US3678673A

US3678673A - Device for the mass spinning-in of spinning units in spindleless spinning machines

Info

Publication number: US3678673A
Application number: US58228A
Authority: US
Inventors: Miloslav Prochazka; Karel Seidl; Bedrich Cesenek
Original assignee: Elitex Zavody Textilniho
Current assignee: Elitex Zavody Textilniho
Priority date: 1969-08-08
Filing date: 1970-07-27
Publication date: 1972-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-07-25
Also published as: CH517841A; FR2057072A1; DE2036028A1; JPS5035135B1; FR2057072B1; CS154010B1; SU389672A3; GB1294553A

Abstract

A spindleless spinning machine having electrically operable fiber feed, spinning and yarn withdrawing mechanisms. The devices is provided with a primary source of electric current and circuit means for synchronously operating the mechanism. An auxilliary power generator is mechanically connected to the mechanism to produce an electric current independent of the primary source. Means connecting the auxilliary source to the circuit control means to provide power to operate the mechanisms in the absense of the primary source.

Description

United States Patent Prochazka et al.

[54] DEVICE FOR THE MASS SPINNING-IN OF SPINNING UNITS IN SPINDLELESS SPINNING MACHINES [72] lnventors: Miloslav Prochazka, Nachod; Karel Seidl, Cerveny Kostelec; Bedrlch Cesenek, Nachod, all of Czechoslovakia 73] Assignee: Elitex Zavody textilnlho Strojirenstvi, Liberec, Czechoslovakia [22] Filed: July 27, 1970 2] Appl. No.: 58,228

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 8, 1969 Czechoslovakia ..5506-69 [52] US. Cl ..57/58.95, 57/82, 74/661, 318/102 [51] Int. Cl. ..D0lh 1/12 [58] Field of Search ..57/78, 80, 82, 58.89, 58.91, 57/5895; 74/661; 318/102, 106; 187/29 [4 1 July 25, 1972 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,701,033 2/1955 Chiselbrook.... 187/29 3,354,631 1 H1967 Elias et al. ..57/58.95 3,447,298 6/1969 Collins 57/5895 X 3,462,936 8/1969 Boucek et a1. ..57/80 3,511,045 5/1970 Bures et a1. 57/5895 X 3,541,774 11/1970 Sterba et al ..57/78 Primary Examiner-Stanley N. Gilreath Assistant ExaminerWerner H. Schroeder AnorneyRichard Low and Murray Schaffer [5 7] ABSTRACT A spindleless spinning machine having electrically operable fiber feed, spinning and yarn withdrawing mechanisms. The devices is provided with a primary source of electric current and circuit means for synchronously operating the mechanism. An auxilliary power generator is mechanically connected to the mechanism to produce an electric current independent of the primary source. Means connecting the auxilliary source to the circuit control means to provide power to operate the mechanisms in the absense of the primary source.

13 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures Patented July 25, 1972 3,678,673

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS.

MILOS5H W BEDRICH CESENEK KAREL SEIDL w cl gp 'w 15* QTTORNY BACKGROUND OF INVENTION The present invention relates to electrically operated spindleless spinning machines and in particular to apparatus for controlling the operation thereof.

Spindleless spinning machines comprise a frame on which are rotatingly mounted a plurality of dish-like spinning chambers to which a sliver or roving of separated fibers are fed. The separated fibers are twisted by the centrifugal action of the chamber into a yarn which is then withdrawn and reeled onto a bobbin. In order to form and with draw the yarn, the bobbin is provided with a pre-formed length of yarn which is inserted into the spinning chamber at the start of the operation; the spun fibers then adhering thereto. Generally, the spinning chambers are arranged with their axes of rotation horizontal, the sliver roving feed being located below it and the yarn reel bobbin above. During operation, a large quantity of free fiber exists which, when the machine is stopped, as at the end of a days run, or an unexpected power shortage, would fall and foul the machine. Consequently, provision must be made to maintain the run-off of the spinning chamber and the withdrawing of the yarn, after the sliver feed is stopped. Similarly, when the machine is restarted, it is necessary to first start the feed of sliver, so as to fill the spinning chamber to form a continuous yarn with the pre-formed yarn end before the length is reeled on to the bobbin.

