US2914903A - Apparatus for plying yarns - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 1, 1959 N. E. KLEIN :TAL

APPARATUS Foa FLYING YARNs 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENORS ffw/ ATTORNEYS 0 00 0 0 00000 0000 000 0 00 00 .OOOGAWOMOMNWQWM Filed June l, 1955 Dec. l, 1959 N. E. KLEIN ETAx. 2,914,903

APPARATUS FOR FLYING YARNS Filed June 1. 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 .5f ff ff .f3 ./f/ 7/ 7J 57 4 7/4 if a;- f il y d4 ff f6 @d .f3 L i fa AU ff Ww f/ fz i? l j Z/ VJTgJ-A //7 Z5 Z a if .7/

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ATTORNEYS N. E. KLEIN EI'AL APPARATUS FOR PLYING YARNS Dec. l, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 1, 1955 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS M14-dav ola/Mi Dec. l, 1959 N. E. KLEIN Erm. 2,914,903

APPARATUS FOR FLYING YARNs Filed June l. 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 BY/dw-w, )UM v ma ATTORNEYS United States Patent O APPARATUS FR PLYING YARNS Norman E. Klein and Edward J. Wright, Pendleton, S.C., assgnors to Deering Milliken Research Corporation, Pendleton, S.C., a corporation of Delaware Application June 1, 1955, Serial No. 512,552

29 Claims. (Cl. 57-58.3)

This invention relates to improved mechanisms and methods for plying or entwining together a number of strands to form one combined strand and more particularly to mechanisms for plying or entwining together a number of strands without appreciably changing the twist of the individual strands.

The invention is applicable `to any flexible funicular structure, virtually without regard to composition or construction, and is particularly applicable to strands of cotton, rayon, nylon or other textile materials. All such strands or structures are referred to in this specification and claims simply as yarns or strands, employed interchangeably, and it is intended that these terms include all filaments or assemblages of filaments or bers, either natural or artificial. The term plying is .used herein in the broad sense of combining any two or more yarns'into helical or entwined relationship rather than in the strict sense of twisting only single yarns together and in the broa-dlsense may include the twisting together of strands i of previously twisted single yarns. While the invention is particularly suitable for plying two yarns, it can be adapted for assembling three or more yarns, the limit being iixed only by practical considerations.

ln the preparation of yarns for use in the manufacture" of automobile tires, industrial belts and in many other instances, it is desirable to ply together two or more strands to form a cord having certain strength, elongation', abrasive resistance and eX-life characteristics. This is presently accomplished, in most instances, by a multistep process wherein the individual strands are ygiven a Z twist and then twisted together in S fashion. In addition ,to requiring several steps, such process has the further disadvantage in that the production rate of high quality cord consistent with reasonable cost is relativelyV low. This follows from the fact that the rate of production is proportional to spindle speed. However, an economical spindle or twisting speed is dependent upon package size. While a relatively small package size permits high twistmg speeds it introduces a greater number of knots and requires more'dofling time' from machine operators. If the package'is large and the speed is also high, both the power consumption of the spindle and the cord tension will be high. Operation of the twisting equipment at high tension results in high winding tensions, thereby subjecting the cord to undesirably high tensions in the package for considerable periods of time.

It has been previously suggested that these diiculties could be overcome by forming a balloon of one strand of yarn from a first supply package about a second supply package thereby plying, the strands together in a helical manner. Commercial production with such prior art devices involving a large number of spindles has not been a success because of diicultiesin obtaining-a uniform product in respect to its strength, elongation, abrasive resistance and flex-life characteristics.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an improved ply action .spindle for entwinving twol or moreK ice strands about each other in helical fashion without adding twist to the individual strands.

Prior art devices for twisting strands together by rotating a balloon of a strand from a first supply package about a second yarn supply package have resulted in the two strands being brought together in an axial passage of a rapidly rotating spindle. It is a feature of this invention that the strands from the first and second supply packages are brought together for plying at substantially the apex of the balloon, and it is this feature together with tension control on each of the strands that facilitates the maintenance of better control of the rate of advancement of the yarns to the point at which plying takes place and of the position of the yarn immediately prior to and during plying.

Heretofore, the location of the ply point, i.e., the point of intersection of the strands undergoing combination, has been subject to random transition as a result of variation in conditions, particularly the tension in the strands,'

causing a nonuniform plying action. It is a feature of the invention to stabilize the location of the ply point irrespective of temporary uctuations in plying conditions, such stabilization being achieved' by providing symmetrical geometry of parts, equalized tensions and equal feed rates of the strands.

A further feature of `the invention is to provide a Y- type plying action wherein each strand constitutes one branch of the Y and the combined strand, the leg or base of the Y, which action results in a better cord having higher ultimate strength, lower elongation and relatively smaller gauge.

A still further feature of the invention is to provide ,p an improved strand ow equalizing device for a strand plying machine of the type wherein one strand is thrown in balloon like fashion about a strand package from which a second strand to be plied with the first is drawn. More speciiically, the improvement makes provision for directing each strand tothe ply point in Y fashion directly from a separate capstan without additional wrap-around guide means; the individual capstans about which the respective strands are wrapped being mechanically coupledy for synchronous rotation in order that the linear advancement of both strands by a positive cord take-up will be the same. The improvement further provides an overall geometric symmetry of the strand flow paths to the ply point through the arrangement of capstans and the mechanical coupling therebetween which permits right an-d left handed rotation of the capstans -with respect to each other. The improvement also contemplates a further lowering of wrap-around guide resistance by the alignment of at least one of the capstans with the infeeding direction of the strand from the balloon.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a ply action spindle and yarn take-up mechanism in which the spindle and take-,up are synchronously coupled in order that a high degree of accuracy may be exercised over the number of ply turns inserted for a given length of plied yarn.

