US2710030A

US2710030A - Shuttle box control mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2710030A
Application number: US325313A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert S Work
Original assignee: LANSDOWNE STEEL AND IRON COMPA
Current assignee: LANSDOWNE STEEL AND IRON Co; LANSDOWNE STEEL AND IRON COMPA
Priority date: 1952-12-11
Filing date: 1952-12-11
Publication date: 1955-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 1972-06-07

Description

June 7, 1955 R. 5. WORK SHUTTLE BOX CONTROL MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 11, 1952 MHW $3 June 7, 1955 R. 8. WORK 2,710,030

SHUTTLE BOX CONTROL MECHANISM Filed Dec. 11, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 g Y l? United States Patent O SHUTTLE BOX CONTROL MECHANISM Robert S. Work, Kennett Square, Pa., assignor to Lansdowne Steel and Iron Company, Morton, Pa., fa corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 11, 1952, Serial No. 325,313

15 Claims. (c1. lea- 187 The present invention relates to shuttle boxes for looms and has particular --applic-ation to carpetloorns wherein the shuttle is snubbed in the shuttle box by a swell. I

In looms having conventional shuttle boxes of this character, thespeed of operation must be 'relativelyslow because the retarding action of the swell on the shuttle as the latter is being picked reduces the forceava'ilable for traversing the shuttle and, consequently, the traverse of the shuttle through the shed is proportionately slowed. In addition, at high speeds,'the shuttle is highly susceptible to deflection from'its normal path, for example, by the interference by'broken or slack ends in the path of the shuttle. The displacement from the normal path causes the shuttle 'to enter the box atan angle and not infrequently deflects the swell beyond its normal operating range. Looms'ordin'arily are provided with a limit switch operable by the swell to indicatethepresence of the shuttle in the shuttle box. 'When'the shuttle deflects the swell beyond its normal operating 'ra'ngeQit frequently occurs that the limit switch 'isdamaged and 'must be replaced or r'epaired'before the-lobrn' can' proceed in operation.

With the foregoing in'mind,' a primary'object er 'the present invention is to provide animproved shuttle box construction which makes possible relatively high lspeed of operation of the shuttle and consequently of 'the'doom.

More specifically, the invention'contempl'ates'a' novel swell release mechanism which is'operable to eliminate the retarding action of the swell as the-shuttle is-being picked.

A further important'object is to provide a novel switch mechanism which will remain operative =an'dundamaged when the swell is displaced beyond itsnormal operating range.

These and other objects of'the invention and the various features and details of the construction and opera tion thereof are more fully set forth hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevational view of-an improved shuttle box made in accordance with the present invention as applied to the left hand side of a 'loom;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the shuttle box illustrated in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the improved-shuttle box; I

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional new taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2; 7 w I Fig. 5 is an enlarged fra'gmentaiysec'tioiial view" taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a'fragmehtary'rar' view in "perspectiveof the outer end of the swell of the improved shuttle'ib'o'x;

Fig. 7 is a face 'view of "an improved 'switch ma'de'in' accordance with the present invention 'with"'the cover plate removed.

Fig.'8 is'a transverse sectional'view tak'en on the-line 8-8 of Fig. 7; and j Fig. 9 is a schematic-wiringdiagram inbodied inthe present invention.

2,710,030 Patented June 7, 1955 'Referring now to the drawings, the illustrated shuttle box is defined by opposed wall members 11 and 12 which are adjustably secured to the lay cap 13 to insure proper seating of the shuttle on the latter. The lay cap 13 is slotted as indicated at 14 adjacent its left-hand extremity to afford penetration of a conventional picker stick 15. The picker stick 15 extends upwardly through the slot into engagement with a picker 16 which is slidably mounted in the shuttleb'ox so as to close the end thereof. The'picker stick and the. picker operate in conventional manner to'pick 'the'shuttl'e 17 across the loom on the'lay.

