GB443277A - An improved method of conveying threads, filaments or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0443277/IV/1> A method of conveying a plurality of threads or filaments, wherein the threads or filaments are prevented from touching one another, comprises passing the threads over one or more rotating pull-rolls 18 each of which is provided with a plurality of spaced circumferential ridges 19 and contacting each thread with the circumferential surface of a separate ridge, which surface is wetted by a liquid such that the weight and/or tension of the thread is insufficient to overcome the forces, presumably surface tension, tending to maintain it riding on the circumferential surface as the roll rotates. The liquid which wets the ridges may accompany the threads from a prior operation such as a coagulating operation as in the manufacture of threads of rubber, cellulose or cellulose derivatives by extrusion of a solution or dispersion thereof into a coagulant. Alternatively the threads may reach the pull-rolls in a dry condition and a suitable liquid be applied to the surface of the roll. Each ridge is preferably relatively narrow compared with the distance between adjacent ridges. The top surfaces of the ridges may be concave, convex or flat. The sides of the channels 20 between the ridges are preferably normal to the axis of the pull-roll in order to allow a thread, if in a channel and moved to a corner position, to automatically ride up onto the adjacent ridge, but the sides may be at an angle to the axis or curved. The pull-roll may be fixed to a driving shaft by means of mounting collars 21, 22. Wipers may be maintained in contact with the rotating pull-roll to remove excess of the liquid. The pull-rolls are preferably placed relatively close to one another and to the apparatus for the various consecutive operations in order to minimize the undesirable effect of the swinging of the threads as they pass between consecutive pull-rolls or between a pull-roll and a manufacturing operation. The pull-roll may be made from a hollow cylinder or from a series of thin disc-like members with spacers therebetween.