It has been common to provide manual controls for operating the roving or sliver feed independently of the spinning and withdrawing mechanism, whereby the feed may be stopped or started earlier than the spinning mechanism. It is obvious, that such controls require a degree of skill on the part of the operator to successfully perform sequential and synchronous opera tion without loss of material, time and unnecessary machine wear. It is also known to provide automatic control means dependent upon the selected arrangement of time relays, timing devices and automatic switch means to provide the necessary synchronous and sequential operation. While such automatic means has improved upon the manual operation, the procedure is dependent upon properly fabricated and timing relays. It is however well known that such relays are adversely affected by changes in temperature and applied voltage so that their operating characteristics vary widely from day to day and in fact from minute to minute. Furthermore the operating characteristics of spindleless spinning machines react to various environmental conditions, as well as to the extent of fouling, tension and other operating factors, which affect the operation of the automatic controls. A third expedient in control systems has been the use of series of cam controlled switches, the cam being driven by the main drive motor in a predetermined time period. This technique also has its disadvantage since the cam control is fixed in its timed relationship and is not readibly adjustable for varying machine conditions.

The greatest disadvantage, however, of the known control systems is that none provide for sequential stopping of the machine elements in the event of a complete. power shortage or power source breakdown. In each of the known systems, the loss of power from the main power supply results in the instantaneous stopping of all portions of the spinning machine, regardless of its state or condition of operation, thus permitting the free fibers to foul the operating parts.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a spindleless spinning machine which overcomes the draw backs of the prior systems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a spindleless spinning machine having a control system which includes means for the sequential starting and stopping of the feed and spinning mechanisms.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a control system for a spindleless spinning machine which includes means for permitting run-off of spinning mechanisms under normal operating conditions and even in the event of a complete power shortage or failure.

These objects as well as others together with numerous advantages will be more fully exemplified in the following disclosure of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to the present invention a spindleless spinning machine is provided having electrically operable fiber feed, spinning and yarn withdrawing mechanisms, a primary source of electric power, and circuit control means for sequentially operating said mechanisms. The machine is provided with an auxiliary source of power mechanically connected to the operating mechanism, itself thereby operated to produce an independent source of electric power, and additional circuit means connecting said independent source to the circuit control system to power the system in the absence of the primary power source.

In the preferred form of the invention the independent source comprises a rotary generator or alternator connected to the rotary spinning chamber. Separate control switch means are also provided for directly controlling the selected sequential operation of the feed and spinning mechanisms.

Full details of the present invention are set forth in the following disclosure of the preferred embodiment in which both the structure and operation will be seen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the disclosure reference is made to the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevation view of a spinning machine embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the mechanical control means employed in the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the control system.

Before turning to the description of the preferred embodiment, it is to be noted that only those details of a conventional spindleless spinning machine are shown in the drawings which are necessary for an understanding of the present invention. Such conventional features, as are omitted, are well known to those skilled in the art and are not shown merely to keep the disclosure as brief and concise as possible. Further the drawings and description show a single spinning unit, and its attendant control mechanism. Each spinning machine comprises a plurality of such units ganged in an appropriate frame. It will be appreciated that the disclosure herein can be multiplied to provide a machine of appropriate and/or desireable size.

schematically shown in FIG. I is a single unit of spindleless yarn forming and spinning machine, having a source 1, such as container, can, bin, or similar receptacle, for a supply of fibrous material 2, preferable in coarse roving form. The roving 2 is pulled from the source 1 by a feed mechanism comprising a tooth like separator 3, through a pair of opposed driven feed rollers 4 and 4a into a rotatable spinning chamber 5. The feed roller 4 is fluted to grasp the roving. The separator 3 separates the roving into discrete slivers which are spun by the centrifugal action of spinning chamber 5 to be withdrawn through a mechanism comprising a channel 6 by a pair of squeeze rollers 66 and 66a in the form of a yarn 7. The yarn 7 is then wound on a bobbin S by being first passed over a receprocating distributor bar and a winding roller 8b.

The machine is provided with a primary source of ordinary line electric current which operates an electric motor 9 which on the one hand drives a transmission comprising gears 10, ll, 12 and 13 to which is secured a ball bearing supported axle shaft 5a on which the spinning chamber 5 is mounted and on the other hand, through a transmission comprising gears 15 and 16, a pair of electromagnetic clutches I7 and 18, a mechanical clutch 19, to the axle shaft 4a of the feed roller 4. The separator tooth wheel is driven by a secondary electric motor 31 to which it is directly coupled.

