GB1266730A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,266,730. Inspecting fabrics. COURTAULDS Ltd. 9 Sept., 1970 [10 Sept., 1969], No. 44743/69. Heading D1S. Apparatus for marking faults during the inspection of a moving fabric 1 (or 21) comprises a movable marking device 4 (or 20), means for moving the marking device at substantially the same velocity as and in the same direction as the fabric, and operating means to cause the marking device to mark the fabric while so moving. In one embodiment, Fig. 1, the fabric 1 passes over an inspection table 2 having along one edge a guide rail 3 for a marking device 4 normally located (as shown) near the front of the table 2. An endless belt 5, chain, rope or cord is carried beneath the rail 3 by two pulleys 6 one of which is driven by a selsyn motor 8 through a belt and pulley drive 9, 10. The motor 8 is controlled by the fabric advancing roller driving system so that the speed of the belt 5 is substantially the same as that of the fabric 1. In operation, the rate at which the fabric moved is controlled by a foot pedal (not shown). On observing a fault, the operative presses a second foot pedal or a push button to energize an electromagnetic clamp 15 to connect the device to the upper run of the belt 5. Marking is carried out either by the operative actuating the device 4 or by arranging for marking to occur automatically a short time after the clamp 15 has been energized. After marking, the clamp 15 is deenergized either automatically a short time after completion of marking or when the device 4 trips a microswitch 18. A second electromagnetic clamp 16 is energized immediately to connect the device 4 to the lower run of the belt 5 to return it to its starting point at which a microswitch 17 is tripped to release the clamp 16. In another embodiment, Fig. 2, an endless belt 22 is mounted adjacent one selvedge of the fabric 21 and is driven at the same speed as the fabric 21. The outer surface of the belt 22 is provided with an absorbent pad 26 which is charged with ink from a reservoir 27 by a roller 28. A stationary platen 29 supports the fabric during operation of the marking device. In operation, upon detection of a fault in the fabric, a solenoid-operated presser 24 having a belt-engaging roller 25 is actuated to deflect the belt 22 so that it marks the fabric. If the apparatus is spaced lengthwise of the fabric from the inspection station, a time delay actuates the presser so that marking takes place at the correct point on the selvedge. In either of the two embodiments, the fabric may be scanned by a photo-electric device or by a closed-circuit television system arranged to generate a signal to actuate means for operating the marking device.