US2922272A

US2922272A - Package size control and method

Info

Publication number: US2922272A
Application number: US577721A
Authority: US
Inventors: Orville L Hope
Original assignee: CHARLES H MARCOTTE; DAVID FLOYD WESTMORELAND
Current assignee: CHARLES H MARCOTTE; DAVID FLOYD WESTMORELAND
Priority date: 1956-04-12
Filing date: 1956-04-12
Publication date: 1960-01-26
Anticipated expiration: 1977-01-26

Description

Jan. 26, 1960 o. L. HOPE PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD Filed April 12, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 STOP MOTION INVENTOR. OEVILLE L. Hove.

BY6\fin-,bd1) **W ATTORNEY 5 Jan. 26, 1960 o. L. HOPE PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD 4 Sheets$heet 2 Filed April 12, 1956 INVENTORI Ovavmj- L. HOPE.

BY M gkB QJ-JA'W ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 O. L. HOPE PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 12, 1956 INVENTOR. ORVlLL-E- L. HOPE.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 26, 1960 I o. L. HOPE 2,922,272

PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD Filed April 12, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 SUCTION I06 SouQCE- INVENTOR. Oavuu: L.HoPc.

United States Patent PACKAGE SIZE CONTROL AND METHOD Orville L. Hope, Gastonia, N.C., assigior of twenty percent to David Floyd We'stmoreland and twenty percent to Charles H. Marcotte, both of Charlotte, N.C.

Application April 12, 1956, Serial No. 577,721

9 Claims. (Cl. 57-78) This invention generally relates to the art of forming yarn packages wherein traveler supporting rings and travelers are used as in spinning machines, twister machines and the like, and it is the primary object of this invention to provide means responsive to a yarn package being built up to a predetermined diameter relative to a ring encircling the package for actuating a mechanical element or mechanism, such as the stop motion of a spinning or twister machine, a warning device, a thread parting means or any other desired means which may be mechanically, electrically or fluid-pressure controlled.

As, is Well known, yarn is fed onto bobbins, spools and other yarn carriers on spinning machines, twister machines and other textile machines by means of a traveler which traverses a ring through which the yarn carrier extends and wherein means are provided to effect relative axial movement between the ring and the yarn carrier. It has been customary, heretofore, for an attendant to inspect each and every yarn carrier at frequent intervals during the depositing of yarn thereon and, when it has appeared that the bobbins or other yarn carriers on a particular machine werefilled with yarn to the desired diameter, the attendant would then have to stop the machine and doif each of the bobbins or yarn carriers and then the attendant would position a yarn carrier upon each of the spindles of the machine, and attach yarn ends to the corresponding yarn carriers.

It is apparent that this procedure has resulted in yarn packages Which would be of varying diameters on different machines, although the spining or twisting rings may be of the same diameter and would result in yarn packages of lesser diameter than the maximum capable of being formed on a particular machine.

It is therefore another object of this invention to provide an improved method and means to facilitate production of yarn packages of uniform diameter, including means under control of the diameter of a yarn package relative to the diameter of a ring encircling the yarn package for parting the yarn in its course to the yarn package.

It is another object of this invention to provide a device for use on spinning machines, twisters and the like, which device is responsive to a yarn package attaining a predetermined diameter, and is positioned adjacent the path of formation of the package as it is being wound, with means controlled by said device for controlling a controllable mechanism.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the character last described including a movable actuator positioned in the Wall of the annular ring holder, which actuator is normally biased inwardlyv at an angle to the periphery of the yarn package being formed and, upon the yarn package extending therethrough reaching a predetermined maximum diameter, the actuator is moved outwardly, either by engagement thereof by the periphery of the yarn or by the pressure of air currents thereagainst effected by rotation of the yarn package closely adjacent the actuator, and wherein "ice means are provided in response to such outward movement of the actuator for moving an interrupter element into the path of the yarn, preferably adjacent the path of travel of the traveler, or into engagement with the traveler.

It is still another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the character last described wherein the means for parting the yarn is in the form of a braking device disposed adjacent the yarn carrier serving as the source of yarn for a particular yarn-receiving carrier with means responsive to outward movement of said actuator for actuating said braking device to stop rotation of the source yarn package whereby the yarn is parted as it is pulled from the yarn package through the usual delivery rolls.

It is still another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the character last described wherein outward movement of said actuator operates a switch interposed in an electrical circuit to a stop motion, a thread parting means or a braking device for the carrier of the source yarn package.

