GB540698A - Improved means of threading sewing or similar needles - Google Patents

Abstract

540,698. Needle-threaders. DEAN, W. H. July 5, 1940, Nos. 11295/40 and 2037/41. [Class 112] In a machine for threading a sequence of sewing-needles automatically, the thread is carried through the needle eye by means of a current of air. Needles are placed in small tubes h<SP>1</SP> on a rotary carrier h which is rotated step by step. When a needle arrives over a stationary tube h', it falls into a bore formed by registering grooves in a head e<SP>4</SP> and a coverplate f<SP>1</SP>. In its fall, it is caused to rotate by a rotating flexible wiper g and it is brought to rest with its eye correctly positioned in front of a tube e by the engagement of a small knife edge with the end of the flat on the needle in which the eye is formed. The thread spool d is mounted within a closed chamber a<SP>1</SP> and the thread end lies in a tube e which provides the only outlet from the chamber. Compressed air is admitted by a valve a<SP>4</SP> and acting on the resilient washer e<SP>2</SP> projects the tube e into contact with the needle eye, a sufficient length of thread being paid out by the spool d. The air current then carries the thread through the needle eye. A cam removes the cover-plate f', the threaded needle falls on to a chute j<SP>1</SP> and a further length of thread is paid out by the spool. The thread is then severed by a hot wire j and the loose thread is drawn back by a reverse movement of the spool. In a second machine several alternative spools carry different threads and any one can be brought into operative position. The needles are placed in a straight holder which is moved step-by-step across the line of the threading tube. In this machine, after the initial threading is done, the threading tube is moved rearwardly and a loop of thread between it and the needle is blown out sidewise as the thread is paid out by the spool.