US3350069A - Method and apparatus for mixing dissimilar types of fibers - Google Patents

Description

0t.31,1967 G, SHAW ETAL 3,350,069

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILARTYPES OF FIBERS MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1967 G. SHAW ETAL 3,350,069

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIBERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29, 1964 `nvvmvToRs GILBERT SHAW CHARLES H. ANDI-:RsowfJ BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8: PINE ATTORNEYS Oct. 3l, 1967 G. SHAW ETAL 3,350,069

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIB Filed Dec. 29, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I NVENTORS /Z MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8x PINE ATTORNEYS i GILBERT S W Y CHARLES H. ANDE N,Jr.

G. SHAW ETAL.

oct. 3,1, 1967 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIX-ING DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIBERS 5 SheetsSheet 4 Filed Dec. 29, 1964 INVENTORS GILBERT SHAW CHARLES H. ANDERSONJr.

- BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8x PINE ATTORNEYS Oct. 31, 1967 G. SHAW ETAL 3,350,059

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES OE FIBERS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 `Filed Dec.

FIG. 9

INVENTORS GILBERT SHAW CHARLES H. ANDERSOMJYl E m D 8 M A H R U D N, A G E N m F Y B N A G R O M ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,350,069 ME'I'HGD AND APPARATUS FOR MIXING DISSIMILAR TYPES F FIBERS Gilbert Shaw, Middlebury, Vt. 05753, and Charles H. Anderson, Jr., Shorllam, Vt.; said Anderson assignor to said Shaw Filed Dec. 29, 1964, Ser. No. 421,938 15 Claims. (Cl. 259-54) This invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for mixing dissimilar types of fibers. By dissimilar types of fibers is meant the fibers have at least one differing characteristic; for example, color, size, shape, chemical composition, and so forth.

More particularly, this invention relates to a technique for treating a bundle of at least two dissimilar types of fibers arranged, side-by-side, in a random distribution over the cross-sectional area of said bundle, to obtain a more uniform distribution of said dissimilar types of fibers over said cross-sectional area.

In many applications, it is often desirable to use a combination of fibers of differing characteristics. For example, in the brush industry, in producing a multi-color brush, a combination of fibers of different colors is employed. O-bviously, for .appearance sake, it is desirable that the multicolor bundle of fibers used in the brush generally have a uniform distribution of the different colored fibers over the cross-sectional area of said bundle. In like manner, for economic reasons, it is often desir-able to blend expensive, high-performance fibers with less expensive, lower-performance fibers. lIn such instance, in order that the bundle of fibers of the brush exhibit good overall performance 'and balance of properties, it is important that a generally uniform distribution of the more expensive fibers with the less expensive fibers over the cross-sectional -area of said bundle is obtained.

Prior to this invention, the techniques employed for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over a cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers have been cumbersome, time-consuming and costly.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom or may be learned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and attained by means of the steps, methods, combinations and improvements discussed herein.

The invention consists in the novel steps, methods,

combinations and improvements herein shown and described. Y

An object of this invention is to provide an improved method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over'the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers, comprising said dissimilar types of fibers arranged side-'by-side, in a random distribution over said cross-sectional area.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of vertically disposed fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers containing dissimilar types of fibers in a simple, efficient and relatively inexpensive manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for carrying ont intimate mixing of fibers of differing characteristics in an effective, simple and inexpensive manner.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel method for mixing a plurality of elongated, vertically disposed fibers of differing characteristics.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide a novel method for mixing cut lengths of synthetic fibers, particularly useful as brush fibers, to obtain blends of fibers'of differing characteristics; for example,l color,

chemical composition, lengths, diameters, forth.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide an improved method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of cut length synthetic fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers comprising sets of cut length fibers of dissimilar types.

A further object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for carrying out the methods mentioned in the foregoing objects.

In general, it has been found that one may obtain a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area of -a bundle of fibers containing the same, by imparting to at least some of the fibers of said bundle, 'along the length of the fibers, tangential forces in planes transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers. The aforementioned tangential forces may be referred to as tangential defiecting forces. This force causes translation of said fibers in said transverse planes and rotation of said fibers about their longitudinal axes.

A particularly useful technique for carrying out the method of this invention comprises the following steps:

(a) Supporting a bundle of at least two dissimilar types of fibers on end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally upright position;

(b) Imparting gyratory motion in the cross-sectional plane of said bundle, to at least some of said members; and

(c) Causing at least some of said members in gyratory motion to be deflected intermittently from one path of gyration into another vby intermittently imparting a tangential deffecting force to said members in their plane of gyration.