It is another object of this invention to provide apparatus of the character described wherein said actuator moves a valve member into engagement with an orifice in a fluid pressure system and wherein the fluid pressure system has a pneumatic or fluid pressure relay or diaphragm assembly interposed therein to thereby actuate the pneumatic relay, the pneumatic relay, in turn, effecting actuation of a yarn parting means of the character described.

It is a further object of this inventionto provide, in combination with a pneumatic suction means connected to a relay of the character described, a nozzle extending therefrom and having an orifice in the free end thereof communicating with the interior of a ring, such as an annular ring holder of a spinning frame or the like, and being so arranged that, upon a yarn package of predetermined diameter being formed within said ring, the yarn package will close or substantially close said orifice to actuate said relay.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a portion of a ring rail showing a pair of the improved ring holders of the first form and rings thereon and omitting the ring holder and ring from one of the openings therefor to show the configuration of the opening for accommodating the improved annular ring holder;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 22 in Figure 1 and showing, schematically, an electrical circuit in association therewith;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary inverted plan view, partially in section, looking substantially along line 33 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the right hand portion of Figure 2, but showing how a filled yarn carrier moves the actuator outwardly to, in turn, move an abutment into the path of the traveler or yarn;

Figure 5 is an inverted plan view, partially in section, taken substantially along line 5-5 in Figure 4 and being similar to Figure 3, but showing the actuator in a different position from that of Figure 3; v

Figure 6 is a fragmentary elevation taken substantially along line 66 in "Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a portion of a spinning or similar machine showing a braking device adjacent the corresponding yarn source package as controlled by mechanism such as is shown in Figures 1 through 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view, partially in section, taken substantially along line 88 in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a ring rail showing the improved ring holder with a ring mounted thereon and including another form of traveler or yarn-interrupting means and showing one of the openings in the ring rail with the ring holder and ring omitted;

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 10-10 in Figure 9 and showing the ring and ring holder encircling a partially filled yarn carrier or bobbin;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view, partially in section, similar to the central portion of Figure 10, but showing the yarn package completely formed to where it has imparted outward movement to the actuator, and showing the interrupter element in operative position;

Figure 12 is an inverted plan view, partially in section, taken substantially along line 1212 in Figure 11;

Figures 13 and 14 are inverted plan views similar to Figure 12 showing the actuator in two different positions and wherein the inner surface of the actuator is provided with baffles defining air pockets therein into which air is forced by rotation of the package adjacent thereto to cause the actuator to move from the position of Figure 13 to that of Figure 14 without actually being engaged by the yarn package;

Figure 15 is an isometric view of the actuator provided with the air pockets therein;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figures 2, l0 and 11, partially in section, showing a valve means under control of the actuator in inoperative position, for controlling the flow of fluid pressure to a fluid-pressure-actuated or air-pressure-actuated relay or diaphragm assembly which, in turn, controls a yarn or traveler interrupter means;

Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16, showing the fluid pressure or pneumatic relay in section and showing the actuator and the interrupter means in operative position;

Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 16 showing a conduit extending from the pneumatic relay and communicating with the interior of the ring holder with the corresponding interrupter means in inoperative position;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary top plan view of the structure in Figure 18;

Figure 20 is a view similar to Figure 18, but showing the relay in section and showing how closing of the orifice formed in the ring holder is closed or substantially closed by a filled package and causes actuation of the interrupter means.

Referring more specifically to the drawings and to Figures 1 through 7, in particular, a ring rail 10 of a spinning machine, twister machine or analogous machine is shown which is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced substantially circular openings 11 therein, each for receiving a reduced portion 12 of the improved annular ring holder, broadly designated at 13. The ring holder 13 is generally of conventional construction and may be modified to accommodate the improved actuator as will be hereinafter described. Accordingly, the particular type of ring holder illustrated in the drawings is to be construed as typical of many different types of ring holders and the improved mechanism need not necessarily be applied to the specified type of ring holder shown in the drawings. The ring holder 13 supports a conventional spinning or twister ring 14, which may be broadly termed as a traveler guiding ring, and whose flanged upper portion has a conventional ring traveler 15 positioned thereon.

