take-up initiated by or through detecting action of the fork f.

Were it not for the preliminary outward movement of the slide 9*, due to detecting action by the fork f, the fork 9 would be tilted by the filling end due to filling replenishment, and the take-up would be thrown into operation immediately upon the return of the rock-shaft d to normal position, which would be too soon. This will be more clearly understood by reference to Fig. 5, where the full lines indicate filling laid, and the dotted lines the picks, or parts of picks on which filling is absent. It is supposed that the filling fails at on the pick to the left, and the fork f detects such failure andarrests take-up,

on'the pick marked 1, and then the shuttle is picked to the right, no filling being laid, and as there is no filling nor filling-end present the fork 9 would detect properly, even had it not been retracted by or through detecting action of fork f, as explained, and the period of arrested take-up is prolonged for the pick marked 2. New filling is now provided, and the shuttle is picked to the left, laying the new filling and leaving at the right the filling-end heretofore referred to, indicated in Fig. 1 at t, opposite fork g. In the case of a mis-thread the filling breaks on the return trip, at .73, and it is not detected by fork 9 because the latter is tilted by the filling end, so the shuttle then is picked to the left,

ut on that pick, marked 3, the forkf detects and arrests take-up and retracts the fork g to prolong such arrest as described,' on the pick to the right, marked 4, whereupon fresh filling is again supplied.

In the diagram Fig. 5, seven picks have been made, with two arrests of takeup and two prolongations of each period of arrest, and in the construction shown e'ach arrest of take-up was accompanied by let-back. Of the seven picks indicated in 5 the first and fourth have filling completely laid, the second and fifth have filling part way across, and the third, sixth and seventh are entirely empty, the total arrest of take-up compensating for the imperfect picks and absolutely preventing a thin place in the cloth. Now referring to Fig. 4 the difference in the action under like circumstances but without our invention will be made manifest. The filling fails on the second pick, at 00, as before, and fork f detects failure and arrests take-up, on pick marked 1, and on the next pick, marked 2, fork g detects, and it again arrests take-up, and fresh filling is provided, being laid on the fourth pick and leaving the fillinge'nd, as before. Now a mis-thread occurs, and on the fifth pick the filling fails at x, but fork gwill not detect it as the fillingend tilts the fork, and there will be no detection until the next or sixth pick, marked 3, when fork f detects and arrests take-up. The shuttle has to return, however, for replenishment on the seventh pick, but there is no' detection and no arrest of take-up by fork 9 because it will be again tilted by the filling-end. It will be seen that while there have been three empty picks and two picks partly empty, as in Fig. 5, there have been and can be only three arrests of take-up, which is insufficient to prevent the formation of a thin place. \Vith our invention, however, the period of arrested take-up is prolonged. so that take-up is not resumed until after the fresh filling has been supplied and the shuttle picked from the replenishing side, for on that pick the weft-hammer W begins its return or rearward stroke.

When filling absence is detected first by the auxiliary fork, as on the pick to the right, arrest'of take-up and let-back result, and on the next pick, to the left, the main fork detects, and again take-up is arrested and let-back ensues, but on the third pick, (to the right) the fork 9 having been drawn forward, the arrested period, due to detection by the fork f, is lengthened or prolonged while filling is inserted in the shuttle, the weft-hammer W moving back only after the replenishment, as before stated, so that ample provision is made to prevent a thin place. \Vhen filling absence is detected first by the main forkf, it will be on a pick to the left, obviously, and the arrest of take-up and letback follows, with the auxiliary fork drawn forward, as described, and the period of arrested take-up is lengthened, and on the next pick, to the right, filling is replenished, the retarding effect on the take-up preventing the thin place following replenishment, supposing no mis-thread occurs.

Any suitable feeler mechanism may 3e used, and that illustrated is substantially that shown in United States Patent N 0. 789472, granted to Wood & Northrop May 9, 1905.