Also forming a part of the invention is the provision of a balloon tension control means for automatically compensating and correcting temporary lluctuations in balloon tension and con'liguration, and independent tension control means for the strand being fed from the package within the balloon generatrix for automatically maintainingthe infeed tension in such strand to its respective captan1 of the ow equalizing device at a more constant eve The invention, in addition, contemplates an arrangement which provides for optimum operator convenience, especially in connection with threading up and doing.

AOther features and advantages of the invention, as well.

Patented Dec. l, 1959 as the details of representative embodiments, will be revealed by the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure lis a side elevation of a device embodying the present invention with the take-up mechanism and drive components related thereto being shown in perspective;

Figure 2 is an enlarged vertical section taken substantially through the axis of the ply action spindle but with the yarn llow equalizer in side elevation;

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical section taken through the axis of the yarn flow equalizer but with one of the yarn engaging capstans shown in side elevation;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the yarn flow equalizer;

Figure 5 is a side elevation of a modified form of yarn iiow equalizer;

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical section of the upper portion of the spindle showing a modified vform of yarn tension device;

Figure 7 is a plan View of the tension device shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the yarn guide insert member used in the spindle shaft; and

Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the insert member of Figure 8 viewed from an angle of 90 from that shown in the former figure.

In accordance with this invention, broadly speaking, a strand of yarn from an external source is supplied to a rotating yer which creates a rapidly rotating loop or balloon in the yarn. An internal source of yarn is disposed within the thus formed balloon from which source a second strand is introduced to the ballooning strand substantially at the apex of the balloon. Interposed in the path of each yarn prior to their convergence is a capstan about which the strand is wrapped one or more turns. The capstans are of substantially identical configuration and are mounted for rotation about their ndividual axes on a common support which is also rotatable, and are disposed in symmetrical arrangement with respect to the axis of rotation of the support. The capstans are, therefore, capable of simultaneous rotation about their individual axes and translation about the axis of the support. A synchronous mechanical coupling is provided between the capstans so that rotation of one capstan in one direction causes a corresponding amount of rotation of the other capstan in the opposite direction when viewed from a position normal to the support axis of rotation and generally in line with either capstan axis. After merger of the yarns into a single plied yarn, the plied yarn is advanced by a take-up capstan and collected on a take-up bobbin, both the capstan and bobbin being driven through a power take-off from the same power source which drives the whorl and iiyer of each spindle. Tension control devices are provided to regulate the tension in each strand and to automatically equalize balloon tension and configuration.

Turning now to a detailed description of the invention, in Figure l the numeral 11 designates a yarn package (hereinafter referred to as the external yarn package), such as a cake, bobbin, spool or the like, which is preferably supported, as by a peg 12, with its longi tudinal axis extending vertically in order that the strand of yarn from the package may be unwound over one end thereof. Situated above the package and supported in any convenient fashion is a pigtail guide 13 and a generally horizontally extending arm 14 carrying a plurality of conventional disc tension devices 15 spaced in arcuate fashion along its length. A grooved wheel or pulley 15a is placed in approximate vertical alignment with the axis of a ply action spindle, generally designated 16, which is mounted on a frame 17, preferably with that axis inclined somewhat from the vertical.

As can be best seen from Figure 2, the ply action spindle is supported by a generally cylindrical bolster 18 extending through an opening 20 in frame 17 with an outwardly directed ange 21 adjacent its upper end seating against the marginal portions of frame 17 and secured thereto by bolts 22 or other known securing devices. Housed within bolster 18 is a spaced pair of low friction bearings 24 and 26, at least one of which rests on a shoulder 27 formed on the internal surface of bolster 18 and is thus adapted to support a vertical load. Extending through the bearings is a shaft 28 which is restrained against axial movement relative to the bearings by lock nuts or washers cooperating with shoulders or steps provided on the shaft. The lower end of shaft 28 projects beyond the confines of bolster 18 and carries a sprocket or cog wheel 30 fixedly retained thereon for rotation therewith by a lock nut 32. Rotation of sprocket 30, and consequently, spindle 28 may be positively effected by any convenient power source, for example, the shaft 34 of an electric motor 35, through a flat cog surface belt or chain 36.

Shaft 28 is provided with an axial passageway 38 starting at the base of the spindle and terminating in a radial opening 40 which registers with an aperture 42 in the wall of a sleeve 44 tightly embracing the shaft immediately above bolster 18.

The lower confines of opening 40 and aperture 42 are defined by a grooved yarn guide insert member 41, details of which are shown in Figures 8 and 9. The upper confines of opening 40 and aperture 42 are defined by an arcuate slot as shown extending radially inwardly through the sleeve 44 and a radial distance into the shaft 28 to communicate with the axial passage 38. A lock ring 43 surrounding the lower end of sleeve 44 and preferablyv having a shrunk t thereon retains insert member 41 in place.

With reference to Figures 8 and 9, it will be noted that insert member 41 is generally of T shape in horizontal ycross section having an arcuate transverse face portion 230 of radius of curvature equal to that of sleeve 44 and a circular quadrant web portion 232 symmetrically disposed at right angles thereto. A channel 234 having a rounded bottom is provided in the circular edge side of the web portion 232, and extends across the upper end of the transverse portion 230. A similarly shaped channel 236 is provided adjacent the upper end of face portion 230 at right angles to and intersecting channel 234. Thus, it will be seen that the channel 234 provides an arcuate guide surface over which a strand of yarn can be drawn from the axial passage 38 to the exterior of sleeve 44. The cross channel 236 makes provision for directing such strand laterally in either of two directions, depending upon the selected direction of rotation of the spindle. The intersecting surfaces of channels 234 and 236 are rounded and polished at 238 to provide a smooth surface for the strand or yarn being drawn thereover. At its upper end, the sleeve is formed with a laterally projecting lip 45 and to this lip is secured the inner peripheral edge of a wildly flaring annular sheet metal member 46. Sleeve 44 and member 46 together `constitute what may be referred to as a dish shaped flyer. The external cylindrical surface of sleeve 44 at the transverse level of opening 42 is formed eccentrically with the axis of spindle 38 to constitute a yarn wrap-around storage device, the function of which will be more fully explained hereinafter. There is disclosed in a co-pending application of Norman E. Klein, Serial No. 244,812, filed September l, 1951, and now U.S. Patent #2,811,013, an improved storage device having two steps or stages which may be employed to good advantage in the present invention.