A bobbin, spool or other form of yarn carrier 17, extends through each ring 14 and a yarn package P is formed or wound on the carrier 17 from yarn Y which is drawn from a suitable source such as a source package P-1 shown in the upper portion of Figure 7. The yarn of the source package P-l is carried by a creel bobbin or yarn carrier 18 having a circular base 19 and a skewer 22 on its lower end. The lower end of the board 23.

skewer is supported for free rotation on the usual creel In this instance, the yarn Y passes from the yarn package P-1, through a series of delivery rolls or drafting rolls 20, downwardly through a yarn guide 21, through the corresponding ring traveler 15 (Figures 1, 2 and 4) to the receiving bobbin or yarn carrier 17. As is well known during the depositing of the yarn Y on the bobbin or yarn carrier 17, relative axial movement is effected between the ring rail 10 and the yarn carrier 17.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 6, the annular wall or reduced portion 12 of the ring holder 13 is cut away to form an opening 25 therein in which an actuator 26, in the form of a relatively small arcuate or segmental plate is loosely positioned, the curvature of at least the inner surface of the actuator 26 preferably conforming substantially to the curvature of the inner periphery of the ring holder 13. The actuator 26 may be pivotally connected to the ring holder on an axis substantially parallel with the axis of the ring holder by any suitable means and may also be biased inwardly a predetermined amount by any suitable means. However, in the present instance, both the pivotal connection for the actuator 26 and the means to bias or resiliently urge the same inwardly are combined by using a leafspring member 30 which is suitably secured to the outer surface of the reduced annular portion 12 of the ring holder 13 adjacent the rear edge of the opening 25 with respect to the direction of rotation of the package P and yarn carrier 17. The forward portion of spring 30 is attached to the outer surface of the actuator or plate 26, the leaf-spring member 30 being inherently biased inwardly relative to the ring holder 13 to thereby normally urge the free forward end of the plate or actuator 26 inwardly so that its inner foremost edge is disposed inwardly of the inner surface of the annular ring holder 13, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.

It will be noted in Figures 1, 2 and 3 that the yarn package P is in the process of being formed or wound and has not reached its filled diameter. On the other hand, it will be observed in Figures 4 and 5 that the yarn package P has reached a diameter substantially the same as that of the inner periphery of the annular ring holder 13 and, in so doing, the periphery of the yarn package P has engaged and moved the actuator 26 outwardly in opposition to the spring 30. There are many difierent types of mechanisms or devices which may be operated under control of the actuator and, in Figures 1 through 6, the actuator 26 is used for the dual purpose of actuating or closing a switch 31 and actuating an interrupter element 32.

The switch 31 may be of conventional construction and the housing thereof is suitably secured to the lower surface of the ring rail 10, as by screws 33. The switch 31 has a push button 34 thereon which is normally urged outwardly by conventional means, not shown, in engagement with a switch arm 35 pivotally connected to the housing of the switch 31 and urged into engagement with a link 36 connected to and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the actuator or plate 26, as by a screw 37.

The outer end of the link 36 is loosely penetrated by a pin or screw 40 which extends upwardly and is connected to the lower end of a lever 41. A medial portion of the lever 41 is fulcrumed on a shaft or rod 42 which spans a notch 43 formed in the outer periphery of the flange 16 on the upper portion of the ring holder 13. The rod or pin 42 is suitably secured to the outer surface of said flange 16, as by screws 44 (Figure 6). The notch 43 is provided to accommodate the lever 41. The abutment or interrupter 32 is shown in the form of an adjustment screw in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, which is threaded through the upper portion of lever 41 and is secured in the desired adjusted position by a lock nut 45. It will be noted that the abutment 32 is positioned on substantially the same level asthe upper portion of the spinning ring 14 so that, upon being moved inwardly from the position of Figure 2 to that of Figure 4, the abutment or interrupter 32 moves into the path of the traveler 15 to stop movement of the traveler and to thereby break the yarn Y.

In many instances, the interrupter 32 may dislodge the traveler 15 from engagement with the flanged upper portion of the ring 14. However, this is not detrimental. As a matter of fact, it is desirable that the traveler 15 be removed after each package P has been built up to the desired diameter so the traveler 15 may be replaced with a new traveler in order that the traveler 15 does not become excessively worn and damage the yarn Y passing therethrough. If so desired, the interrupter 32 may be threaded through a hole 46 through the lever 41, on a higher level than the level at which the screw 32 is shown in Figures 2 and 4, so the traveler 15 will pass beneath the interrupter 32 when the same is moved into operative position. In this instance, the interrupter 32 will then engage the yarn Y above the traveler 15 to part the same without engaging the traveler 15.