The withdrawing roller 66 is driven by the primary motor 9 through transmission

chain comprising gears

15, 20, 21 and an electromagnetic clutch 22 connected to the central axis shaft 39 of the roller 66. The winding roller 8b is mounted about an axle shaft 8c which is driven by the primary motor 9 through the transmission chain for the withdrawing roller 66 and agear 27 secured about the shaft 39, an intermediate gear 28 and a gear 29 secured about the shaft 8c. Shaft 8c is provided with an electromagnetic brake 30. The withdrawing roller 66 and the winding roller 8b are rotatable reversible by a magnetic clutch 23 having a shaft, extending through gear 20, to which is secured a gear 24. The gear 24 is operatively trained with

gears

25 and 26, the latter of which is secured about the shaft 39.

An independent power, or current producing mechanism 14 such as a generator, of the DC dynamo or AC alternator type, is mechanically connected to the drive shaft of the gear 12 so as to be rotatable with the spinning chamber to produce an auxiliary source of electric power, on operation of the spinning machine. The generator means includes the necessary rectifying, condensor and other current regulating means conventionally employed. The electrical connection of the generator 14 will be described later when references is made to FIG. 3. I

A lever 32 having a hook or eye 320 at its upper end, through which the spun yarn 7 passes, is pivotally mounted at its lower end 32b to the frame F of the machine. The lever 32 is connected to the clutch 19 which controls the rotation of the feed roller 4. The lever 32 senses the tension of the withdrawn moving yarn 7 and in response thereto pivots to activate or deactivate the mechanical clutch 19. The electromagnetic clutch 18 is adapted to act as an additional brake for the feed roller 4.

The machine is further provided with a reciprocable tie rod 35 controlled by pivotable hand lever 36. The tie rod is mounted in guide channels 35a and is provided at its front end with a head 35b which is adapted to engage the hook 320 of the lever 32. Depending from the middle of the tie rod is a stop member 37. Movement of the hand lever 36 causes the tie rod to position the sensing lever 32 to carry the mechanical clutch 19 into the working position or the inoperative position. The stop member 37, on the other hand, engages the core member of the first control relay 38 connected to the various clutches and brakes, which are controlled thereby.

The control mechanism for the entire machine is contained in housing 34 which as seen in FIG. 2 includes a spiral spur gear 40 which is mounted at the end of the rotating shaft 39, to the far side of the roller 66. The spiral gear 40 meshes with a cooperating gear 41 fixed to shaft 42. The gear 41 has integrally formed therewith or attached thereto a ratchet 41a having a plurality of teeth arranged circumferentially there about. The gear 41 and shaft 42 are normally driven by the spur gear 40 in the counterclockwise direction shown by arrow 8,. Pivotally secured about the shaft 42 is a bell crank lever 43 to which is secured a resilient or spring pawl 44 adapted to engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel 41a. The upper arm of the freely pivoted bell crank 43 abuts against an adjustable stop 45 (such as a screw or other adjustable fixable member), while the lower arm of the bell crank 43 is biased by a spring 46 fixed to the machine frame F, to be thus normally urged counterclockwise.

A reversing lever 47 is pivotably mounted to a bearing post 48 and is arranged to be generally horizontal. The lever 47 is provided with a perpendicularly upwardly directed hooked finger 47a engageable with a cooperating hook on pawl 49, pivoted on a central pin to rotate in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow S The outward end of the lever engages the operating rod of a second control relay 50 to normally maintain it in closed position.

Mounted above the spur gear 40 is a double gear assembly 51 fixedly secured to a shaft 51a; the large gear of which meshes with the spur gear diametrically opposite to the ratchet wheel 41 while the smaller gear meshes with a gear 52 mounted on a connecting frame 53. The connecting frame 53 is pivotably secured at one end to the shaft 51a about which the gear assembly 51 is secured so that the gear 52 can be made to revolve about the axis formed by shaft 51a. The outer end of the connecting frame 53 is connected to the moveable core of an electromagnetic solenoid 54. The assembly gears 51 and the meshing gears 52 rotate in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows S and 8;, respectively.

Below the gear 52 is mounted still another gear 55. Secured, adjustably by conventional screw or key means, about the shaft of the gear 55, is a second bell crank 56, one arm of which is biased counterclockwise by a spring 57a connected to the frame of the machine so that the other arm abuts against an adjustable stop 57. Lastly, a spring 58, biases the core of the solenoid 54 outwardly of the magnetic winding. In normal operation the solenoid is normally activated so that its core is retracted, lifting the connecting frame 53 upwardly maintaining the gear 52 spaced from the gear 55. At a predetermined time during operation the solenoid 54 is deactivated permitting the spring 58 to draw the gear 52 into meshing engagement with the gear 55, thereby linking gear assembly 51 t6 gear 55 to cause it to rotate in the direction of the arrow 8,.