Thewall member 11 is slotted as indicated at 1810 receive a swell 19 which is offset inwardly along its central portion 20 so as to project into the shuttle box. The swell is pivotally mounted as indicated at 21 on the wall member 11 adjacent the open end of the shuttle box for inward pivotal movement through the slot 18 The swell 19, the front wall '12, and the upper'surface of the lay cap 13 are preferably lined as indicated at 22 with 'a synthetic plastic material such as laminated fabric impregnated with a phenolic resin.

The swell extends longitudinally inteiiorly of the shuttle box from the pivot-21 at'the open'end thereof towards the picker in the" opposite end, and the outer endof theswellterminates exteriorly the box as indicated at'23. The outer 'end23 is resiliently positioned relative to the lay cap- 13, "by an eyebolt 24' attached to the swell as indicated at 25 and passing'through an-apertur e 'in'abra'cket 26 secured to'the bed of the lay. Positioni'ng nuts 27 are threaded onto the-eye bolt 24 at the outer extremity thereof to provide a limit StOpWhiCll predetermines the ultimate interior position of'the swell 19 in the shuttle box. The swell is resiliently-biased to this position by a spring 28 seating atone end againstthe bracket 26 and at the other end' against tensioiiing nuts 29 which [are adjustable on the'eyeb'olt 24 to predetermine-the force urging the swell 19 into its ultimate inferior position. In this position the interior face-of the swell converges rearwardly towards the opposite side wall 12 of the shuttle box.

ln 'theoperation of the loom, after the shuttle 17 is picked out of the-shuttle box,-the swell 1'9 is pivotally displaced by the spring 28 about the pivot 21 into its ultimate interior position in th'e shuttle box as determined bythe nuts 27'on the eye'bolt 24. When -the shuttle-is returned to the shuttle box froma corresponding box on the rightahand side ofthe loom, it engages-the converging central portion 20 of the swell and forces it outwardly against the'bias of the spring 28 as the shuttle comes to' rest against the picker 16, thereby snubbing the shuttle and preventingit 'frombouncing back from the picker at-- the end of the pick.

It should be noted that by. pivoting the swell adjacent the open end of the 'shuttl'e box, the shuttlaasit comes to' rest against'the' picker 16, is resiliently biased against the opposite wall 12' of the shuttle box by'the spring- 1oaded swell-19. As stated above, the wall 12 'is atljustably'secured to the lay cap and it is therebypossible to regulate the initial path by which "the'shuttle leaves the shuttle box. The snubbing'action on the shuttle may be a'ceuratelycontrolled by the'p'ositioning nuts '27 and the ten'sioning nuts 29*whi'ch determine respectively' 'the normal position of theswellandthe force required to displace the'latter as the" shuttle enters the shuttle box.

In accordance with the present invention, means is provided to'release the spring bias on "theswellimmediately prior to each pick so that the shuttle is relatively unimpeded at the start of the pick. To this end, a swell release-'shaft 32 is journalled on the lay cap 13 as indic'a'ted-at -31,31-in spa'ced'p'arallel relation 'withthe shuttle box-wall 1 1. .An-upwardly'projecting' finger 33' is secured to -'th'e"left hand extreirii'ty ofthe 'shaft'iz and-operates'to engage a downwardly depending lug 34 on the swell 19.

The finger 33 normally is 'loosely engaged against the lug 34, and upon counterclockwise rotation of the shaft as seen in Fig. 4, the finger forcibly engages the lug to urge the swell 19 outwardly against the bias of the spring 28.

To effect counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 32 at the start of each pick, a collar 35 is fixed to the shaft 32, for example, by welding, and is provided with an axially extending arm 36. A second collar 37 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 32 and is formed with a rearwardly projecting boss 38 which is operable to engage the arm 36. A torsion spring 43 between the collar 37 and the adjacent journal 31 on the lay cap 13 reduces to a minimum the lost motion between the collar 37 and the arm 36, the spring normally biasing the boss against the arm 36. The collar 37 also is provided with an integral leg 39 depending downwardly from the collar and terminating at its lower extremity in a foot 40.

