GB606093A - Improvements relating to the production of slivers of staple fibres from tows of continuous filaments - Google Patents

Abstract

606,093. Stapling and preparing slivers from continuous filaments. MACKIE & SONS, Ltd., J., and MACKIE, J. P. April 24, 1946, No. 12406. [Classes 120(i) and 120(iii)] [Also in Group XXIV] Tows of continuous filaments of artificial silk are cut and the severed fibres delivered in successive bunches end on to a carding machine, which forms them into - slivers. In one form of apparatus for carrying out the invention, Fig. 1, continuous tows 28 are fed 'through rollers 25, 26 to a carding machine feed apron 12 comprised of slats spaced apart. Cutters 41, prefer- .ably rotary discs, are mounted above the apron 12 and are arranged to descend between the slats at suitable intervals, such as would give six inch lengths of fibre, in order to cut the tows, two tows being, preferably, cut by each cutter. The cutters 41 pass through a slot in a presser plate 42, which is arranged to descend with the cutters 41 on to the tows 28 to hold them during severing. The presser plate 42 is carried by arms 43 which slide through slots in brackets 44, 45 projecting from a beam 33 and presses on the tows under its own weight. In a modification, the presser plate may be spring-urged downwards. The beam 33 supports the cutters 41 and their driving motor 35 and is slidable in slotted guides 34, which may be moved to and fro along the carding machine frame 11 by heart-shaped cams 50. Eccentrics 60, at each end of a shaft 62, effect raising and lowering of the beam 33 through straps 59 and rods 57 (one only of each being shown). To obtain lowering of the cutters 41 during the forward movement of the beam 33 only, so that the beam may be returned to starting position with the cutters 41 raised, a clutch is provided to transmit motion to the shaft 62 at intervals, (see Group XXIV). In a modification, the clutch may be dispensed with and a crank motion used. Another form of apparatus has a separate feed apron upon which the tows are cut and the bunches of cut fibres are passed on to the ordinary feed apron of a carding engine. In another form, the tows are cut at the nip of a pair of rollers, one of which is equipped with cutting blades and the bundles of fibres are overlapped on a carding engine feed apron. In another modification, Fig. 10, tows 28 are delivered between rollers 122. 123 to the surface of a pinned drum 124 which is slotted at intervals corresponding with the length of staple fibre desired. Cutter discs 41b enter the slots to sever the tows.