Projecting beyond the upper end of sleeve 44 is an extension 48 of .shaft 28 on which is secured by cooperating lock nuts and shoulders the inner races of two spaced low friction bearings 50 and 51. The outer races of these bearings arepress tted into the bore of 52 of a.

sleeve 54 of generally frusto-conical external configuration, being seated against shoulders 53 and 53 provided for that purpose in bore 52 Sleeve 54 is adapted to ft within the taper central aperture of the cone 56 of ayarnpackage 58 (hereinafter referred to Yas the internaly yarn package). Surrounding the internal yarn package for at least a major portion of its vertical extent is a cylindrical housing 60 having at its lower end an annular end wall 61 and short extension 62 of greatly reduced diameter. Extension 62 is tted tightly about a collar 63 fashioned on the lower end of sleeve 54. The upper marginal portion of housing 60 is provided with a gasket 64 of pliablematerial such as neoprene which is adapted to be contacted by a lip 66 of a cover 67 for housing 60. The cover 67 is preferablyhinged to the housing 60 by a pliant strap hinge 68 of rubber or the like and is'adapted to be held in place against the housing by a friction latch 69 diametrically opposed to hinge 68. The side walls of cover `67 form an approximate extension of the side walls of housing 60 while its top wall 70 slopes gradually upward to an apex at which is an aperture 71. The aperture 71 is provided with a double ended trumpet 71a of suitable Wear resistant material, the edges of which are smooth and rounded to prevent snagging` or abrading of the yarn. To prevent rotation of the internal package 58 and housing `60 while the spindle is in operation, a weight 60a is attached to the housing eccentric with the spindle axis, gravity acting on the weight to hold the housing at rest; the general principle being similar to that used in two-for-one spindles.

Supported by sloping top wall 70 of cover 67 is a bracket generally designated 72 consisting of an annular base 73, so deformed as to seat snugly against the sloping top wall of housing 60 to which it is attached by any desired means, for example, bolts, a pair of upwardly and inwardly inclined legs 76, secured at their lower ends to base 73 at points spaced about 90 apart about its periphery, and a clamping sleeve 77 affixed to the upper ends of legs 76. Spaced about `a part of the periphery base 73, preferably an arc of about 180 opposite to the legs 76, is a plurality of disc tension devices 78 arranged with their axes extending generally vertically (at right angles to the plane of top wall 70), by means of which a given tension is added to the yarn emerging from aperture 71. As can be seen in Figure 1, a longitudinal slot 79 is cut along the entire length of one side of sleeve 77 land an ear 80 is formed integrally with the sleeve on either side of the slot. Drilled in the ears are registering apertures, one of which is threaded, and a bolt 82 penetrates these apertures, being in engagement with the threaded aperture. Rotation of the bolt, of course, brings the ears closer together to lessen the effective diameter of the sleeve. Preferably, sleeve 77 includes a collar 84 at its lower end having flats at spaced points corresponding to the spacing of legs 76 with respect to base 72 to which the upper ends of legs 76 may be readily attached.

Supported by the clamping sleeve of bracket 70 is a yarn flow equalizing device generally designated 88,the details of which are revealed in Figures 3 and 4. This device includes a shaft 90 having at its upper end an enlargement 92 formed with two opposed upwardly and inwardly inclined planar faces 93. At its lower end, the shaft is press fitted into the inner race of twolow friction bearings 94 and 96 held apart by means of a spacing tube 98. The outer race of bearings 94 and 96 is press tted into the ends of a sleeve 100 which is adapted to be frictionally retained in clamping sleeve 77. Shaft 90 is thus freely rotatable about its longitudinal axis. There is provided in each of the opposite planar faces `of enlargement 92 an aperture 102l having its axis at right `angles to the plane of the face and being tapped for the reception of' the l`threaded end 104 of a stub shaft 106. Intermediate theends of shaft 106 is a collar 108 against one end of which' is seated the inner race of a low friction bearing 110 held on the stub .shaft by a Vlock nut 112 threaded on the free end of shaft 106'.` The outer race` of bearing 110 is press fitted into' the bore 114 of a hollow capstan 116 which is thus` adapted for free rotation about shaft 106. The periph.- eral surface of capstan 116 is deeply grooved or channeled, as at 118. Provided on the lower end of the cape` stan 116 is an extension 120 and aperipheral series of beveled` gear teeth V122 is formed on the exterior surface of this extension.

largement 92 is a crown bevel idler gear 126 having its teeth in engagement with the gearing 122 of capstans 116. To give the necessary clearance between the sleeve 100 and idler gear 126, a spacer washer 128 is interposed between the bearings 124 and 94. The longitudinal assembly is held together by a lock nut 129;

threaded on the lextreme lower end of shaft 90.

Extending throughout the entire length of shaft and enlargement 92 is an axial passageway 130 that is coaxial with the axis of shaft 28 and aperture 71. Into the upper end of passageway 130 is press fitted one end of a trough like yarn guide 132 projecting upwardly and laterally from such upper end toward one of theI capstans 116 (which` will be designated 116 for purposes of distinction) and terminating in a lip 134 which extends generally tangentially with respect to the peripheral surface of the groove 118. The lateral portion of yarn guide 132' carries an upstanding blade like support 133 to which is secured a wrap around tension pin 135 that extends transversely over the lateral portion for a purposel that will be explained hereinafter. There is. ailixed to the enlargement 92 one end of a pigtail guide 136, the eye 158 of the guide having its axis extending more or less tangentially to the peripheral surface of the groove 118 of the capstan 116.