With reference to Fig. 3, it will be seen that as the lay is rocked back immediately before each pick, the foot 40 engages against a fixed stop 41 on the frame 42 of the loom. The stop 41 acts through the leg 39 to effect counterclockwise rotation of the collar 37 about the shaft 32. The rotation of the collar forcibly engages the boss 38 against the arm 36 and causes similar counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 32 in its journals 31, 31. The rotation of the shaft operates through the finger 33 and the lug 34 to displace the swell outwardly against the bias of the spring 28, as described above. Thus, it is seen that as the shuttle is being picked, the swell is withdrawn from engagement therewith and does not impede the traverse of the shuttle across the loom. The above-described mechanism is simple in operation and obviates the necessity for daggers or other devices operated from the cam shaft of the loom, and therefore eliminates the previously required adjustment to coordinate the release mechanism with the picking mechanism.

In addition to the automatic release of the swell, means is provided to release the swell manually, for example, when it is desired to change the shuttle on the loom. To this end, a swell release hand lever 44 is fixed to the right-hand end of the swell release shaft 32. Through the medium of the lever 44, it is possible to manually rock the shaft 32 counterclockwise so as to displace the swell outwardly against the bias of the spring 28.

The invention also contemplates means for stopping the operation of the loom if the shuttle fails to seat properly in the box. Since the swell 19 is pivoted adjacent the open end of the shuttle box, its position relative to the opposite wall 12 of the box is determined by the extent of penetration of the shuttle into the box. For example, if the shuttle 17 stops short of the picker 16 or bounces away from it, the outward displacement of the swell 19 will not be as great as when the shuttle is seated properly against the picker. The present invention, therefore, provides an improved switch 46 responsive to a predetermined displacement of the swell 19 for maintaining the loom in operation. scribed more fully hereinafter to stop the loom if the shuttle fails to displace the swell the required distance, as when the shuttle is not properly seated against the picker. A similar switch 47 (see Fig. 9) is provided at the right-hand side of the loom for actuation by a corresponding swell when the shuttle is in the right-hand position. A third switch 48 is actuated by the cam shaft 49 of the loom, as described more fully hereinafter during traverse of the shuttle from one side of the loom to the other.

To actuate the switch 46 by the swell 19, the latter member is provided at its outer end with an outwardly projecting pin 51. The pin is operatively connected to the switch 46 by a crank 52 which is slotted as indicated at 53 to receive the pin 51. The crank 53 is fixedly secured to the tapered portion of an operating shaft 54 of the switch 46 as indicated at 55. The shaft 54 is mounted The Swltch 1S operable as de therefore, the slightest pivotal displacement of the swell for rotation in the switch box 56 and is formed at its interior end with a cam surface 57, as will be described more fully hereinafter. Interiorly of the box 56, a switch plate 61 is provided which is connected to one terminal 62 of the box by means of a flexible lead 63. A switch point or contact 64 is formed integrally with the switch plate 61 and is electrically connected to the terminal 62 through the switch plate 61 and the lead 63.

A second switch point or contact 66 is operable to engage 'the contact 64 in response to actuation of the shaft 54. To this end, the contact 66 is formed integrally with a breaker arm 67 having a downwardly depending finger 68 which rides on the cam surface 57. The finger 68 is resiliently held against the cam surface 57 by means of a leaf spring 69. The spring 69 serves not only as a bias for the finger 68 but also constitutes an electrical connection between the contact 66 and an interior terminal 71 mechanically fixed to, and electrically insulated from the switch plate 61. The terminal 71 is connected to a second outside terminal 72 of the switch box 56 by a flexible lead 73.

In the operation of the switch, when the shaft 54 is in the illustrated position, the finger 68 registers with the low portion of the cam surface 57 and the breaker arm 67 under the bias of the spring 69 is in its lower limit position so that the switch points 66 and 64 engage and make electrical connection between the

terminals

62 and 72. 'When the shaft is rotated clockwise, as when the relative to the shaft 54 through the medium of the securing means 55.