Specific apparatus that may be used for carrying out the aforedescribed technique comprises bin means adapted to support a bundle of fibers in vertically-disposed position; means for imparting to said bin means movement in a gyratory path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers when supported in said bin, and an elongated mixer means disposed above said bin means and adapted to be disposed among fibers supported in the bin in parallel relationship thereto said mixer means being in a fixed position when disposed among the fibers.

In employing the above mentioned apparatus in carrying ont the method of this invention, the elongated mixer means is disposed among the bundle of fibers supported in the bin with the fibers in the bin loosely confined and in a generally upright position. There is imparted to the bin, by means of the bin supporting means, movement in a gyratory path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal -axes of the fibers supported in the bin. This movement results in imparting gyratory motion in a -cross sectional plane of the bundle of fibers as they are supported in the bin.

Since the elongated mixer means is stationary, while the fibers are caused to move in a gyratory path, as mentioned above, there is also relative movement of the fibers with respect to the elongated mixer means. As certain of the moving fibers strike against the elongated stationary mixer means, there is imparted thereto a tangential defiecting force in their plane of gyration. This causes the fibers to which the tangential force is applied to be defiected intermittently from one path of gyration into another. As indicated heretofore, as the deflecting tangential force is applied to the fibers, translation of the fibers in planes transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers occurs, as well as rotation of the fibersabout their longitudinal axes.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the field, from the detailed description of the blender embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the means for imshapes, and so parting movement to the bin in a gyratory path includes support means below the bin to which the bin is xedly mounted and means, including lever means in association with ypower means, for imparting to the bin sup porting means, simultaneous linear motions in directions transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers and at right angles to each other. The result of the simultaneous linear motions which are imparted to the bin is that the movement of the bin creates a pattern of motion whose path may be generally described as being elliptical.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention referred to above, the gyratory motion imparted to the bin is circular in nature as the bin moves in a generally elliptical path. It should be understood, however, that the present invention includes modifications of the preferred embodiment wherein gyratory motion is such that the bin moves in a path other than elliptical, such, for example, wherein a curvilinear motion is imparted to the bin such that the bin moves in a circular path; or wherein the gyratory motion imparted to the bin is rectilinear in nature so that the bin moves in a generally rectangular path; or wherein the gyratory motion to the bin is of a random nature so that the lbin moves in an odd-shaped path.

As an alternative modification to the embodiment mentioned above and described hereinafter in detail, instead of imparting gyratory motion to the bin while keeping the elongated mixer means stationary, one may impart a tangential defiecting force to the fibers `by causing the elongated mixer means to move in a gyratory path while maintaining the liber-supporting bin stationary.

The embodiment of the invention will become more clear by discussing the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIGURE 1 there is shown a front elevation view of the preferred blender of this invention. As will be readily apparent from the detailed description of the blender, it comprises a bin for supporting a bundle of fibers, support means 'below the bin for supporting the bin means, including lever means and power means, for imparting gyratory motion to the bin support means transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers supported in said bin, and an elongated mixer means disposed -above said lbin which is adapted to be disposed among the fibers supported in the bin in parallel relationship thereto.

FIGURE 2 is a plane view of the blender of FIGURE 1 taken along the lines 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an elevational fragmentary view taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2 illustrating the unit used in effecting linear movement of the bin supporting means in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the fiber-supporting bin and the bin supporting means.

FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of the elongated mixer means in the forrn of a plurality of rows of pins; a support for the mixer means, the fiber-supporting bin, and the means for supporting said bin.

FIGURE 6 is an isometric view of the power drive system used in conjunction with lever means for imparting simultaneous motions to the bin supporting means in directions at right angles to each other whereby the bin, fixedly supported on said supporting means gyrates in an elliptical path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of fibers vertically disposed in said bin.

FIGURES 7 and 8 are plane View of lever systems use'd in conjunction with the power drive units for imparting linear movements to the -bin supporting means in directions at right angles to each other.

FIGURE 9 is a schematic view showing the displacement of the bin supporting means in both linear directions, the result of which is a path of motion which may be generally described as elliptical.

FIGURES 10-14 are schematic views illustrating the movement of fibers as they are subjected to a tangential deflection force in accordance with the principles of this invention.