Referring back to Figure 1, located above the yarn l The idler roller 146 is positioned so that its first groove on the right hand side is in tangential alignment with the axis of shaft 90 of the yarn flow equalizer. A conventional take-up bobbin arrangement, including a traverse bear 148 carrying a yarn guide 150 and a take-up bobbin 152 driven in the usual fashion by a surface contact roll 154 4are mounted above the take-up rollers.

One of the features of the invention is a positive relationship between the rotation of the take-up system and the ply action spindle and, to this end, rotative power is supplied by a sprocket gear 160, xed -on the shaft 34 of motor 35, through a cog or chain belt 162 to a sprocket wheel 164 carried by one end of a generally vertically extending shaft 166. At the other end of shaft 166 is aV beveled gear 168 meshing with a beveled gear 170 carried by a shaft 172 which extends at right angles to shaft 166. Also carried by shaft 172 is a spur gear 174 which transmits rotation through an idler gear 176 to a spur gear' 178. The spur gear 178 is disposed on lthe shaft 180 ofthe driven feed roller 144 and meshes with another spur gear 182 secured'to the shaft 184 of drive roll 154. In order to insure that the cord collected on take-up bobbin 152 is wound thereon at substantially constant tension, a friction clutch is provided on shaft 184 which may consist yof two friction discs 186 and 186 having adjacent faces in abutting contact and urged together by means of a compression spring 188 disposed between an axially adjustable collar 189 and the disc 186.

The driving ratio between gears 178 and 182 is so selected that a slight overdrive is obtained of the surface of drive roller 154 with respect to the surface of feed roller 144 thereby causing slippage between the two fric-.l tion discs 186 and 186. conditions transmits ai constant torque and consequently causes the cord to be taken upj on the bobbin 152 under constant tension. By adjusting vthe position of the collarv Carried by shaft 90 for free rotation` with respect thereto, by means of an anti-friction bear` ing 124, and at a point intermediate sleeve and en The friction clutch under such 7 189 axially with respectto the disc 186', thenecessary tension in spring 188 is obtained to provide the torque conditions that will give the wind-up tension desired. Such arrangement, therefore, provides a selective wind-up tension of the cord over a range from below to that above the twist or ply tension.

Hence, the ratio between the rotation of the take-up system and the ply action spindle may be given any desired value by the proper selection of the size of the various gears, sprockets, etc., of the drive components of the take-up system and for any particular arrangement of gearing and the like remains constant, thereby insuring a high degree of accuracy of the ply turns inserted in the cord per unit length.

The operation of the mechanism will proceed as follows: A strand `of yarn X from the package 11 is threaded through the pigtail guide 13 and between the discs of each of the disc tension devices 15. By means of a snake or semi-flexible threading leader, the strand X is led through the axial aperture 38 of shaft 28 and out of the aligned radial openings 40 and 42. It is then passed to one side of yarn housing 60 and yarn housing cover 67 up through the eye 158 of pigtail guide 136 which is associated with the yarn flow equalizer device. Next, one or more turns of strand X are wrapped around the groove periphery of capstan 116 and then wrapped several turns around takeup rollers 144 and 146. The yarn is then placed in guide 150 and finally wrapped severaltimes about the periphery of take-up bobbin 152.

In the case of the strand Y issuing from internal package 58, it is first necessary to move the cover to its open position by disengagement of latch 69, in order that the package be accessible. While the cover is in open position, the strand Y is passed through the trumpet 71a in aperture 71, after which `the cover may be returned to and latched in closed position. The strand is then threaded between the tension discs 78 and passed upwardly through the axial aperture 130 of shaft 90 by the use of a snake and then laid in the guide 132 and wrapped one or more turns around the grooved periphery of capstan 116'. To complete threading up yarn Y, it is merely necessary to hold the yarn end in contact with yarn X and start the driving motor whereupon the two ends, X and Y, will start traveling over the feed rollers 144 and 146 to automatically complete the threading operation.

When motor 35 is set in motion, shaft 28 and flyer 44, 46 are rotated, as is the take-up system. Rotation of these elements causes strand X to revolve in the form of a loop about the housing 60 and cover 67, this revolving loop being known in the art as a balloon The strand in generating the balloon assumes substantially the shape of arsine wave. Tension of the strand as it emerges from theballoon, as well as balloon size and configuration, are controlled by the yarn wrap-around storage surface 47 on the lower extremity of the flyer sleeve 44 coacting with a primary tension such as produced by the disc tension array 15. The primary tension of the tension array 15 is so selected that for a given yarn, spindle speed and geometry of wrap-around surface, the air friction or drag ofthe balloon will cause a predetermined angular Wrap of the yarn about the surface 47. If the input tension on .the strand X should increase, the take-up speed being constant, there will result an increase in the overall tension causing the balloon to contract. Thevcontraeted balloon due to its decreased circumferential velocity, offers less air friction and causes the yarn inthe balloon to speed up, thereby decreasing the amount of wraparound on the yarn storage surface. Decreasing the amount of wrap-around also decreases the tension, thus allowing the balloon to regain its normal size and configuration.

If the input tension should decrease, the yarn balloon will increase in size, increasing its circumferential velocity thereby` creating more ail-drag and a resulting increase in wrap-around about the yarn storage surface. The increase in wrap-around is accompanied by a corresponding increase in tension which again brings the balloon dimensions down to the required size. Thus the yarn storage device in conjunction with a primary tension acts as a regulator feeding the required amount of yarn into the balloon to maintain its geometry and the tension of the emerging strand substantially constant.

In order to facilitate better regulation of the balloon geometry for a wide variety of kinds and Weights of yarn, the yarn storage surface is preferably of the bilateral helical spiral groove type wherein the two sets of grooves are of opposite pitch and have progressively increasing radii. A yarn storage surface which will approximate the above requirements can be formed through the use of one eccentric surface or a plurality of eccentric surfaces of progressively increasing size. For the purpose of illustration, the yarn storage surface `47 is shown in Figure 2 as an eccentric two-step arrangement in which the lower step presents a cylindrical surface that is eccentric with respect to the axis of the spindle and the second or upper step, a cylindrical surface axially displaced fromthe first surface but having a point of mergence with the Ilower surface and a radius of curvature greater than the lower step but disposed in eccentric relation with the axis of the' spindle. This two-step storage surface makes provision for one turn of wrap of the strand with progressively increasing radial distances from the axis of the spindle. Consequently, operation can be selectedin the range of lever arm coupling drive to the balloon that best fits the control requirements of the particular yarn.