The feeler-carrier 50, the feeler mounted thereon and having a broadened head 51, and the actuator 52 to at times engage the end of and rock the controller 53 to thereby tilt the transmitter 54 on its fulcrum 55, thereby elevating the latch (i Fig. 1, into the path of the head ta on the weft-hammer V, are all substantially as in such patent and operate as therein set forth. The latch d is pivotally connected with the upturned end of an arm (Z fast on the controlling rockshaft (Z, and when the latch is moved forward upon exhaustion of the running filling to a predetermined extent the rock-shaft d is turned in the direction of arrow 100, Fig. 3, to effect filling-replenishment and also to arrest take-up and effect let-back, but as the filling is present throughout the operation no subsequent operation of the take-up follows by or through either fork.

A safety device is provided to insure the co-operation of the tail g of the auxiliary fork g and the hook of the weft-hammer W and referring to Figs. 1 and 3 such safety device is shown as a short arm 22 secured to a fixed part of the loom, as the guide or stand 9 and overhanging the slide g transversely thereof. The arm is so positioned that when the slide 9* is drawn forward upon detection of filling absence by the forkf the tail g will be moved under the arm, see dotted lines Fig. 3, and when the weft-hammer XV moves forward the usual hook thereof is bound to engage the fork-tail. Any jumping up of the fork-tail is prevented by the arm 22, as will be manifest, so that proper co-operation of the tail and the weft-hammer hook is insured.

' device, and me ans Our invention is not restricted to the precise construction and arrangement herein shown and described, as the same may be modified or varied in different particulars by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of our invention.

Having described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a loom, in combination, filling-replenishing mechanism, mechanisms to take up and let back the cloth, two filling-forks, controlling connections between one only of the forks and all of said mechanisms, to arrest take-up and cause let-back at every actuation of the replenishing mechanism, and means operative when filling absence is detected by said fork, accompanied by arrest of take-up, to prolong such period of arrested take-up by or through the other fork when an intact filling-end remains from a prior operation of the replenishing mechanism.

2. In a loom, in combination, filling-replenishing mechanism, take-up mechanism, a main filling-fork to control the replenishing -mechanism and also to arrest take-up of the cloth upon detection of filling-absence, an auxiliary filling-fork controlling only the take-up mechanism, and means to cause initial detection of filling absence by the main fork, which arrests-take-up, to also operate through the auxiliary fork to prolong such period of arrested take-up when a fillingend is present opposite the auxiliary fork.

3. In a loom, filling replenishing mechanism, two filling-detectors, take-up mechanism controlled by both detectors to arrest its operation upon detection of filling absence by either detector, one of said detectors controlling the operation of the replenishing mechanism, and. means to retract the other detector from detecting position when the first-named detector detects filling absence.

4. In a loom provided withfilling-replenishing mechanism, take-up mechanism and a let-back device, a filling-detector to effect the operation of the replenishing mechanism, arrest take-up and effect let-back of the cloth, a second filling-detector controlling only the take-up mechanism and let-back to retract the second detector from detecting position by or through detection of filling absence by the first de tector, to thereby prolong the period during which take-up is arrested and let-back is operative when a filling-end is present opposite the second detector.

5. In a loom, filling-replenishing mechanism, a filling-fork to effect the actuation thereof upon detection of filling absence, a second filling-fork, take-up mechanism and a let-back device controlled thereby, and means whereby detection of filling absence by the first fork causes the second fork to effect arrest of take-up and effect let-back when a filling-end is present due to previous filling replenishment, the action of the sec ond fork being irrespective of the condition of the running filling.

6. In a loom having filling-replenishing mechanism, a controlling filling detector therefor, and a feeler device to effect the actuation of said mechanism prior to complete exhaustion of the running filling, in combination, take-up mechanism, a let-back device, and means to arrest the operation of the takeup mechanism and cause the let-back device to operate upon either detection of filling failure by the detector or the actuation of the replenishing mechanism by the feeler device.