As heretofore stated, during the winding of the yarn Y on the package P (Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5), the actuator or plate 26 occupies the inward position shown in Figures 2 and 3. Upon the package P reaching the desired diameter and substantially filling the ring 14 or, at least, the ring holder 13, the periphery of the yarn package engages the inner surface of the actuator or plate 26 and moves the same outwardly against the pressure of spring 30 to substantially the position shown in Figures 4 and 5. Now, as the actuator 26 is thus moved outwardly, the interrupter 32 is moved inwardly to operative position. It is also apparent that, with outward movement of the actuator 26, the push button 34 is depressed to actuate the switch 31. The switch 31 may be interposed in an electrical circuit to a conventional electrical stop motion 56, a warning device 51 and/ or a braking device such as that broadly designated at 52 in Figures 7 and 8. Of course, the switch 31 may operate any electrical device. By way of example, the switch 31 is shown in Figure 2 as being a normally open switch which, upon being closed by depression of the push button 34 in the manner heretofore described, will energize the warning device 51, which is shown in the form of an incandescent lamp, and the electrical stop motion 50 which is shown schematically in Figure 2.

It is contemplated that there would be a separate lamp 51 for each of the plurality of packages P so the attendant may immediately determine which yarn carrier or yarn carriers are completely filled upon the corresponding warning signal or lamp 51 becoming energized. On the other hand, the electrical stop motion need only be interposed in a circuit to the switch 31 for any one of a plurality of yarn packages P. It is further contemplated that all of the switches 31 associated with a plurality of the improved actuators may be arranged in series for controlling a single stop motion upon any one of the corresponding packages P becoming filled to the desired diameter.

In the present instance, the switch 31 has a pair of

conductors

55, 56 connected to opposite sides thereof, the electrical stop motion 50 and the warning signal 51 being shown interposed in series in the conductor 56. The ends of the

conductors

55, 56 remote from the switch 31 are connected to a suitable plug or electrical connector 60 which may be connected to a suitable source of electrical energy, not shown. The conductor 55 preferably has a manually operable master switch 62 interposed therein.

It will be noted in the left-hand portion of Figure l and in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, that the wall of each ring holder opening 11 in the ring rail is provided with a relatively deep notch or recess 65 therein ,and a shallow arcuate recess 66 which are provided to accommodate the lower portion of the lever 41 and the leaf-spring member 30. In some instances, it may be desirable to omit the lever 41 and the particular form of interrupter 32 shown in Figures 1 through 6 and it is apparent that the switch 31 may then be positioned so the switch arm 35 is engaged by the outer surface of the actuator 26 or by an abutment on the actuator which abutment is shown, in Figures 10 through 14, in the form of an adjustment screw 67 threaded into the actuator 26 and secured in adjusted position as by a lock nut 68.

In Figures 7 and 8, the switch 31 is interposed in an electrical circuit to a solenoid coil of the braking mechanism or device 52 instead of being interposed in a circuit to a warning signal or stop motion, as shown in Figure 2. When the braking device 52 is used, it is preferable that the interrupter 32 is omitted, since the braking device 52 functions to stop rotation of the source package P-1 to break the yarn between the package P-1 and the drafting rolls or delivery rolls 20. The braking device 52 comprises a brake lever or arm 72 which is fulcrumed for oscillation about a substantial vertical axis, as at 73, on the creel board 23. The brake lever or arm 72 is pro vided with an arcuate braking surface 74 thereon which is preferably provided with a suitable friction or brake lining.

The arcuate or curved surface '74 of the brake lever 72 is normally spaced adjacent the circular base 19 of the creel bobbin 18 having the yarn source package P-l wound thereon. The end of the brake lever 72 opposite from the end having surface 74 thereon has one end of a link 76 pivotally connected thereto whose other end is pivotally connected to a solenoid plunger 77 surrounded by a solenoid coil 80 suitably secured to the upper surface of the creel board 23. The conductor 56 extends from one side of the switch 31 to one side of the solenoid 80 and the conductor 58 extends from one side of the plug '60 to the other side of the solenoid coil 80. It will be noted that the curved surface 74 is normally maintained out of engagement with the periphery of the circular base 19 of the corresponding bobbin 18 by a tension spring 81 (Figure 7). It is apparent that the braking device 52 may operate against the upper end of the bobbin 18 if such bobbin is suspended on the creel.