The foregoing arrangement provides sufiicient accuracy of balloon shape control to avoid contact of the ballooning strand With the inner package support and external separator members. However, for example, should a strand of thermoplastic material moving at high speeds come into contact with such surfaces, abrasion and lowering of strength of the strand will result.

The tension in strand Y as it approaches its capstan 116 is largely determined by the adjustment of the tension discs 78 mounted on the base member 73 of bracket 72. It has been found that the running of yarn of low breaking strength such as rayon at relatively high speeds gives rise to broken filaments as the result of twist insertion in the yarn between the capstan 116' and the tension discs 78. Such yarn handles without broken filaments by the insertion of additional tension in the strand Y just prior to making contact with capstan 116. This additional tension is provided by tension pin 135 disposed above the channel guide 132 and about which the strand Y may be wrapped. Increasing the tension in strand Y adjacent the capstan 116' in this manner permits lowering of tension, as provided by discs 78, in the twist area thereby avoiding the breaking of filaments in the strand. Thus by being able to maintain a relatively high tension in strand Y, the relatively high spindle speed required to produce a balloon tension in strand X matching the tension in strand Y allows the spindle to run at speeds achieving high production rates.

The rotation of the yarn as it balloons about the internal yarn package and housing causes a corresponding rotation in the yarn flow equalizer device 88 asia result of the engagement of the yarn n the pigtail guide 136. As the equalizer rotates, capstans 116 and 116' guide the respective yarns along substantially xed converging paths until they merge into a single combined yarn or cord. It should be emphasized that the gear 126 functions primarily as an idler and is freely rotatable with respect to shaft 90 and sleeve 100. It does, however, function to provide an energy component to the capstans 116-116 to oppose at least in part the positlve resistance presented by the capstan bearings as will be explained hereafter. The actual advancement of the, yarn through Vthemechanism is--carred out by the;

take-.up rollers 144 and 146. 'This advancement will, however, cause rotation of the capstans 116-116 as a result of the frictional engagement of the respective yarns their respective peripheral surfaces. Due to the fact that the capstans 116--116 are geared together, rotation of one must produce a corresponding rotation of the other; hence, assuming that the yarns are correctly threaded, itis impossible for one yarn to be advanced through the mechanism at a linear rate greater than that at which the other yarn is advanced.

4The yarn flow equalizer 88 threaded as above described to lproduce S twist is adapted for rotation in a counter clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 4. The geomf etry ofthe capstans 116--116 and the idler gear 126 arey so proportioned that the feed rate of the strands X and Y within a desired ply twist range rotates the capstans ata speed to cause idler gear to also rotate in a counter clockwise direction but at a resultant speed slightly lower than that of the equalizer. Idler gear 126 encounters air friction and windage which induces a torque counter to its direction of rotation. While this torque is produced largely by the air friction and windage on the idler gear teeth, additional torque may be secured through the use of vanes 140 disposed about the periphery of the idler gear body. This counter torque isin a direction to assist the rotation of capstans 116.-116' meshing with the idler gear 126. This assistance is preferably proportioned to provide a negative resistance energy component that is equal to the positive resistance presented by the capstan bearings. Since the operating speed of the spindle is about 6,000 to 10,000 r.p.m., the centrifugal forces on the capstan bearings may be as high as 1,000 to 3,000 g. which magnilies the bearing friction many times. Large bearing resistance induces yarn slippage, thereby reducing the eiectiveness of the capstans to maintain equal ow of the two yarns to the ply. point. An arrangement is thus provided which overcomes these difficulties and insures optimum cord quality.

The above described arrangement permits the formation of a cord in true symmetrical Y ply fashion having improvedl strength, elongation, abrasive resistance andl flex-life characteristics. More specifically, the symrnetrical disposition of the capstans 116 and 116 together with the fact thatthey are coupled to each other for synchronous rotation, eliminates the necessity for precise tension control in each of the strands X and Y in their approach to the capstans, which control would otherwise be necessary to produce a uniform product if no equalizer capstans were used.

While an improved ply cord can be produced using the arrangement of structure above described, it is desirable where the ultimate in balanced ply twist action is desired to providefor regulation of tension in strand Y as itis fed to the capstan 116 of the equalizing device 88. To this end the disc tension arrangement 78 may be replaced by a compensating tension device generally shown at 19,0 in Figure 6. With reference to Figures 6 and 7, the numeral 192 designates a base plate mounted on' the annular base 73, and is provided with two upstanding bolts 194 and 196, each of which is provided with a` bushing 197 of ceramic material and extends upwardly through a pair of centrally apertured and coactir1 ` g tension discs 198 and 200. A support plate 202 isl secured to the upper ends of bolts 194 and` 196 between nults203g` as shown. The right hand edge of plate 202` is 'provided with a hinge 204 to which is. attached a pressure plate 206. Plate 206 extends in partial covering relation over the tension discs 198 and 2,00 and is provided with, suitable apertures 208 in registration with pins v1 94 and 196, but of diameter suiciently larger than the lower nuts 203. to permit swinging movement of the plate without. making Contact with the nuts. An annularlbearing member 210 isk ailixed to the underside of plate 206.. in symmetrical. relation to each of the apertures 208. Disposed between each tension disc 200 and its respec- 10 tiveA annular bearing member 210, is a washer 212 of felt or other suitable resilient material. An actuating arm 214 secured in any suitable manner to pressure plate 206 extends latterly therefrom and terminates in a downwardly extending lip 216 on which is mounted a guide pulley 218.