7. In a loom, in combination, filling-replenishin mechanism, main and auxiliary filling-forks, detection of filling absence by the former effecting the actuation of said mechanism, means to arrest take-up and cause let-back of the cloth when either fork initially detects filling prolong such arrest of take-up when the main fork imtially detects filling absence and when a filling-end is present opposite the auxiliary fork.

8. In a loom provided with filling-replenishing mechanism, a controlling rock-shaft therefor, take-up mechanism and a let-back device, two filling-forks, connections between one of them and the rock-shaft to turn the latter upon detection of filling absence, to effect filling replenishment, arrest take-up and cause let-back, and means operatively connected with the other fork to arrest takeup, and cause let-back upon detection of filling-absence by such fork, initial detection by the first-named fork acting through said rock-shaft upon the second-named fork to prolong the period during which take-up is arrested.

9. In a loom provided with filling-replenishing mechanism. a controlling rockshaft therefor, take-up mechanism and a letback device, two filling-forks, a sleeve loose on the rock-shaft and having a limited relative rotative movement thereon, a controlling connection between the sleeve and the take-up mechanism and let-back device, whereby rotative movement of the sleeve arrests take-up and causes let-back, means to turn the shaft and sleeve in unison when one fork detects filling absence, and means to turn the sleeve on and relatively to the rock-sh aft when the other fork detects filling absence, unison movement of the sleeve and shaft acting through the second fork to prolong the arrest of take-up.

ll). In a loom provided with filling-relenishin mechanism, take-up mechanism, a filling-fork, means whereby detection of filling absence by said fork effects the operation of the replenishing mechanism and arrests take-up, a second filling-fork controlling only the take-up mechanism, a vibrating absence, and means to weft-hammer toco-operate at times with such second fork, means to retract the latter from detecting position upon detection of filling absence by the first named fork, the weft-hammer thereafter co-operating With the second fork and thereby prolonging the period during which take-up is arrested, and a safety device to insure the co-operation of the second fork and its weft-hammer after such fork has been retracted from detecting position.

11. In a loom, in combination, fillingreplenishing mechanism, mechanisms to take up and let back the cloth, two filling-forks, controlling connections between one of the forks and all of said mechanisms, to arrest take-up and cause let-back at every actuation of the replenishing mechanism, means to retract the other fork from detecting position when the first-named fork detects fillingabsence, and means governed by the secondnamed fork to arrest take-up and cause letback only.

12. In a loom, filling-replenishing mechanism, a filling-detector to effect the actuation thereof upon detection of filling absence, a second filling-detector, take-up mechanism and a let-back device controlled thereby, and means to retract the second detector from detecting position by or through detection of filling absence by the first detector, to thereby prolong the period of arrested takeup.

13. In a loom provided with filling-replenishing mechanism, take-up mechanism and a let-back device, a filling-fork to effect l I the operation of the replemshmg mechanism, a second filling-fork controlling the takeup mechanism and let-back device, and

a means to retract the second fork from detectmg position by orthrough detection of filling absence by the first-named fork, whereby the second fork effects arrest of take-up and letback when a filling-end is present due to previous filling replenishment.

14. In a loom, filling-replenishing mechanism, two filling-detectors, one only of them controlling the operation of the replenishing mechanism, means to retract the other de tector from detecting position when the firstnamed detector detects filling absence, and take-up mechanism controlled by the second detector.

15. In a loom, filling-replenishing mechanism and a filling-fork having sole control of and to effect the action thereof upon detection of filling-absence, and a filling-fork at the opposite side of the loom take-up mechanism, and means controlled by initial deteotion of filling absence by the first-named one of said forks, to arrest the take-up mech anism for a period of two picks, said means acting through the second-named fork.

In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HERBERT SMITH. JOSEPH V. LANGLEY. IVitnesses:

JAMES MUNN, SAMUEL TURNER, Jr.

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