It will be seen, therefore, that when the shuttle is properly seated against the picker in the shuttle box as illustrated in Fig. 3, the swell 19 is displaced outwardly a predetermined distance. The outward displacement of the swell through the medium of the pin 51 effects rotationof the crank 52 and the shaft 54, which in turn causes the switch mechanism to make contact between the switch points 64 and 66 respectively. Should the shuttle 17 fail to seat properly against the picker 16, the swell'will not be displaced outwardly the required distance. The pin, therefore, willnot rotate the crank sufficiently to bring the lower portion of the cam under the finger 68 of the breaker arm 67, and consequently, the

'- switch mechanism will not make contact between the switch points 64 and 66.

The present construction lends itself to extremely accurate control of the loom by the shuttle, since the pin 51 is at the extreme outermost end of the swell 19 and,

will effect a noticeable displacement of the pin 51. If the shuttle strikes the swell so as to knock it out of its normal operating range, the crank will be rotated counterclockwise beyond the full line position of Fig. 4. but

' the switch mechanism will not be damaged.

As stated above, a similar switch 47 is applied to the opposite end of the 100111 so that when the shuttle is properly seated in the opposite end, the switch 47 makes contact. In accordance with the invention, it is necessary to maintain continuous contact in the circuit de is secured to the cam shaft,49 and operates against a cam follower 79 which is connected to a crank 80 in the switch 48 fcorresponding to the :crank-SZinthe switch 46. The cam'is formed to close the switch 48 during tthe period 'ofa normal pick, so that iifithe loom is operating properly ati-least one of the switches 46,'4.7,and-48 will operate to make contact in the circuit. Should the'lo'om operate improperly, however, so that the shuttle does not follow its-normal course, the switch 48 will'op'en -to stop operationof the loom after thenormal picking time has elapsed and if the shuttle is notproperly seatedxagainst one of the pickers. 1

Thee'lectrical circuit for effecting this result is schematicallyillustrated in Fig-:9. The loomis provided with the usual start and stop buttons -82 and 83 respectively. The 'start button82 is operable to place amot'or control relay 84 across the'rnain line which is 'indicated' :by the reference numerals 85 1and' 86 respectively, the circuit passing from the line 86" through the conductor 87 to therelay coil 84, and then through'the closed start button 8210'- the opposite side of the line 85. Energization of the relay coil 84 closesthe'contacts .91 and 92 respectively "of the relay. The 'conta'cts9'1 close a circuit tothe loom motor 93, said circuit leading from -one' -side86 of the line, throu'gh the c'onductor'i8f7, the motorx93, and the contacts 91 to the other side 85 of the line by :means=of acon'du'ctor 94, The-other contacts'92 of the relay energize a transformer 95. Thelatter circuit vruns from the line 86 through 'the primary' coil 'of 'thextransfo'rmer'95', and the contactsr92 anda91, to theother side '85 of the line through the conductor 94.

.Ene'rgization of -thetransformer 95: energizes a second relay 96 when any one of =the three: switches 16., 47, and 48-"is closed. The three switches are connected tintparallelso that the closure of any one switch completes a circuit to the relay coili96 from one sideiof :the secondary coil or the transformer -through a conductor 97 through one of the switches '46, -47, 'or 48,!in3the15resent instance the switch 46, through-therelaycoil 96 to the opposite side-of the secondary coil. The transformer "95 is a step-down transformer, so that voltage across the switches '46, '47, and 48, when the latter are 'open'is .relativelylow, -and there"is little danger of an are being 'g'en'erated and starting a fire .in the loom.

Energiza'ti'on of the relay-coil 96 closes the contacts 98-tocornp'lete a holding circuit through the relay coil- 84. This circuit runsfr'om one -'side" 86 o'fthelline through the conductor 87, the relay coil' 84, 'the' normally closed stop button 83, a conductor '99, 'the'irelay' contacts 98, the'contacts-92 and '91, andtheconductor :94't'o the opposite side 85 of the'line. Thus, it' is seen "that the zstart button needs to be depressed only' until the"loo'm motor 93 starts operationat which point the bu'tton'SZ may be released and the relay 96 will maintain-"the loom' in operat'ion'through its "contacts 98.