By following the diagram shown in FIG. 3 the operation of the apparatus both from a mechanical and electrical control point of view will be clearly discerned. As seen in FIG. 3 the electric control components include in addition to the mechanism described, a pair of

electromagnetic relays

59 and 60 each having respective normally

open contacts

591 and 601. Also provided is an electromagnetic relay 63 having normally

open contacts

632 and 637 and normally closed

contacts

631, 633 and 635. The second mechanical relay switch 50 has

contacts

501 and 503 which are open and

contacts

502 and 504 which are normally closed. The first mechanical control switch 38 has normally

open contacts

381 and 383 and a normally closed contact 382. A terminal T for the source of current is provided. The current passes through a main switch 69 and a conventional rectifying transformer 61 before connections with the various components. Manually operable, onoff switches 62, 64, 67 and 68 are also provided.

Initially, the electric current passes through the main switch 69 and through the transformer 61 where because of the initial normal condition of relay 63 it activates the brake clutches l8 and 30 (FIG. 1). The clutches 17, 23, 22 (FIG. 1) and solenoid 54 (FIG. 2) remain out of circuit and are unactivated. Upon pressing the push button 62 (FIGS. 1 and 3), relay 63 becomes activated and its contact 637 closed. A holding contact 635 bridges push button 62 maintaining relay 63 activated even on release of the push button. Consequently relay 59 is activated and switched, whereupon the main electric motor 9 (FIG. 1) is started. Simultaneously, the contact 633 switches energizing the electromagnet 54 (FIG. 2), and the contact 632 opens releasing brake l8 permitting the spinning chamber 5 to rotate. Upon pressing the push button 64 (FIG. 1) the relay 60 is switched which being connected to relay 59 through now closed contacts 591 thereby activates the electric motor 31 driving the fiber separating mechanism 3 (FIG. 1). Closing of relay 60 causes contact 601 to close and a signal lamp 65 is lighted, indicating that it is possible to feed sliver and perform the spinning operation.

Thereafter upon pressing, i.e., engaging the end control switch 38 by movement of the hand lever 36 (FIG. 1) in the direction S and retaining the switch 38 in the thus closed position, contact 382 is opened, which thereupon interrupts power to brake 30 and brake 18 since contact 632 had been previously opened.

Contacts

381 and 383 which are simultaneously closed cause clutches l7 and 23 (FIG. 1) to become engaged in a time sequence corresponding to the adjustment of said contacts. Thereupon, the rotary motion of motor 9 is transferred over transmission gears 24, 25, 26, (FIG. 1), to rotate the withdrawing rollers 66 on shaft 39 in a reversed direction to that of the normal withdrawing of yarn. Depending from the bobbin S is a loose end of yarn which is then moved downwardly through the withdrawing channel 6 into the spinning chamber 5 (FIG. 1).

The reverse motion is interrupted by closing the second relay switch 50 in response to the operation of the mechanism shown in FIG. 2. Lever 43, which is entrained by means of ratchet wheel 41, is caused to move in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow S by the reverse rotation of shaft 39. The upper arm of lever 43 thus moves downwardly and engages the end of reversing lever 47 which, by swinging about point 48 is caused to move its opposite outer end upwardly to elevate the control rod of relay 50. The rod causes relay 50 to switch its normal state, thereby opening the contact 502 and disengaging clutch 23 from the reversing

gears

24, 25 and 26. Simultaneously, the contact 504 is opened, disengaging clutch 18 from the circuit of brake and contact 501 is closed, causing clutch 22 to be engaged. Contact 503 is also closed thus causing clutch 17 to also engage (FIG. 1). During this operation, the finger 47a of lever 47 becomes hooked by the rotary pawl 49 retaining the control switch 50in closed condition and the spinning units of the machine performing their normal work as indicated by the condition of the clutches, thus described.