Arm 214 is provided with an aperture 220 intermediate its ends to loosely accommodate an upstanding bolt 222 secured at its lower end against rotation to the base 192. The free end of the bolt 222 extending through and beyond the arm 214 is encircled in the order named by a tension spring 224, washer 226 and a knurled thumb adjusting nut 228. Thus, it will be seen that by adjusting the nut 228 toward and away from the arm 214 the force with which the tension discs 19S and 200 are brought toward each other can be varied which consequently adds a given tension on a moving strandy threaded between the discs for a particular setting of the adjusting nut.

In operation the strand Y from the package 58 is brought through the trumpet 71a in aperture 71, threaded through a pigtail guide 193 and directed between the two pairs of discs 198 and 200 and then under and upthe -device should increase, the tendency to produce` an increase in output tension will be sensed by the control arm 214 causing it to react with a greater force lagainst the tension of spring 224 thereby reducing the pressure between the discs 198 and 200 to restore the original tension level. A decrease in input tension causes the tension device 190 to react similarly but in the opposite sense sol as to compensate for the lower input tension by the addition of tension to restore the original tension level. Thus by the proper selection and apportioning of'parts, the device 190 can be made to maintain substantially constant input tension conditions in strand'Y as i-t enters the equalizing device 88.

Any tendency for control arm 211 to hunt or overcontrol under rapidly changing tension conditions is largely eliminated by suitable damping means preferably in the form of a dash pot 215 supported on the base 73 and containing a viscous liquid. A plunger 217 adapted to be submerged in the liquid has a lrod 219 pivotally secured at its upper end to the arm 214 at 221.

This arrangement provides the required damping actionl Without interfering with the sensitivity of the tension device.

It will be apparent that a compensating tension device such as that herein described has the advantage of not only maintaining a more constant tension level in one of the strands being plied, but of providing a highly efficient means for adjusting the tension level'to match that maintained in the balloon by the other strand. By calibrating the position of the adjusting nut 228 of each spindle in a multi-spindle installation, a ready means is provided for quickly arriving at a tension setting that will facilitate obtaining a more overall uniform cord product from the installation.

, In the embodiment just described, the yarn flow equalizer is xedly associated with the cover of the internal yarn package housing and is movable bodily therewith. In some cases, this arrangement may be disadvantageous, particularly in connection with threading up. There is disclosed in Figure 5 a modified form of the invention in which such difculties are reduced by suspending the ow equalizer from the frame of the apparatus. According to this modified form, a sleeve 250 is supported 11 above the internal package housing in axial alignment with shaft 28 from a convenient point on the frame by an arm '252. Press fitted into the bore of the sleeve adjacent each end thereof is a low friction bearing 253 from which a hollow shaft 254 is rotatably dependent. An elongated section 256 of shaft 254 below sleeve 250 is of increased diameter and is formed with a diametrical slot extending completely therethrough except at the top corners, as at 258 and at the bottom, as at 260. The internal edges of solid portions 258 and 260 should be rounded and smooth to prevent any possibility of the yarn being snagged or worn. At the lower end of slotted section 256 is an extension 262 which carries a freely and independently rotatable bevel idler gear 264 and -a small platform 266 having inclined side faces 268, the platform being joined to extension 262 for rotation therewith as by a set screw 270.

Each of the faces 268 is bored and tapped for the reception of the threaded end of a stub shaft 272 which supports for free rotation a capstan 274, the axis of the stub shaft and capstan being perpendicular to the plane of the face. The capstans are formed with integral bevel gears 276 at their lower ends which mesh with idler gear 264. Below platform 266, a block 278 is aiiixed to extension 262 for rotation therewith and a pigtail guide 280 projects generally laterally from each of two opposite sides of the block with their eyes in approximate tangential alignment with opposite points on the periphery of each of the capstans 274. At the extreme termination of extension 262 is a downwardly directed L- or U-shaped yarn guide 282.

The threading up of the alternative arrangement will be more or less obvious from the discussion of the original embodiment. Strand X, after having been threaded through the ply action spindle, is passed through the eye of one of the pigtail guides 280 and wrapped several turns about one of the capstans 274. Then it is threaded through the slot in shaft section 256 and up through the bore of shaft 254, following which, it is passed to the take-up system in the previously described fashion.

Strand Y from the internal package, after having been threaded through the housing cover aperture, is passed through the other of guides 280.and 282 and wrapped several turns around the opposite capstan 274. Next, it

is threaded through the slotted shaft section 256, the bore of shaft 254, and, thence, to the take-up system.

`In either embodiment of the invention, it is essential that the yarns be in tractive, ie., nonslipping, engagement with the peripheral surfaces of the capstans. Such engagement will ordinarily result if the capstans are constructed entirely of metal and a sufficient number of turns of yarn are wrapped therearound. Obviously, the peripheral surfaces of the capstans should be smooth and the surface speeds thereof equal.

' It will be appreciated that the action of the plying spindle does not change the twist in the individual strands except for a negligible increase or decrease imparted by over-end removal from the package.

While the foregoing description has dealt largely with a single ply action spindle and its associated take-up mechanism, it will be ready apparent that the arrangement of parts as schematically illustrated in Figure 1 is ideally suited for operation in multiple of any suitable number of spindles disposed on a common frame from a common source of motive power.

Relative terminology, such as above, and below, etc., is used in the specification and/or claims solely for describing the relationship of certain elements with respect to other elements when the apparatus is in its normal upright position and should not be construed as limiting the elements of the invention to this precise position.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

i 1. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a first and second yarn package, rotating means for revolving a strand from said first package in an -orbit encompassing said second package, freely rotatable means for tractively engaging said orbiting strand, freely rotatable means separate from said last mentioned means for traotively engaging a strand from said second package, mechanical means other than said yarn interconnecting said strand engaging means whereby rotation of one causes a corresponding rotation of the other, a freely rotatable support mounted for rotation about the axis of revolution of said orbiting strand and driven solely by the energy of revolution of said orbiting strand, said freely rotatable means being mounted on said freely rotatable support for translatory motion about the axis of said freely rotatable strand driven support, and means for withdrawing said yarns.

2. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a plurality of yarn supply packages, means for revolving a strand from one of said packages in an orbit encompassing another of said packages, means rotatable independently of said strand revolving means and me-v chanically intercoupled by other than said yarn for respectively engaging said orbiting strand and a strand from said encompassed package at separate xed points, spaced similar distances laterally from the axis of said orbit and lying substantially in a common plane extending at right angles to said orbit axis, and for delivering said strands at the same linear rate along symmetrical paths fromsaid fixed points to a common point on said axis, a freely rotatable support member mounted for rotation about the axis of revolution of said orbiting strand and driven solely by the energy of revolution of said orbiting strand, said independently rotatable means being mounted on said freely rotatable orbiting-strand-driven support member for translatory movement about the axis of re-l volution of said orbiting strand, at which common point said strands are plied, and means for withdrawing the combined yarns.

3. Apparatus for plying a plurality of yarns compris-v ing, in combination, a plurality of supplies of yarns, means for ballooning one of said yarns about the supply 0f another of said yarns, a first capstan interposed in the path of said balloon below the apex thereof, said capstan being adapted for frictional engagement with said yarn and further adapted to follow said yarn in a circular path as the yarn is ballooned, a second capstan adapted to move in the same circular path as said first capstan but out-ofphase therewith and further adapted to frictionally engage said other yarn and guide the same along a path intersecting with the path of said ballooning yarn to ply said yarns together, a support freely rotatable about the axis of said balloon and revolved solely by the energy of revolution of said ballooning strand, said capstans being mounted on said support for translatory movement about the axis of said balloon and being individually rotatable.

about their respective axes and being mechanically synchronously coupled, whereby linear advancement of one of said yarns brings about a corresponding linear advancement of the other of said yarns, and means for withdrawing the plied yarn.

4. Apparatus for plying a plurality of yarns comprising, in combination, a supply of a first yarn, a rotatable :tlyer for forming a balloon in said first yarn, a supply of a second yarn disposed within said balloon, a substantially identical pair .of capstans arranged angularly with respect to the plane perpendicular to the balloon axis and in spaced symmetrical relationship with the axis of said balloon near the apex thereof and mounted for simultaneous rotation about their individual axes and translation about the balloon axis, each of said capstans being adapted to have its peripheral surface in nonslipping engagement with one of said yarns and to guide the same along a substantially fixed path symmetrical with the path of said other yarn to a point of intersection with the path of said other yarn, at which point said yarns are plied, means coupling said capstans whereby rotation of eitherof said capstans 1through a given are in one direction. effects rotation of the other capstan through the same are in the same direction each said capstans rotating about an axis having a component extending along said balloon axis, and means for withdrawing said plied yarn at' asubstantially constant linear rate.

5. Apparatus forplying a plurality of yarns comprising, in combination, a supply of a rst yarn, a rotatable flyer for forming a balloon in said lirst yarn, a supply of a second yarn disposed within said balloon, a substantially identical pair of capstans arranged in spacecl symmetrical relationship with the axis of said balloon near the apex thereof and mounted for simultaneous rotation about their individual axes and translation about the balloon axis, each of said capstans being adapted to have its peripheral surface indnonslipping engagement with one of said* yarns and to guide the same along asubstantially fixed path symmetrical with the path of said other yarn to a point of intersection'with the path of said other yarn, at which point said yarns are plied, means coupling saidr capstans whereby rotation of either of said capstans through a given arc in one direction effects rotation ofv the other capstan through the same arc in the same direction and means for withdrawing said plied yarn at a substantially constant linear rate, the translation of said pair of capstans about the balloon axis being produced by the first yarn forming` the balloon, and means including said means coupling said capstans for transmitting a torque component from the balloon to each of said capstans in a direction opposing the rotative resistance of said capstans about their individual axes.

6. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising a first yarn package, a rotatable spindle having an axial passageway terminating in' a radial opening through which the yarn from said rst package passes, a yarn supply platform nonrotatably supported by said spindle, a second yarn package on said platform, a freely rotatable member supported above said second package coaxially with said spindle and having an axial passageway through which the yarn from said second package passes, upon rotation of said spindle theyarn. from said first package during its passage between said radial opening and said rotatable member being thrown in balloon like manner about said second yarn package, a pair of capstans rotatably carried in symmetrical relationship by said member with their angularly disposed with respect to the member axis andincluding at least one point common to said axis and the axis of each other, one of said capstans being adapted to receive` at least one turn of the yarn from said first package and the other adapted to receive at least one turn of the yarn from said second package, said capstans functioning in operation to guide said yarns along converging symmetrical paths to a ply point lying on the axis of said spindle, guide means supported above said ply point coaxially with said spindle axis, and means for withdrawing the plied yarn.

7. The apparatus as in claim 6 including a synchronous coupling between said pair of capstans whereby rotation of one causes corresponding rotation of the other.

8. The apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said coupling is mechanical comprising a gear associated with each of said capstans for rotation therewith and an idler gear rotatably supported by said member in engagement with said capstan gears.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 including means for applying a torque to said idler gear counter to its direction of rotation whereby a negative resistance energy component is applied to said capstan to oppose the positive rotational resistance encountered by the capstans in rotating about their respective axes.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the means for applying a counter torque to said idler gear comprises at least one vane extending radially outwardly from the periphery of said gear.

1 1. The apparatus of claim 6 including a, tl'Qllglllike; yarn guide extending, from the termination of the member passageway to a point adjacent the periphery of one of said capstans.

l2. The apparatus of claim ll' including a yarn tension. amplifier disposed ladjacent said trough like yarn guide for increasing the tension in .the yarn immediately priorv to its delivery to said one capstan. d

13. The apparatus of claim fincludng a cylindrical housing enclosing said-` second yarn package and having4 an axial opening for the yarn from said package and a. yarn tensioning array for engagement with said second. yarn Supported by said housing intermediate the housing and said member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the yarn tension array for engagement with, said second yarny cornprises an adjustable tension regulator for selectively'main-y taining substantially constant tension conditions in said second yarnas itis delivered to its correspondingcapf; stan. j

15,. The apparatus ofV claim 13 including a bracket sup. ported at one end by said housing and at theother end, rotatably supporting said member.'

16. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said member is provided with a yarn engaging element projecting laterally therefrom.

17. The apparatus `of claim 6 wherein said spindle isv provided at saidv opening with a yarn storage surface formed eccentrically with the spindle axis toautornaticallycontrol the tension in the yarn balloon,

I8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said spindle a radial slot having an arcuate upper surface extendingl into communication with the axial'passage in the spindley to define in` part said radial opening, and an insert mem-l ber disposed within said slot having a channel textit-.ridingvr inwardly along an arcuate face thereof, 1said channel,I coacting with the arcuate surfaceiof said slotto define, a yarn passageway-from said axialL passageway toasaidy opening, and a lock ring disposed about said spindle to secure said insert member in place.

19. The apparatus of claim 18y wherein the insert niem-` ber has a transverse channel extending inwardly, from"v its outer surface in intersectingV relation with said channelalong said arcuate face to provider a yarn guide` path; in. either circumferential direction at the outer surface of` the spindle.

v 20. A device for plying yarn comprising .a first` rotatable spindle havingan axial passageway therein terminate` ing in a radial opening, an extension on said spindle projectingr beyond said opening, a yarn supply platform non-j rotatably supported by said extension, a second rotatable spindle having an axial passageway therethrough supported beyond said platform coaxially with said first spindle, a plurality of stub shafts carried by said second spindle with their axes angularly disposed with respect to the axis of said second spindle, a corresponding plurality of mechanically interconnected substantially identical capstans rotatably supported by said stub shafts, and take-up means supported beyond said second spindle.v

2l. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising a frame, a first yarn package on said frame, a spindle rotatably supported by said frame above said rst package, said spindle having an axial passageway extending through a substantial portion thereof and terminating in a radial opening through which the yarn from said tirst pack-age is adapted to pass, a second yarn package supported by said spindle above said radial opening for relative rotation with respect to said spindle, a freely rotatable member supported from said frame labove said second package in substantially axial alignment with the spindle axis, said member having a diametrical slot extending entirely therethrough for a portion of its length and an axial passageway communicating with said slot and extending upward the remainder of its length, a pair of independently rotatable capstans symmetrically carried by said member below said slotted portion with their axes angularly disposed with respect to the member axis and including at least one point common to said axis and the axis of each other, one of said capstans being adapted to receive at least one turn of 4the yarn from said first package and the other at least one turn of the yarn from said second package, said capstans functioning in operation to guide said yarns along converging symmetrical paths to a ply point located within the slotted section of said member, and take-up means for withdrawing plied yarns from said ply point through the axial passageway in said member.

`22. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a rst and second yarn package, rotating means for revolving a strand from said first package in an orbit encompassing said second package, freely rotatable means for tractively engaging said orbiting strand, freely rotatable means separate from said last mentioned means for tractively engaging a strand from said second package, mechanical means other than said yarn interconnecting s'aid strand engaging means whereby rotation of one causes a corresponding rotation of the other, and means for withdrawing said yarns, the axes of each of said freely rotatable means being canted lwith respect to each other.

23. Apparatus for plying yarns comprising, in combination, a first and second yarn package, rotating means for revolving a strand lfrom said first package in an orbit encompassing said second package, freely rotatable .means for tractively engaging said orbiting strand, freely rotatable means separate from said last mentioned means for vtractively engaging a strand from said second package,

mechanical means other than said yarn interconnecting said strand engaging means whereby rotation of one causes a corresponding rotation of the other, and means for withdrawing said yarns, said freely rotatable strand engaging means being rotatable as a unit about the axis of said orbit, the individual axes of said freely rotatable means each intersecting the axis of said orbit.

24. A ply action strand equalizing device comprising a freely rotatable strand balloon driven shaft, means rotatably supporting said shaft, a plurality of yarn engaging freely rotatable capstans carried by said shaft and disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of said shaft, said capstans each having an axis separate from said shaft axis and being mechanically intercoupled for synchronous rotation about .their respective axes.

*25. A ply action device according to claim 24 including a gear interconnection between said capstans.

26. A ply action strand equalizing device comprising a freely rotatable strand balloon driven shaft, means rotatably supporting said shaft, a plurality of yarn engaging capstans carried by said shaft and disposed symmetrically With respect to the axis of said shaft, said capstans each having an axis angularly disposed with respect toy an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said shaft.

27. A ply action strand equalizing deviceV comprisingr 28. A ply action strand equalizing device comprisingI a freely rotatable support, a plurality of yarn engaging freely rotatable capstans carried by said rotatable support and disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of said support, said capstans each having an axis separate from said support axis and being mechanically intercoupled for synchronous rotation about their respective axes, said support having an axial yarn guiding aper- .ture formed therein and a yarn balloon engaging guide thereon adapted to intercouple said support to a yarn balloon for rotation of said support.

29. A ply action strand equalizing device comprising a freely rotatable support, a plurality of yarn engaging freely rotatable capstans carried by said support and disposed symmetrically with respect to the axis of said support, said capstans each having an axis separate from said support axis and being intercoupled for synchronous rotation about their respective axes, the respective axes of rotation of each of said capstans having a component extending longitudinally along the axis of rotation of said support, and means coupling said capstans for rotation each in the same angular direction about their axes as viewed from a points on the axis of rotation of said support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,684,533 Bouvier Sept. 18, 1928 2,503,242 Clarkson Apr. 11, 1950 2,732,680 Vibber Jan. 31, 1956 2,811,012 Klein Oct. 29, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 712,840 Great Britain Aug. 4, 1954

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