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in order to describe in detail the blender of FIGURES 1-8.

As best shown in FIGURES 1 and 5 the blender is comprised of la framework 8 formed preferably of angleshaped members including four upright corner members 10, 12, 14, 16, four horizontal top members 18, 20, 22, 24 and intermediate horizontal braces 26, 28, 30 and 32.

M z'xer head and elongated mixer means As shown in FIGURES 1 and 5, fixed to frame members 24 and 30 between sides 18 and 22 is a vertical, preferably square support 34 which projects upwardly from framework 8. Slidably mounted on support 34 for vertical movement relative to the top of framework 8 is a mixing pin head 36 to which is fixed elongated mixer means in the form of a plurality of spaced mixing lpins 38. Pins 38 depend downwardly from head 36 toward the top of framework 8 and are preferably evenly spaced apart and in equally-spaced rows on head 36. In the preferred embodiment, head 36, as viewed from the front of the machine, includes three rows of seven evenlyspaced pins 38 in each row.

Head 36 is fixed by means of rod 39 to a collar 40 slidably carried on support 34. Thumbscrews 42 are adapted to secure collar 40 and head 36 in any selected position along support 34.

Bin supporting means As shown in FIGURE 5, co-operating with pin head 36 is a fiber support table, designated generally 44 which includes a bottom plate 46, a fixed endv plate 48, adjacent side member 22 and a pivotable end plate 50 adjacent side 18. As will be readily apparent from the discussion which follows hereinlater, table 44 is an important element of the means for supporting bins which support bundles of fibers on end in a generally upright position. To mount plate 50, bottom plate 46 includes a pair of spaced extensions 52 and 54 at each side thereof, while side plate 50 has formed thereof spaced legs 56 and 58. A pivot rod 60 rotatably carried in extensions 52 and 54, is secured at the ends thereof to legs 56 and 58, thus pivotally secu-ring plate 50 to bottom plate 46.

Fixed to plate 50 `and forming a part thereof are spaced upright plates 62, 64, 66 and 68 connected by crosspiece 70. Plates 62 and 64 co-operate with spaced grooves 72 and 74 on end plate 48 to define one fiber mixing zone A; plates 64 and 66 co-operate with spaced grooves 76 and 78 to define a second fiber mixing zone B while plates 66 and 68 co-operate with grooves 80 and 82 to define a third fiber mixing zone C. Zones A, B and C correspond to the number of rows of mixing pins 38.

Bin means Containers for the cut fibers are generally channelshaped with one end open. Preferably, the containers include a bottom 84, and an end 86 and sides 88 and 90 are adapted to hold the fibers to be mixed in a generally vertical position with the longitudinal axes of the elongated fibers disposed in parallel relationship relative to pins 38 when the containers are in operative position on table 44. In the position on table 44, each container which contains a bundle of at least two dissimilar type of fibers, is located in an associated mixing zone A, B, and C with end plate 86 thereof against plate 50 and between associated plates 62-64; 64-66; or 66-68. The leading edges 89 and 91 of sides 88 and 90, respectively, are disposed in associated grooves 72-74; 76-78; or 80-82, depending on the mixing zones. Thus the containers are securely held in .position on table 44. j

It will be understood that plate 50 and its associated members are pivotally mounted to plate 46 to facilitate the loading and unloading of containers on table 44.

As shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, to maintain plate 50 in operative upright position, there is provided a spring member 92 anchored at one end to fixed end plate 48. The other end of spring 92 is removably secured to an anchor 94 on plate 50 resiliently urging plate 50 into operative upright position.

From the above description it is seen that the position of plate 48 in association with each container and the plates of each container, which enclose a bundle of fibers, forms fiber-supporting bin means for supporting a bundle of at least two dissimilar types of fibers at one end with the fibers loosely confined in a generally upright position. In the particular embodiment illustrated, three bin means, or bins, are provided for supporting three bundles of fibers, each bundle having at least two dissimilar types of fibers.

Means for imparting gyratory motion to bin supporting means As best shown in FIGURES 2 and 8, table 44 is mounted for simultaneous reciprocating movement in linear directions of arrows A and B, FIGURES 2 and 8. To adapt table 44 for such movement, bottom plate 46 is provided with depending flanges 96 and 98 at each side thereof adjacent top frame members 18 and 22, respectively. Fixed to flange 96 is a mounting plate 100 while a second mounting plate 102 is secured to flange 98. A pair of spaced support shafts 104 and 106 are suitably mounted at each end in plates 100 and 102, flanges 96 and 98.