It is apparent that, upon outward movement of the actuator 26 being effected by filled package P, as shown in Figure 4, the switch 31 closes the circuit to the solenoid coil 80 to cause the brake lever 72 to move in a clockwise direction in Figure 8 to move the curved surface 74 thereof against the base 19 of the creel bobbin 18 to stop rotation thereof and to thereby part the yarn Y between package P-1 and the drafting or delivery rolls 20. This has the advantage over the interrupter, such as that indicated at 32 in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, in that the parting of the yarn at the source package P-1 prevents the rolls 20 from continuing a delivering or pulling yarn off the package P-l while, on the other hand, the interrupter 32 parts the yarn adjacent the package P being formed and the roll 20 would then continue to draw yarn oif the source package P-l.

In Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, the improved actuator 26 is shown as arranged for control ing a second form of interrupter means utilizing the switch 31 and a solenoid. Accordingly, the same reference characters will apply to identical or similar parts in all of the Figures 1 through 12 in order to avoid repetitive description.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 9 through 12, the link, such as link 36 in Figure 2, is omitted and the actuator 26 has the adjustment screw 67 adjustably threaded thereinto and the lock nut 68 provided thereon for maintaining the same in the desired adjusted position for engaging the arm 35 of the switch 31 when the actuator 26 is moved outwardly to operative position as shown in Figure 11. In Figures 9, 10 and ll, the conductor 56 leads to one end of a solenoid coil to the other end of which the conductor 58 is connected. The solenoid coil 90 is mounted in a suitable bracket 91 suitably secured to the upper surface of the ring rail adjacent the ring holder 13. The coil 90 surrounds a solenoid plunger 92 having an interrupter element 93 on its inner end in the form of a reduced extension which is disposed above the level of the upper edge of the spinning ring 14 for engaging either the traveler or the yarn Y when the solenoid coil 90 is energized as shown in Figure 11. The outer end of the solenoid plunger 92 has an enlarged portion 94 thereon which limits inward movement of the plunger 92 when the coil 90 is energized.

It is apparent that, upon the external diameter of the package P becoming sufficient to move the actuator 26 outwardly and to close the switch 31, the solenoid coil 90 is energized to cause the interrupter element 93 to move into the path of the yarn Y and/ or the traveler 15 to thus part the yarn in the same manner as that described for the interrupter 32 of Figures 1, 2 and 4. When the coil 1 90 is subsequently de-energized, the interrupter 93 is returned to the inoperative position shown in Figure 10 by means of a tension spring 96, the outer end of which is connected to the bracket 91 and the inner end of which is connected to a spring anchor 97 projecting upwardly from the inner end of the solenoid plunger 92 adjacent the interrupter element 93. It will be noted that the spring anchor 97 also serves as a stop to limit outward movement of the interrupter 93 and solenoid plunger 92 as the anchor 97 engages the inner surface of the bracket 91.

In Figures 13, 14 and 15 the actuator 26 is shown with its inner face provided with a plurality of spaced inwardly and forwardly inclined baflies 100 which define a plurality of air pockets 10 1. The baflles 100 and air pockets 101 may be provided when the actuator 26 is used in association with the interrupter element 32 of Figures 1 through 6, the braking device 52 of Figures 7 and 8 and the interrupter element 93 of Figures 9 through 12. The actuator 26d as used in Figures 16 and 17 may also be provided with the baffles 100 and recesses or air pockets 101 as shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15.

The bafiles and

air pockets

100, 101 are provided in the actuator 26, in some instances, to avoid the necessity of the periphery of the yarn package P actually contacting the inner surface of the corresponding actuator 26, since rotation of the package P during the forming of the same develops currents of air adjacent the periphery of the package P which move in generally the same direction as the periphery of the package P and, as these currents of air are compressed between the ring holder 13 or the actuator 26 and the periphery of the package P upon the package reaching the diameter, movements of these air currents is partially interrupted by the battles 100 as the air enters the pockets 26 to thus force the corresponding actuator 26 outwardly from, say, the position shown in Figure 13 to the position shown in Figure 14, to thereby either close the switch 31 as shown in Figure 14 or to actuate the

interrupter

32 or 93, or the braking device 52 or the interrupter shown in Figures 16 and '17 or 18, 19 and as the case may be. The interrupters in Figures 16 and 17 and 18, 19 and 20 will now be described.

Since many of the parts shown in Figures 16 and 17 are similar to or identical to parts shown in Figures 9, 10, 11 and 12, such parts shown in Figures 16 and 17 shall bear the same reference characters with the small letter d aflixed thereto.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 16 Patent No. 2,431,726 issued December 2,' 1947. In Figure 16, the source of suction is shown diagrammatically and indicated at 106.