The machine is stopped by means of push button 67 (FIG. 1), or if desired by means of the terminal switch safety 68 (FIG. 3). In either case relay 63 is deactivated, opening the contact 631, disengaging clutch 17 (FIG. 1), whereupon the rotary motion from the main electric motor 9 to shaft 4a of the feed roller 4 is interrupted. Simultaneously contact 632 is closed re-engaging brake clutch l8, completely stopping the movement of shaft 4. The deactivation of relay 63 also opens the contact 633, releasing the core of electromagnet 54 (FIG. 2), permitting the frame 53 to swing about the axle 51a in a downward direction. Gear 52 mounted in frame 53 is thus caused to engage gear 55 so that rotation of the double gear assembly 51 in the direction of arrow S causes the gear 52 to rotate in the direction of arrow 8,. Gear 55 as a consequence rotates in the direction of arrow 8,, carrying the lever 56 in the same direction. As the lever 56 moves downwardly its end engages the rotary pawl 49 which thereupon swings in the direction of arrow 8,, releasing finger 47a from the hook 49. The lever 47 falls of its own weight clockwise about the bearing 48 pulling with it the control rod of switch 50. The opening of switch relay 50 closes contact 502 re-engaging the brake 30 and stopping the rotary motion of shaft 8c and the winding rollers 8a and 8b. The earlier deactivation of relay 63 opens the contacts 637, relays 59 and 60 are returned to their initial state, and the machine is completely stopped.

It will be noted that the spinning chamber mechanism 5 is controlled through activation of the relay 63, the feed mechanism (rollers 4) is controlled through the mechanical relay 38, and that the withdrawing mechanism (rollers 8a, 8b and 8c) is controlled through the relay 50. These relays, their contacts and the associated clutches and brakes, are so arranged that synchronous and sequential operation of the mechanisms can be effected whereby on starting of the machine, the spinning chamber is first rotated, then the end of the withdrawn yarn reversed and inserted into channel 6, only after which the fiber feed and separator mechanisms are activated and the yarn directed in the opposite way to forward withdrawal. On stopping the machine, a reverse procedure is effected, i.e., the fiber feed and separator mechanisms are deactivated initially, then the spinning chamber is stopped and finally the withdrawing rollers themselves are stopped. The deactivation of motors 9 and 31 are stopped only after the functional parts of the machine cease their activity.

It is to be further appreciated, that the initial starting operation is effected by hand manipulation of the actuating lever which engages the mechanical switch 38, while subsequent operation is effected substantially automatically by the mechanical operation of the gear and pawl, mechanism shown in FIG. 2, on the second mechanical switch relay 50. While the machine is stopped with the same manipulation of relays 38 and 50, the yarn tension sensing lever 32, serves to additionally control the operation of the switch relay 38. When the yarn tension falls below a predetermined level, when the yarn breaks or when the yarn no longer grows because the feed mechanism has stopped, the lever 32 falls, engaging the head of the rod 35 so that relay 38 is released from contact with the stop 37. If this occurs during otherwise normal operation the lever 32 also disengages clutch 19 to immediately prevent the further feeding of fibers.

If for any reason, the main source of current is interrupted, as by power failure, the machine is nevertheless permitted to run-off for a determined period of time to exhaust the already fed and separated fibers and to prevent damage to the machine or loss of materials which may occur from a sudden shut-down. The current generating means 14 mechanically connected to the drive of the spinning chamber 5, is electrically connected in parallel with the primary current source terminals T so as to feed each of the relays, clutches, brakes, etc. in the same manner. During operation of the machine, the generator means produces a current which is regulated by the means described and which comprises an auxiliary stored source of electric power. This electric power being sufficient to maintain the operation of the machine for a time to enable clearance of the feed fibers and orderly stopping of the machine. The machine continues to run until all power is exhausted from the generator or until there is no more yarn withdrawn through the eye of the tension sensing lever 32.

The use of a small generator or alternator built into the operation of the machine has numerous advantages. It makes the machine self-reliant and not dependent on anything else but its own operation. Electric current is being constantly generated when required, and when not required no standby condensors or storage means are required. Linking the generator, mechanically, to the spinning chamber allows for the direct power production as a function of the most critical operation of the machine. It can however be linked if desired to the other rotary elements.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a novel and advantageous control system for spinning machines which insures the proper sequence of starting and stopping under both normal and extraordinary conditions. That provision is made for synchronous operation of all the mechanisms, and for proper run-off of the machine in the event of electric power failures.

Various modifications and embodiments of the concepts herein disclosed can be made. It is therefore intended that the present disclosure be illustrative only of the invention and not limiting in any manner.