As shown in FIGURES 2, 7 and 8, intermediate their ends, shafts 104 and 106 pass axially through associated sleeves 108 and 110, respectively, which are preferably bronze-lined to slidably accommodate shafts 104 and 106 therein. Sleeves 108 and 110 are fixed to the top face 112 of a plate 114 disposed between fianges 96 and 98 beneath bottom plate 46, and adapts -table 44 for movement in the linear direction of arrows B (see FIGURES 2 and 8).

As shown in FIGURE 2, plate 114 is provided with a rotatable roller element 116, 118, 120 and 122 at each corner thereof. Rollers 116 and 118 are adapted for travel in a roller track 124 while rollers 120 and 122 are adapted to travel in roller track 126. Tracks 124 and 126, preferably channel-shaped, are mounted in spaced relationship with one end of each track fixed to frame member 24 while the other end of each track is secured to a frame cross-member 128 intermediate and parallel to top frame members 20 and 24.

As best shown in FIGURE 6, to move rollers 116-122 back and forth in their associated tracks 124 and 126 motivating table 44 in the direction of arrow B, plate 114 is provided with a hub member 130 pivotally carrying a transverse shaft member 132. One end 134 .of a crank arm 136 is pivotally secured to the projecting end 138 of shaft 132. The other end of crank arm 136 is fixed to and rotatable with a circular crank cam 140 mounted on one end of a crank shaft 142.

It will be understood that clockwise rotation of cam 140 causes rod 136 to Vreciprocate back and forth, thus moving plate 114 and its associated elements back and forth in the direction of arrow B, FIGURE 8.

To adapt table 44 for movement in the direction of arrow (see FIGURES 7 and 8), plate 100 has fixed thereto a block 144 which rotatably carries a downwardly depending shaft 146 on the end .of which is mounted a roller 148 (see FIGURE 3). Roller 148 rides in an accommodating slot 150 in the end 152 of a pivoting rod 154. The other end 156 -of rod 154 is rotatably mounted on a pivot pin 160 and rests on a bearing block 158 on frame member 18 adjacent frame member 20 (see FIGURE 1).

As shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, rod 154 is also pivotally secured adjacent its midpoint to one end of an operating bar 162 and is seated adjacent thereto on a second bearing block 164 on frame member 18. The .other end 166 of bar 162 is eccentrically pinned lby pin 168 to a rotating eccentric 170, secured off-center to the output of gear reducer 172.

In FIGURES 1 and 8 rotation of the output shaft 200 of gear reducer 172 in turn rotates eccentric 170. Eccentric rotation of member in turn moves operating bar 162 back and forth, pivoting rod 154 about pin 160 in the direction of the arrows (see FIGURE 8). With roller 148 riding in slot 150, rotation of rod 154 back and forth about pin 160 moves table 44 back and forth in the direction of arrows A (see FIGURES 7 and S). It will be understood that while rod 154 actually is pivoted in an arcuate path, the amount of movement of end 152 is comparatively small compared to the length .of rod 154. In addition, since rod 154 is relatively long, the movement of end 152 thereof is essentially linear. Thus table 44 is adapted to travel in the direction of arrows A substantially transverse to its direction of travel indicated by arrows B. However, it should be understood that simultaneous movement in the directions of arrows A and B results in a path of motion which may be generally described as elliptical.

Power means To travel table 44 back and forth in the directions of arrows A and B, there is provided a source of power such as electric drive motor 174 connected to a suitable source of electrical power (see FIGURES 1 and 6). Output shaft 176 of motor 174 is provided with a pulley or sheave 178 around which is trained an endless belt 180. The other end of belt 180 passes around a second pulley 182 fixed to the end of the input shaft 184 of gear reducer 186 which preferably has a 6:1 reduction ratio. Output shaft 188 of gear reducer 186 has mounted thereon a sprocket 190 about which is trained an endless drive chain 192. The other end of chain 192 passes around a second sprocket 194 fixed to the free end of input shaft 196 of a second grear reducer 172 which preferably has a 200:1 reduction ratio and whose output shaft 200 eccentrically supports member 170 to effect rotation of rod 154 as described hereinabove. To provide for adjustment of the tension in chain 192, there is furnished a tensioning sprocket 193 pivotally carried in engagement with chainV 192 on the end of a pivotable lever arm 195 secured to the machine frame.