In this instance, the pneumatic relay is in the form of a housing including outer and inner cup-like members 110, 111 whose flanged proximal surfaces are secured to opposed sides of a flexible diaphragm 112. The interrupter element 93d is in the form of a piston rod mounted for axial movement in a projection 113 formed integral with the member 111 and having its inner end suitably attached to the central portion of the diaphragm 112.

A conduit or pipe 115 extends from the suction source 106 and is communicatively connected to the cup-like member 11 1 of the diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay 105. The diaphragm assembly 105-is suitably attached to the ring rail 10d as by a bracket 116. One end of a conduit or pipe 117 is also communicatively connected to the cup-like member '111 and extends through the ring rail 10d and its other end is open to form an orifice 120 therein which is adapted to, at times, be closed or restricted by a valve member 121 which is shown in Figures 16 and 17 as being attached to the outer end of the adjustment screws 67d carried by the actuator 26:1. The valve member 121 is preferably made from a cushion material such as rubber, leather, felt or the like.

Now, assuming that the diameter of the package Pd is less than the maximum desired diameter, as shown in Figure 16, it is apparent that the actuator 26d then occupies inward position so the valve member 120 is spaced from the orifice 120 sumciently to permit air to enter the conduit 117 so the negative pressure developed by the suction source 106 will be ineffective to impart movement to the diaphragm 112, with the result that the diaphragm will occupy relaxed position. While the diaphragm is in relaxed position, it is apparent that the interrupter element 93d would then occupy withdrawn or inoperative position as shown in Figure 16.

On the other hand, when the package Pd has been built up to the desired diameter and imparts outward movement to the actuator 26d as shown in Figure 17, the valve member 120 is moved toward or against the orifice 120 to close or restrict the same and to thereby increase the pressure in the cup-like member 111 of the diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay 105. It is apparent that the negative pressure then created in the cup-like member 111 will cause the diaphragm 112 to move toward the ring 14a, or to substantially the position shown in Figure 17, to thereby move the interrupter element 93d into the path of travel of the traveler 15d or the path of the yarn Yd.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 18 through 20, a diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay is also used for imparting movement to the corresponding interrupter element and, as a matter of fact, the diaphragm assembly 105 of Figures 16 and 17 may be interchanged with the diaphragm assembly shown in Figures 18 to 20, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Also, in the form of the invention shown in Figures 18 through 20, the actuator is omitted. However, since many of the parts in Figures 18 through 20 are similar to parts shown in Figures 16 and 17, the same numerals shall apply to like parts shown in Figures 18 through 20 with the small letter 2 substituted for the small letter d.

The diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay in Figures 18 through 20 is broadly designated at 125 and actually functions in substantially the same manner as the diaphragm assembly 105, but is so designed as to reduce friction between relatively movable parts thereof as compared to the relatively movable parts of the diaphragm assembly 105 shown in Figures 16 and 17. The diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay 125 comprises a cup-like member or housing 126 to which one end of a pipe or. conduit '127 is communicatively connected, the other end of the conduit 127 being connected to a suitable source of suction shown diagrammatically at 130. Here again, the suction source 130 may be embodied in a suction type clearer mechanism as heretofore described. The flanged outer end of the cup-like member 126 also has a flexible diaphragm 131 secured thereto, as by means of a ring or open disk 132 and screws or rivets 133. The ring 132 has a bracket 134 suitably secured thereto or formed integral therewith for securing the diaphragm assembly or pneumatic relay 125 to the ring rail a.

A rod 136 is attached to the central portion of the flexible diaphragm 13 1 and extends outwardly therefrom, through the ring 132 and has the outer transverse portion of a substantially rectangular yoke 137 suitably attached thereto. The yoke 137 is of sufficient size to encompass the diaphragm assembly 125, and its inner transverse portion has a relatively small projection 140 thereon which serves as an interrupter element. The interrupter element 140 is guided upon or in the bifurcated upper end of a guide post 141 for which a screw eye may be substituted, if desired. The guide post 141 is disposed closely adjacent the path of travel of the traveler 15e and is suitably connected to the flange 16s of the ring holder 13e, as by being threaded thereinto.