What is claimed:

1. A spindleless spinning machine comprising electrically operable fiber feed, a spinning chamber and yarn withdrawing mechanisms, a primary source of electric power, circuit control means connecting said source of power to said mechanisms for synchronizingly operating said mechanisms, auxiliary power generating means independent of said primary source, said auxiliary power generating means being mechanically connected to the operable mechanisms for producing an independent electric current source and means connecting said independent source to said circuit control system to provide power in the absence of the primary power source.

2. The machine according to claim 1 wherein said spinning chamber is fixedly mounted on a rotatable shaft and said generator means includes a rotor operatively connected to said shaft to be rotatable therewith.

3. The machine according to claim 2 wherein said generator means comprises a DC generator.

4. The machine according to claim 2 wherein said generator means comprises an alternator having rectifying means.

5. The machine according to claim 1 wherein said control means for synchronously operating said feed and spinning mechanism respectively includes means for stopping said feed before stopping said spinning mechanism.

6. The machine according to claim 1 including:

an electric motor;

a rotatable spinning chamber for converting discrete fibers into yarn;

a rotatable feed mechanism for feeding fibers to said chamber;

a rotatable withdrawing mechanism for withdrawing yarn;

a rotatable winding mechanism for winding said yarn on a bobbin;

first connecting means linking said motor to said spinning chamber for rotating the same; second connecting means for linking said motor to said feed mechanism for rotating the same including, electrically operable first clutch means, interposed therebetween;

third connecting means for linking said motor to said withdrawing mechanism for rotating the same including an electrically operable second and third clutch means interposed therebetween, said second and third clutches being selectively operable to efiect reversible operation of said withdrawing means, in forward and reverse directions;

fourth connecting means linking said motor to said winding mechanism for rotating the same including a fourth clutch interposed therebetween;

first control system having means for selectively directing said current to said interposed clutches in predetermined order to sequentially obtain reverse operation of said withdrawing mechanism prior to operation of said feed, withdrawing and winding mechanisms on starting of said machine and subsequent forward operation on stopping of said machine.

7. The machine according to claim 6 including a second control system having means for selectively directing said current to said interposed clutches in predetermined order, said second system being responsive to the operation of said first system for a predetermined length of time to thereafter effect the feeding of fibers of yarn in the forward direction.

8. The machine according to claim 7 wherein said feed mechanisms includes a fiber separator and means for independently driving the same.

9. The machine according to claim 7 including means for sensing the tension on the withdrawn yarn and for deactivating said first control system when said tension falls below a predetermined level.

10. The machine according to claim 9 wherein said sensing means is connected to a fifth clutch interposed between said feed mechanism and said motor, said fifth clutch being deactivated when the tension in said yarn falls below said predetermined level.

11. The machine according to claim 7 wherein said second control system includes a mechanical linkage with said first control system comprising a solenoid, operated by said first control system, a detent mechanism, comprising a gear train between said spinning chamber and a releasably locking ratchet and pawl device, said gear train being operable to lock said ratchet and pawl in response to activation of said solenoid and release said ratchet and pawl on deactivation thereof, a connecting rod linking said ratchet and pawl to said second control system, said rod being adapted to operate said second control system in response to said ratchet and pawl.

12. The machine according to claim 11 wherein said detent mechanism is adjustable.

13. The machine according to claim 10 including an electrically operated relay having a normally closed contact connecting the electric source to said solenoid.

Claims

6. The machine according to claim 1 including: an electric motor; a rotatable spinning chamber for converting discrete fibers into yarn; a rotatable feed mechanism for feeding fibers to said chamber; a rotatable withdrawing mechanism for withdrawing yarn; a rotatable winding mechanism for winding said yarn on a bobbin; first connecting means linking said motor to said spinning chamber for rotating the same; second connecting means for linking said motor to said feed mechanism for rotating the same including, electrically operable first clutch means, interposed therebetween; third connecting means for linking said motor to said withdrawing mechanism for rotating the same including an electrically operable second and third clutch means interposed therebetween, said second and third clutches being selectively operable to effect reversible operation of said withdrawing means, in forward and reverse directions; fourth connecting means linking said motor to said winding mechanism for rotating the same including a fourth clutch interposed therebetween; first control system having means for selectively directing said current to said interposed clutches in predetermined order to sequentially obtain reverse operation of said withdrawing mechanism prior to operation of said feed, withdrawing and winding mechanisms on starting of said machine and subsequent forward operation on stopping of said machine.