Also mounted on shaft 188 in common with sprocket 190 is a second sprocket 202. Endless chain 204 is trained around sprocket 202 and also passes around a second sprocket 206 fixed to the end of cam shaft 142 remote from cam 140 thereon. Shaft 142 is rotatably supported intermediate its ends in a suitable Ibearing housing 208 mounted on a support plate 210 (see FIGURE 2) fixed as by welding to frame members 20 and 128.

In operation, energization of motor 174, rotates output shaft 176 thereof traveling belt 180 about rotating pulleys 178 and 182. This in turn rotates shaft 184 of reducer 186 to `drive output shaft 188 thereof. As shaft 188 rotates, chains 192 and 204 are likewise driven through their respective sprockets 190 and 202 to rotate sprockets 194 and 206 associated therewith.

Rotation of sprocket 194 and its related shaft 196 in turn rotates shaft 200 to revolve member 170, thus pivoting rod 154 about pivot pin 160 moving table 44 back and forth in the direction of arrows A, FIGURES 7 and 8.

Simultaneously, rotation of sprocket v206 and its related shaft 142 effects rotation of cam 140, moving crank arm 136 back and forth, travelling table 44 back and forth, in the direction of arrows B, FIGURE 8.

A diagram showing the limits of cross-linear movements of table 44 in the directions of arrows A and arrows B is shown in FIGURE 9. As will thus be seen, the resultant path of movement generally describes an ellipisis.

7 Mode of operation In obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of bers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers the following operation is used, employing the apparatus of FIGURES 1- 8.

It should be understood that the particular embodiments showed permits improving uniform distribution with three bundles of fibers, each bundle having at least two dissimilar types of fibers. Of course, modifications may be made to accommodate a single bundle, or any reasonable number of bundles, depending upon the available bin space.

Looking at FIGURE 5, three bundles of fibers are supported on one end in a generally upright position in mixing zones A, B and C, respectively. Pin head 36 is lowered so that the three rows of pins 38, respectively, are disposed among the fibers in mixing zones A, B and C, respectively, said pins being parallel to the vertically disposed fibers.

In the manner described hereinabove, Table 44 is simultaneously subjected to linear directions A and B (see FIGURE 2). This results in imparting to said table (and to the bin and fibers contained therein) gyratory movement in an elliptical path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers. As the gyrating fibers contact the fixed pins, there is intermittently imparted to said fibers a tangential defiecting force in the -plane of gyration. This causes the fibers subjected to such defiecting forces to deect intermittently from one path of gyration into another.

FIGURES -14 illustrate schematic-ally the relative movement of the fibers A, B, C and D with respect to a mixing pin 38 when subjected to the method of this invention. The arrow in the center of the mixing pin 38 describes an arc in conformance with the combination of the simultaneous linear movements of the fibers resulting in gyratory movement thereof in the manner described hereinabove in detail.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific steps, methods, combinations and improvements described but departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of this invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages. For example, the principles of this invention include imparting a reciprocating motion to the bundle of fibers instead of a gyratory motion, although the efficiency of mixing is much less effective than when a gyratory motion is imparted to the fibers.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers containing the same, comprising: supporting the bundle of fibers at one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally upright condition; land, imparting to the fibers, along the length thereof, tangential forces in planes transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers while maintaining the fibers so confined, to thereby obtain a more uniform distribution of the dissimilar types of fibers.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the fibers are cut to length synthetic fibers.

3. A method for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers containing the same, comprising: supporting the bundle of fibers at one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally upright position; imparting gyratory motion in a cross-sectional plane of said bundle to said fibers while maintaining the fibers so confined, and, causing at least some of said loosely confined fibers in gyratory motion to be defiected intermittently from one path of gyration into another by intermittently imparting a tangential deliccting force to said gyrating fibers in their plane of gyration, to there- 8 by obtain a more uniform distribution of the dissimilar types of fibers.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the fibers are cut to length synthetic fibers.

5. A method according to claim 3 wherein gyratory motion is imparted to said fibers by subjecting the fibers to simultaneous linear motions in directions transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers and at right angles to each other.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the fibers in gyratory motion are caused to be defiected by contact with an elongated rigid mixer member disposed among the fibers which imparts the tangential force to said gyrating fibers in their plane of gyration.

7. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers containing the same, comprising: means for supporting a bundle of fibers at one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally upright position; and means for imparting to the fibers, along the length thereof, tangential forces in planes transverse to the longitudinaly axes of the fibers while the fibers are maintained in said supporting and confining means, to thereby obtain a more uniform distribution of the dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional -area thereof.

8. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers containing the same, comprising: means for supporting a bundle of fibers at one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally upright position; means for imparting gyratory motion in a cross-sectional plane of said bundle, to at least some of the fibers; and, means for causing at least some of the fibers in gyratory motion to be defiected intermittently from one path `of gyration into another, including means for imparting a tangential defiecting force to the gyrating fibers in their plane of gyration.

9. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area lof a bundle of fibers containing the same comprising: bin means for supporting ya bundle of fibers at one end with the fibers thereof loosely confined in a generally upright position, means for imparting to said bin means movement in a gyratory path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of fibers vertically disposed in said bin, and an elongated mixer means disposed above said bin means and adapted to be disposed among vertically disposed fibers supported in the bin in parallel relationship thereto, said mixer means being in a fixed position when disposed among the fibers.

10. A blender according to claim 9 wherein the elongated mixer means comprises: a plurality of spaced mixing pins supported by a pin head and depending downwardly therefrom.

11. A blender according to claim 9 wherein the bin means includes a container adapted to support fibers in vertically disposed position, said container having one end open and comprising: a bottom, opposing sides and an end position extending vertically from said bottom, the free edges of said side portions being disposed in associated grooves in a vertical plate poistioned opposite the vertical end position of the container.

12. A blender according to claim 11 wherein the bin means includes a plurality of spaced containers, and wherein the vertical plate, in whose grooves the free edges of each side portion is disposed, firmly maintains the containers in a fixed position.

13. A blender for obtaining a more uniform distribution of dissimilar types of fibers over the cross-sectional area of a bundle of fibers comprising: bin means for supporting a plurality, horizontally spaced, of bundles of fibers at one end with the fibers of each bundle loosely confined in a generally upright position, each of said bundles being confined in a bin including a container having one end open and comprising a bottom, opposing sides and end portion extending vertically from said bottom, the free edges of the side portions of each container being disposed in associated grooves in a common vertical plate, and means for imparting to said bin means movement in a gyratory path in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axes of fibers vertically disposed in said bin means, to thereby obtain a more uniform distribution of the dissimilar types of bers therein.

14. A blender according to claim 13 wherein the bin means is supported by means including table means positioned beneath said bin means and connected thereto, and said means for imparting gyratory movement to said bin means including means for causing simultaneous linear movement of said table in directions transverse to the longitudinal axes of bers supported in said bin means and at right angles to each other, positioned opposite to the vertical end portions of the container; a pin head spaced above said bin means, said pin head having depending therefrom rows of plurality of spaced mixing pins, the number of said rows corresponding to the number of bins of the bin means, each row of pins adapted to be disposed among vertically disposed bers,

supported in the corresponding bin in parallel relationship thereto, said row of pins being in a i'lxed position when disposed among the bers; and, means for imparting to said bin means movement in a gyratory path in a plane of gyration.

15. A blender according to claim 14 wherein the means for causing simultaneous movement of the table in said linear directions is a lever means in association with said table and power means in associations with said lever means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 798,380 8/ 1905 Alexander 300-21 2,643,158 6/1953 Baldanza 300-21 3,136,582 6/1964 Locher et al. 300-19 FOREIGN PATENTS 15,661 5/ 1906 Norway.

i WALTER A. SCHEEL, Primary Examiner.

R. W. JENKINS, Assistant Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. A METHOD FOR OBTAINING A MORE UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIBERS OVER THE CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF A BUNDLE OF FIBERS AT ONE END WITH THE ING: SUPPORTING THE BUNDLE OF FIBERS AT ONE END WITH THE FIBERS THEREOF LOOSELY CONFINED IN A GENERALLY UPRIGHT CONDITION; AND, IMPARTING TO THE FIBERS, ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF, TANGENTIAL FORCES IN PLANES TRANSVERSE TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXES OF THE FIBERS WHILE MAINTAINING THE FIBERS SO CONFINED, TO THEREBY OBTAIN A MORE UNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF THE DISSIMILAR TYPES OF FIBERS.

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