'If, during the operation, all of-the switches 46, -47,=and 48 are open simultaneously, the relay :96will be' 'de-ener-' gized -to stop operation of the 100m. The- 'operatormay then adjust the position of the shuttle t'o rnake surethat it is properly seated in one of the shuttleb'oxes. When the's'huttle is properly seated against-a-ipieker, for example, the picker 16, thes'witch "46 will be closed 'and the 's't'art button82 may again be depressed. The loo'm will continue operation when' the button sl is released, because '-'of the holding "circuit through the relay contacts 98 and the normally'clo'se'd -stop'button 83. 'Wheni-t' is desired to stop the 'loo'm, the stop button "83 :is depressed to'op'en thislatter circuit, thereby-de energizing" the-relay 84 and causing the loom to'stop'-op'eration.

While a particular embodiment of I the invention has been herein illustrated and described, it'is not intended to 'limit'the invention to such-'di's'c losurepand changes and modifications rn'aybe made I therein and thereto thesc'ope of the following" claims.

{'1 claim:

' '1. Ina loom comprising a frameand adaybed o'ckalily" mounted thereon for tnovernent betwe'en reward and'frearward :lirnit po's'itions,-*a 5511111116 box open at its inner end to receive andadischarge aishuttle,rpiking means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle boxwhen said lay bed is in said rearward limit 'position, a swell pivoted adj'acen'tthe :open end 'of said shuttlebox having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient means nor'mallybiasing. said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of theotfset port'ionwith the shuttle, means to render .said resilient biasing means substantially ineifective comprising a member actuatable to engageand displace-said swell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said'resilient means, =rneans operableupon movement of the lay bed to said rearwardlimit position to actuate said member todisplace the swell -and thereby relieve s'rlubbin'g engagement 'of-said swell-with the-shuttle immediatelysprior to each operation ofthe picking means, and switch means t0= control oper'ati'on of said picking means actuatableby said swell uponpredetermined outWa-rd' displacement"thereof to-=cl'ose said switch and effect operationof therpickinglmeans.

I 2. Ina loom-comprising 'a frame; a' lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between-forward rand rearward :limit. positions,' a shuttle box' .open at its inner end to "receive and'discha'rge' a shuttle,-'-'means to pickthe shuttle from the- 'shuttle box when :saidi'ay bed is in -.its rearward limit position, drive'means for said'lay bed and said picking means including'anelectric 'circuit therefor, a-swell pivoted adjacent theopen end'of said shuttle box having itscentralportion'bfiset inwardly to project 'into said shuttle boX-anditso'uter end terminating eX-teriorly ot -said shuttle :b'ox; iesilient 'rneans normally biasingsaid swell inwardly of said shuttle box-for rsnubbingen'gagement of the ofiset portion with the shuttle, said "swell being-displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said-shuttle boxymeans to render-said resilient biasing means s'ulavstantially ineffective comprising a-member' operable to engage-and displace said :swell "outwardly beyond :said predetermined displacement against the bias of said :resili'entmeans, and means operable upon movement of the-lay bedto said rearward limit position to actuate saidimernber and-thereby relieve snubbing enga'gem'enfiof said swell with said shuttle-immediate'lyfprior to each picking operation, switch means to control said electric circuit, "and -'co'nnectio'ns-betweenthe swell and the switch operable upon outward "dis lacement of said swell to closesaid switch and maintain thes'ame closed during displacem'ent' of' sa'icl 'swell outwardly be 'yond said predetermined displacement.

:exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box f'orsnubb'ing "engagementof the 'o'ii's'et portion with theshu't'tle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distan'ce when the shuttle "seatsproperly in saidshu'ttle box, means 'to're'nd'er said resilient biasing means substantially ine'ifective comprising a' member operable roen gage' and displace said swell outwardlybeyond 'said p'redetermined displacement against the' 'bias of said resilient means, and means pers'ble upon "movement of the lay bedto s'aid rear-wardlimit-position to actuate said member and there by relieve the snubbing engagement of saidswellwith said shuttle immediately prior" to e'ach pi'ck, switch means -to control s'aid electr'iccircuit, andcenn'eetions' between the swell and said switch operable upon 'outward displacement ofwsaidswellto alumna switch: and' mairit'ain-the same closed"during displaeement etsaidrswelt beyond saidpre- "'7 determined displacement, said switch means comprising a rotary shaft operable through said connections to be rotated upon displacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shaft, and a switch arm operable by said cam surface upon predetermined displacement of said swell to close said electric circuit.

4. In a 100m comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in its rearward limit position, drive means for said lay bed and said picking means including an electric circuit therefor, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and having its outer end terminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said shuttle box, means to render said resilient biasing means substantially ineffective comprising a member operable to engage and displace said swell outwardly beyond said predetermined displacement against the bias of said resilient means, and means operable upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position to actuate said member and thereby relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each pick, switch means to control said electric circuit, connections between the swell and said switch operable upon outward displacement of said swell to close said switch and maintain the same closed during displacement of said swell beyond said predetermined displacement, said switch means comprising a rotary shaft operable through said connections to be rotated upon displacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shaft having adjoining high and low portions, and a switch arm operable by said cam surface, said switch arm being positioned to engage said cam surface, the point of engagement of said switch arm and said cam surface coinciding with the juncture of said high and low portions upon the said predetermined displacement of said swell to close said electric circuit.

5. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in its rearward limit position, drive means for said lay bed and said picking means including an electric circuit therefor, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having its central portion ofiset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and having its outer end terminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said shuttle box, means to render said resilient biasing means substantially ineffective comprising a member operable to' engage and displace said swell outwardly beyond said predetermined displacement against the bias of said resilient means, and means operable upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position to actuate said member and thereby relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to eachpick, switch means to control said electric circuit, connections between the swell and said switch operable upon outward displacement of said swell to close said switch and maintain the same closed during displacement of said swell beyond said predetermined displacement, said switch means comprising a rotary shaft operable through said connections to be rotated upon displacement of said swell, a cylindrical cam surface on saidshaft having adjointing high and low portions,"and a switch arm engaged by said cam surface and operable by the low portion thereof to close said electric circuit, the said low portion engaging said switch arm upon said predetermined displacement of the swell and during displacement of said swell outwardly beyond said predetermined displacement.

6. In a loom comprising a frame and a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, picking means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearward limit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having a portion olfset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, means to render said resilient biasing means substantially ineffective comprising a member actuatable to engage and displace said swell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilient means, and means operable upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position to actuate said member to displace the swell and thereby relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with the shuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means.

7. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearward limit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said' swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the oifset portion of the shuttle, means to render said resilient biasing means substantially ineflective comprising a member actuatable to engage and displace said swell, outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilient means, an element pivotally connected to said member and operable to engage and actuate the latter, said element having a depending portion positioned to engage said frame upon movement of the laybed to said rearward limit position and to be actuated thereby so as to actuate said member and displace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means.

8. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearward limit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having a portion offset inwardly to project into saidshuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion of the shuttle, means to render said resilientbiasing means substantially ineffective comprising a rotary member, finger means on said member actuatable to engage and displace said swell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilient means, an element pivotally connected to said member and operable to engage the latter and effect rotation thereof, said element having a depending portion positioned to engage said frame upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position and to be actuated thereby to rotate said member to thereby displace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means.

9. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its. inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearward limit'position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open 9 end of said shuttle box-having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the'olfset-portion'ofthe shuttle; means to render said resilientbiasing meanssubstan'tia'lly ineffective comprising a shaft mounted for rotation "about an axis paralleling-the shuttle "box,'finger'means fixedons'aid shaft actuatable- I to engage and displace said swell outwardly of the shuttle -box against-thebiasof said're's'ilient means, a member rotatable on said shaft operable to engage and to effect rotation thereof, said member having a depending portion positioned to engage said frame upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position and to be actuated thereby to rotate said shaft and to displace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means.

10. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearward limit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion of the shuttle, means to render said resilient biasing means ineffective comprising a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the path of travel of the shuttle in the shuttle box, finger means fixed on said shaft actuatable to engage and displace said swell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilient means, and means operable to engage the latter and effect rotation thereof upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position to rotate said shaft and displace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box to relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means.

11. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon for movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearward limit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttle box having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion of the shuttle, means to render said resilient biasing means substantially ineffective comprising a shaft mounted for rotation about an axis paralleling the shuttle box, finger means fixed on said shaft actuatable to engage and displace said swell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilient means, a member rotatable on said shaft operable to engage and to effect rotation thereof, said member having a depending portion positioned to engage said frame upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limit position and to be actuated thereby to rotate said shaft and to displace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means, and a second member fixed to said shaft and actuatable manually to rotate the same and thereby relieve snubbing engagement of the swell with the shuttle.

12. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable to effect and maintain operation of said drive means, and a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, a swell pivoted to said shuttle box adjacent the open end of said shuttle box, having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and having its outer end terminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats-properly iB-LS81 d iShUtflB -bDX,3 switch means operable "upon said predetermined outward displacement of the swell to close said rcircuit and maintain operationof said' drive means, said switch meanscomprising a rotary shaft, connections between. said shaftaandasaid swellrop erable to rotate said shaft uponqdisjplacement 'of said swell, a cam surface on said.-.shaft,:iand- :a-Iswitch: arm actuated-by said cam surface-upon-said predetermined displacement of said swell to close said electric circuit.

13. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable to effect and maintain operation of said drive means, and a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, aj swell pivoted to said shuttle box adjacent the open end of said shuttle box, having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and having its outer endterminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means'f normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said shuffle box, switch means operable upon said predetermined outward displacement of the swell to close said switch and maintain operation of said drive means, said switch means comprising a rotary shaft, a crank adjustably secured tosaid shaft, connections between said crank and said swell operable to rotate said shaft upon displacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shaft having adjoining high and low portions, a switch arm in engagement with said cam surface, said switch arm operable to be displaced to close said electric circuit when the arm engages the low portion of said cam surface, the said low portion registering with said switch arm upon said predetermined displacement of the swell.

14. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable to effect and maintain operation of said drive means, and a shuttle box open at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, a swell pivoted to said shuttle box adjacent the open end of said shuttle box, having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and having its outer end terminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said shuttle box, switch means operable upon said predetermined outward displacement of the swell to close said circuit and maintain operation of said drive means, said switch means comprising' 'a rotary shaft, a crank secured to said shaft, connections between said crank and said swell operable to rotate saidjshaft upon displacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shaft having adjoining high and low portions, a switch arm registering with said cam surface, means to bias said switch arm into engagement with said cam surface, said biasing means operable to displace said switch arm when the latter registers with the low portion of said cam surface to thereby close said electric circuit, the said low portion registering with said switch arm upon said predetermined displacement of the swell.

15. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable to effect and maintain operation of said drive means, shuttle boxes at opposite sides of said loom, and means actuated by said drive means to traverse a shuttle from one said shuttle box to the other, each said shuttle box being open at its inner end to receive and discharge the shuttle and having a swell, the central portion of said swell being offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and the outer end of said swell terminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in the shuttle box, switch means associated with each said shuttle box to control said electric circuit, each said switch means comprising a rotary shaft, connections between said swell and said shaft operable upon displacement of said swell to rotate said shaft, a cam surface on said shaft, and a switch arm actuated by said cam surface upon said predetermined displacement of said swell to close said electric circuit, and separate switch means operable by said drive means to close said electrlecircuit during the normal traverse of said shuttle from one shuttle box to the other.

r References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Bacon Dec. 1, 1908 Cole June 28, 1910 Santon June 30, 1936 Gordon Aug. 17, 1937 Mason June 17, 1952 Dufourd Jan. 13, 1953