The cup-like member 126 of the diaphragm assembly 125 also has one end of a conduit or pipe 143 communicatively connected thereto and extending downwardly through the ring rail 10e, but, instead of the free end of the conduit 143 terminating short of the ring holder 13e in the manner of the conduit 117 in Figures 16 and 17, the conduit 143 extends through the reduced annular portion Me of the ring holder 13a to form an orifice 144 communicating with the interior of the annular ring holder 13e. Although it may not be necessary in some instances, the inner surface of the annular portion 12:: of the ring holder 13:: is provided with a projection 145 forming the orifice 144 with which the free end of the conduit 143 communicates. The projection 145 is provided in order that the traveler 15e will not be engaged by the periphery of the package Pe before the package Pe has built up to a sufficient size to close or substantially restrict the orifice 144.

It is apparent that, when the diameter of the package Pe is less than the desired maximum diameter to be obtained, the orifice 144 remains open so as to prevent the creation of negative pressure between the diaphragm 131 and the cup-like member 126 and so the diaphragm 131 will then remain'in relaxed position and the interrupter element 140 will remain in withdrawn or inoperative position. However, when the diameter of the package Pe has increased to where the periphery of the package Pe will close or substantially restrict the orifice 144, it is apparent that the suction source 130 will then create a negative pressure within the cup-like member 126 to cause the diaphragm 131 to move inwardly substantially as shown in Figure and to thereby move the interrupter element 140 into the path of travel of the traveler 15e and/or the yarn Ye. Thus, the yarn package Pe directly controls the size of the orifice 144 in the air intake pipe or conduit 143 shown in Figures 18 and 20, thereby eliminating the need for an actuator having a valve member thereon such as is used in the form of the invention shown in Figures 16 and 17.

It is thus seen that I have provided various forms of novel means for predetermining the maximum diameter of yarn packages being wound under control of the diameter of the yarn packages themselves; such control serving to part the yarn by moving an interrupter element into the path of travel of a traveler or of yarn passing through or directed to the traveler, or by stopping rotation of a yarn package from which yarn is being pulled in its course to the package of yarn being formed, or by actuating an electrical circuit to a warning signal,

10 an electrical stop motion or any other desired type of electrical device.

Although the invention has been described as particularly adapted to be associated with textile machinery, such as spinning frames, twisters and the like, it is apparent that the invention can be readily applied to con trol the winding of strand material such as ropes, electrical conductors, etc. and web material, such as tape or the like, wherein it is desirable that the amount or length of material wound into a package be predetermined.

The present invention, as embodied in the various forms disclosed herein, is particularly advantageous when used with spinning or twisting machines equipped with a builder motion so constructed as to permit continuous uninterrupted operation of a spinning machine or twister machine while permitting the dofling and donning of bobbins from a given machine at any desired intervals independently of each other without stopping the machine. A builder motion of the character last described forms a part of my separate application Serial No. 577,722 filed April 12, 1956 and entitled Method and Means for Producing Tapered Yarn Packages.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A package size control device for controlling the size of yarn packages on a yarn spinning or twisting machine having a plurality of rotatable bobbins, a ring encircling each bobbin, a traveler mounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin, said control device comprising detecting means positioned adjacent each of said bobbins to detect the winding of a predetermined amount of yarn on said bobbin, and means operable in response to said detecting means for parting the yarn at a point between said source and said bobbin.

2. In a machine of the character having rotatable bobbins, a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail and encircling each bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a traveler mounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin and said ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combination of an actuator loosely positioned in said opening, means resiliently urging said actuator,'at least in part, inwardly of the inner periphery of the ring holder whereby, upon a bobbin becoming filled with yarn, the periphery of the yarn on the bobbin engages and nnparts outward movement to the actuator, a solenoid, a normally open switch interposed in an electrical circuit to the solenoid, means carried by the actuator and engageable with said switch for closing the same upon outward movement of said actuator to thereby energize said solenoid, means supporting said solenoid adjacent the ring, said solenoid including a solenoid plunger, an interrupter element carried by said plunger and normally urged to retracted position relative to the ring and disposed on a level substantially the same as that of the upper surface of the ring, and energization of said solenoid causing said plunger to move the interrupter element into the path of the traveler on the corresponding ring.

3. In a machine of the character having rotatable yamreceiving bobbins, a source of yarn including a freely rotating creel bobbin rotated by the pull of the yarn therefrom, a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail and encircling each receiving bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a traveler mounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from said source to each receiving bobbin and said ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combination of an actuator loosely positioned in said opening, means resiliently urging said actuator inwardly of the inner periphery of the ring holder whereby, upon a receiving bobbin becoming filled with yarn, the periphery of the yarn on the bobbin imparts outward movement to the actuator, a solenoid, a normally opened switch interposed in an electrical circuit to the solenoid, means carried by the actuator and engageable with said switch for closing the same upon outward movement of said actuator to thereby energize said solenoid, means supporting 'said solenoid adjacent said creel bobbin, a pivoted arm having a braking surface thereon normally spaced from and adjacent to the base of the corresponding creel bobbin, a plunger in said solenoid, means connecting the solenoid plunger with said arm, and said solenoid plunger being adapted to impart movement to the arm to move the braking surface into engagement with said creel bobbin upon energization of the solenoid to thereby stop rotation of the creel bobbin to cause breaking of the yarn as it is withdrawn therefrom.

4. In a machine of the characterhaving rotatable bobbins, a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail and encircling each bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a traveler mounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin and said ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combination of an actuator positioned in said opening and normally biased inwardly at an angle to the periphery of the corresponding bobbin, an interrupter normally spaced adjacent the upper surface of said ring and out of the path of the traveler, fluid-pressure-actuated means for moving said interrupter into the path of said traveler, and means to render said fluid pressure-actuated means operative with outward movement of said actuator as eflected by the diameter of the yarn on the corresponding bobbin becoming suflicient to substantially engage the corresponding actuator.

5. In a machine of the character having rotatable bobbins, a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ring holders mounted in the ring rail and encircling each bobbin, a ring carried by each ring holder, a traveler mounted upon each ring for guiding yarn from a source to each bobbin'and said ring holder having an opening in one side thereof; the combination of an actuator positioned in said opening, means normally urging at least a part of the actuator inwardly of the inner periphery of the ring holder, a diaphragm assembly fixed to the ring rail adjacent the corresponding ring holder, said diaphragm assembly including a housing, a flexible diaphragm positioned in a medial portion of said housing, a rod connected to the central portion of said diaphragm, an interrupter element connected with said rod and normally disposed adjacent the path of the traveler on the corresponding ring when the diaphragm is in relaxed position, a first conduit connected to said housing and leading to a source of suction, a second conduit connected to said housing and having its free end forming an orifice adjacent said actuator whereby air normally enters said orifice and said housing to prevent creation of negative pressure in said housing, and a valve member carriedby said actuator and movable into engagement with the free 12 end of the second conduit when the amount of yarn fed onto the bobbin is sufficient to impart outward movement to said actuator whereby negative pressure is then created in said housing to cause the diaphragm to move in the corresponding direction to, in turn, move the interrupter element into the path of said traveler.

6. A structure according to claim 5 wherein said interrupter element is formed as part of said rod and wherein said rod loosely penetrates said housing at the side thereof remote from the diaphragm relative to said conduits.

7. A structure according to claim 5 wherein said interrupter element is in the form of a pin, a substantially rectangular yoke to which said pin is connected, said yoke loosely encompassing the housing of said diaphragm assembly, and means connecting the end of the rod remote from said diaphragm to the rectangular yoke at a point substantially opposite from the point thereof from which the pin extends.

8. In a machine for winding yarn onto substantially upright bobbins, said machine having a vertically reciprocable ring rail, ring holders positioned in said ring rail and encircling said bobbins, a ring carried by each ring holder, and a traveler mounted on each ring and through which the corresponding yarn passes in its course to the corresponding bobbin; the combination of an interrupter element normally spaced adjacent the path of travel of the traveler on each of said rings, a housing, a flexible diaphragm positioned in said housing, a rod connected to said diaphragm, means connecting the interrupter element to said rod, a first conduit connected to said housing and leading to a source of suction, a second conduit connected to said housing and leading therefrom to the ring holder and communicating with the interior of the ring holder to form an orifice thereat, and the yarn on the bobbin, upon being built up to a predetermined diameter, serving substantially to close the orifice whereby the source of suction creates negative pressure in the housing to flex the diaphragm and thereby move the interrupter element into the path of travel of the traveler on the corresponding ring to part the yarn.

9. The method of controlling the size of yarn packages in a yarn spinning or twisting machine which comprises passing yarn through a ring traveler on a ring in its course from a source to a rotating bobbin, automatically detecting the winding of a predetermined amount of yarn on said bobbin, and automatically parting said yarn at a point between said source and said bobbin in response to such detection.

References Cited in the'file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS