US3690123A - Device for the automatic measurement of the length of yarn consumed in knitting machines - Google Patents

Device for the automatic measurement of the length of yarn consumed in knitting machines Download PDF

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Publication number
US3690123A
US3690123A US17491A US3690123DA US3690123A US 3690123 A US3690123 A US 3690123A US 17491 A US17491 A US 17491A US 3690123D A US3690123D A US 3690123DA US 3690123 A US3690123 A US 3690123A
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Prior art keywords
circuit
output element
counter
pulse
stitches
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Expired - Lifetime
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US17491A
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English (en)
Inventor
Jean-Paul Delair
Jean-Pierre Raisin
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Institut Francais Textile et Habillement
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Institut Francais Textile et Habillement
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04B—KNITTING
    • D04B35/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, knitting machines, not otherwise provided for
    • D04B35/10—Indicating, warning, or safety devices, e.g. stop motions
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D04—BRAIDING; LACE-MAKING; KNITTING; TRIMMINGS; NON-WOVEN FABRICS
    • D04B—KNITTING
    • D04B15/00—Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, weft knitting machines, restricted to machines of this kind
    • D04B15/38—Devices for supplying, feeding, or guiding threads to needles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of and device for displaying the length of yarn used in making a given g number of stitches on a knitting machine.
  • Fie'ld 'g 66/l25 1 154A 132 126 to the dimensions of the device microswitches are set 8 to be activated at an interval of time during which the machine knits a selected number of stitches different from said given number.
  • Electrical pulses are [56] References cued generated as the yarn is fed and are counted during UNITED STATES PATENTS the interval between activation of the microswitches.
  • the present invention relates to a method of and a device for the automatic measurement of the length of yarn consumed in knitting machines, particularly hosiery knitting machines.
  • the length ofyarn used in knitting machines can be estimated by measuring yarn withdrawal velocity from the bobbin with a tachometer, or by measuring the yarn used by the machine during one or more revolutions of the machine.
  • the second method is more common, particularly when a positive feeder, that is a means supplying to the machine a length of yarn per revolution which is equal to its circumference,is used.
  • the number of revolutions of the positive feeder is a measure of the consumption of yarn for a given number of machine revolutions.
  • Known devices for this method count the number of revolutions of the positive feeder which occur during a given number of revolutions of the machine in the case of a circular knitting machine for example, or on one row in two in the case of knitting machines of the Cotton type.
  • a method of measuring the length of yarn used in a given number of stitches on a knitting machine including the steps of generating a number of electrical pulses said number being related to the length of yarn passed to the machine, and supplying said pulses to a counter while a preselected number of stitches are made by the machine, said preselected number being different from said given number, whereby said counter gives a direct reading of the length of yarn used in said given number of stitches.
  • a device for measuring the length of yarn used in a given number of stitches by a knitting machine including a feeder rotated in accordance with the movement of the fed yarn, a pulse generator for generating a number of electrical pulses in accordance with the length of yarn fed, a counter connected thereto via an output element, a first microswitch actuatable on operation of the machine to pass a pulse via a first circuit to the output element and a preselection counter and a second microswitch actuatable on operation of the machine and located in a second circuit between the preselection counter and the output element, whereby a pulse from the first circuit causes the output element to pass pulses to the counter and a pulse from the second circuit causes the output ele ment to cease passing pulses to the counter.
  • N number of stitches knitted during the measurement or metering operation.
  • the number of stitches made during a measuring operation can be controlled to give, on the counter, a figure corresponding to the length of yarn used in, for
  • equation l if, for instance, the number N representing the stitches knitted during the measurement has a numerical value equal to 10 times that of the circumference of the positive feeder, equation l becomes:
  • the number of stitches knitted per revolution is not identical for each of the machines utilized. For each type of machine, the measurement will therefore have to be made on at least one single revolution plus or minus a part of a revolution, so that the number of stitches knitted during the measurement is equal to N.
  • FIG. 1 is a general diagrammatic view of a device according to the invention
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b are diagrammatic views of the positions of the microswitches in the device relative to the knitting machine.
  • the device includes a yarn feeder l to the knitting machine, having a disc 2 attached thereto.
  • the disc 2 has a given number of sectors which are alternately clear or reflective and dark or non-reflective. Non-reflective sectors are obtained by depositing, for example, matt black paint at the appropriate places.
  • the disc 2 is illuminated by a small lamp (not shown) incorporated in a pick-up 3 which also contains a photoelectric cell to pick up light reflected from the disc 2.
  • a pick-up 3 which also contains a photoelectric cell to pick up light reflected from the disc 2.
  • the pulses from the pick-up 3 are amplified and shaped in the circuit 4 and are then directed to an integrator 6 via an output element 5.
  • the output element does not pass pulses when it is activated.
  • a microswitch 7 is closable by a means such as a dog 8 rotating on the knitting machine (FIGS. 2a and 2b), rotatable once with each circuit or row knitted.
  • a means such as a dog 8 rotating on the knitting machine (FIGS. 2a and 2b), rotatable once with each circuit or row knitted.
  • One of the contact studs of the microswitch is connected to a positive voltage source, and the switch is adapted to supply an electrical pulse each time the dog actuates it.
  • the pulse is shaped in a circuit 9 and fed both to a preselection counter 10 and to an intermediate element 1 l which deactivates the output element 5.
  • a two way switch 12 is connected to the output of the preselection counter 10. In one of its positions the switch 12 connects the preselection counter 10 to an intermediate element 13, for example a thyristor, which is connected to the input of the output element 5 via a diode 14. The purpose of the intermediate element is to activate or deactivate the output element 5.
  • the two way switch 12 connects the preselection counter to a further intermediate element 15 which is connected to a microswitch 16.
  • the microswitch 16 is also adapted to be actuated by the dog 8 on the knitting machine.
  • the intermediate element 15 is also connected to the positive terminal of a voltage source.
  • the microswitch 16 when closed, transmits a pulse to a shaper circuit 17 connected in series to a control element 18, for example a flip-flop, the output terminal of which is connected via a diode 19 to the output element 5.
  • the preselection counter 10 may be set to transmit the first or a subsequent pulse received from the shaper 9. If it does not pass a pulse then no pulse flows from intermediate element 15, which may be a thyristor, when switch 16 is closed.
  • the counters 6 and 10 may be reset by hand at the end of each counting operation in accordance with conventional practice.
  • the device operates as follows with respect to circular knitting machines.
  • B the circumference of the feeder l
  • N the number of stitches measured is again 10 times this number, it is necessary to carry out a measurement of the yarn used in 1,320 stitches.
  • This will give a value of the yarn used per 100 stitches (in terms of the same length units as B is measured in) of 10n, where n is the number of revolutions of the feeder during measurement (equation 2).
  • the disc 2 to the feeder has twenty sectors, half reflective and half not so, it will deliver ten pulses to the photoelectric cell per revolution.
  • the length of yarn fed per pulse is 13.2 units.
  • the measurement is carried out over a number of stitches equal to 100 times the number of units of length of yarn fed per pulse, i.e. 1,320 stitches.
  • the number of pulses passed to the integrator 6 during the making of 1,320 stitches is, in these circumstances, equal to the length of yarn used in making 100 stitches. Under these conditions, if the knitting machine knits more than 1,320 stitches per revolution the arrangement of the microswitches 7, 16 should be as shown in FIG. 2a.
  • a no-load of open circuit setting is first effected, i.e., the intermediate element 15, the shaper circuit 17 and the control element 18 are put out of circuit, and the preselection counter 10 is connected to the intermediate element 13 by means of the switch 12. It is the object of this first setting to enable the respective positions of the microswitches 7 and 16 to be set by hand, such that the machine knits 1,320 stitches between the time the dog 8 contacts the switch 7 and the time when it contacts the switch 16. Such positions of the microswitches 7 and 16 having been established, the position of the two way switch 12 is reversed so that the preselection counter 10, on which the numeral 1 is displayed, will pass the first pulse from shaper 9 to the intermediate element 15.
  • the output element 5 is activated and the pick-up 3 pulses do not pass.
  • the pulse produced and converted in the shaper circuit 9 is fed simultaneously to the preselection counter 10 and the intermediate element 11 which deactivates the output element 5, the consequence of this being to permit passage of the pulses derived from the pick-up 3, which are counted at the integrating counter 6.
  • the output element 5 When the dog 8 energizes the microswitch l6, i.e., when the knitting machine has knitted exactly 1,320 stitches, the output element 5 is re-energized, and no further pulses from the amplifier and the shaper circuit 4 reach the counter 6.
  • the knitting machine knits less than 1,320 stitches per revolution, but more than 660, for example 700 stitches, a different arrangement of the switches must be used. More than one revolution of the machine must occur in the counting period. On the first revolution 700 stitches will be made, and the time for a further 620 stitches must be added to bring the total to 1,320. As shown in FIG. 2b the microswitches 7 and 16 are positioned so that the machine knits 620 stitches while the dog moves between the switches on the second revolution. Thus, on the first revolution the dog energizes switch 7 with the result that the output element 5 is deactivated and pulses from the pick-up 3 pass to the counter 6.
  • the dog does not cause the switch 16 to generate a pulse on the first revolution, but on the second revolution it energizes the microswitch 16 which stops the measurement.
  • the counter 6 shows the length of yarn consumed for 100 stitches.
  • the preselection counter 10 is in this case set to 2 in order that the second pulse from shaper 9 passes to element 15, so that the counter can proceed for more than one revolution.
  • the device may be fitted on a n0n-circular knitting machine of the Cotton type, wherein the feeder effects one linear travel per knitted row, the measurement then being effected either on n/2 successive rows or on n rows of the same direction (n being the number displayed on the preselection counter).
  • the present apparatus may be used on knitting machines equipped with feeders of a type differing from that as shown, or on knitting machines not equipped with feeders.
  • the pickup means will then be by a small wheel or roller of known perimeter, entrained by the yarn, the rotation thereof being measured by the process described hereabove.
  • the number N of stitches on which the measurement is effected (in this case as described 1,320) is, as has been shown, linked with the perimeter of the feeder or of the metering wheel. If the said perimeter should vary, the number N will be required to vary accordingly.
  • a device for measuring the length of yarn used in a given number of stitches by a knitting machine comprising in combination:
  • a feeder rotated by said yarn b. a-pulse generator for generating pulses as said feeder rotates c. an output element connected to said pulse generator d. a counter connected to said output element e. first and second microswitches actuatable on operation of the machine f. a first circuit between said first microswitch and said output element g. a preselection counter connected to said first microswitch, and adapted selectively to pass a selected pulse h.
  • a second circuit including said second microswitch connecting said preselection counter to said output element whereby a pulse from said first circuit to said output element causes said output element to pass pulses from said pulse generator to said counter and a pulse from said second circuit to said output element causes said output element to cease to pass pulses from said pulse generator to said counter.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a disc attached to said feeder, and alternate reflective and non-reflective segments to said disc.
  • a device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said pulse generator comprises a light source and a photocell adjacent said disc to pick up light reflections from said reflective segments of said disc.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a member to said machine rotatable with said machine, and a dog on said member to actuate said microswitches.
  • microswitches are adjustable to be actuated by said dog at different intervals.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a third circuit including an intermediate element and a diode connected to said output element and a two way switch connected to said preselection counter and switchable to connect said preselection counter respectively a. to said second circuit or b. to said third circuit.
  • a device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a function selector and a diode in said first circuit.
  • said second circuit additionally comprises an intermediate element energizable by a pulse from said preselection counter, and a control element and a diode.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Knitting Machines (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices With Unspecified Measuring Means (AREA)
US17491A 1969-03-17 1970-03-09 Device for the automatic measurement of the length of yarn consumed in knitting machines Expired - Lifetime US3690123A (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR6907568A FR2038483A5 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1969-03-17 1969-03-17

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US3690123A true US3690123A (en) 1972-09-12

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US (1) US3690123A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2011900A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (1) FR2038483A5 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1254516A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3790761A (en) * 1971-09-29 1974-02-05 C Crabtree Machine feed and output monitoring apparatus
US3834186A (en) * 1973-11-09 1974-09-10 Singer Co Knit contour unit for a knitting machine
US4199965A (en) * 1976-08-16 1980-04-29 Aktiebolaget Iro Yarn feed control system
US4549268A (en) * 1982-08-18 1985-10-22 Loepfe Brothers Limited Apparatus for measuring the length of filamentary material, such as yarn or thread wound-up at individual winding or spinning locations of a textile machine
US6112557A (en) * 1998-11-27 2000-09-05 Carla A. Taylor Flat bed yarn measuring device and method
US20060191153A1 (en) * 2005-02-25 2006-08-31 Thompson Rocke P Length measuring method and device
US20220349097A1 (en) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., Ltd. Circular knitting machine for prompting knitting machine status instantaneously based on cloth surface status of fabric

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10157161A1 (de) 2001-11-22 2003-06-12 Knapp Logistik Automation Fördereinrichtung zum Fördern von Fördergut auf Paletten oder dergleichen mit Richtungswechsel

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3099142A (en) * 1961-12-19 1963-07-30 Singer Supreme Co Inc Fabric yield computing device
US3293760A (en) * 1964-06-19 1966-12-27 Uniwave Inc Yarn feed calculator
FR1470626A (fr) * 1966-03-03 1967-02-24 Cotton Ltd W Perfectionnements relatifs aux métiers à tricoter
FR1470628A (fr) * 1966-03-03 1967-02-24 Cotton Ltd W Perfectionnements apportés aux métiers à tricoter
US3408500A (en) * 1966-03-04 1968-10-29 Allied Chem Radiation sensitive speed measuring device
US3539782A (en) * 1967-02-16 1970-11-10 Burlington Industries Inc Apparatus for measuring the length of yarn or the like consumed in a predetermined number of cycles of a cyclically operated machine such as a tricot knitting machine
US3550400A (en) * 1967-02-28 1970-12-29 Nat Res Dev Stitch control utilizing means for counting number of stitches per unit running length of yarn
US3566134A (en) * 1968-07-02 1971-02-23 Nat Res Dev Device for measuring stitch length

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3099142A (en) * 1961-12-19 1963-07-30 Singer Supreme Co Inc Fabric yield computing device
US3293760A (en) * 1964-06-19 1966-12-27 Uniwave Inc Yarn feed calculator
FR1470626A (fr) * 1966-03-03 1967-02-24 Cotton Ltd W Perfectionnements relatifs aux métiers à tricoter
FR1470628A (fr) * 1966-03-03 1967-02-24 Cotton Ltd W Perfectionnements apportés aux métiers à tricoter
US3408500A (en) * 1966-03-04 1968-10-29 Allied Chem Radiation sensitive speed measuring device
US3539782A (en) * 1967-02-16 1970-11-10 Burlington Industries Inc Apparatus for measuring the length of yarn or the like consumed in a predetermined number of cycles of a cyclically operated machine such as a tricot knitting machine
US3550400A (en) * 1967-02-28 1970-12-29 Nat Res Dev Stitch control utilizing means for counting number of stitches per unit running length of yarn
US3566134A (en) * 1968-07-02 1971-02-23 Nat Res Dev Device for measuring stitch length

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
The Hosiery Trade Journal, 3/68, Vol. 75, No. 891, pp. 88,91 & 92 *

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3790761A (en) * 1971-09-29 1974-02-05 C Crabtree Machine feed and output monitoring apparatus
US3834186A (en) * 1973-11-09 1974-09-10 Singer Co Knit contour unit for a knitting machine
US4199965A (en) * 1976-08-16 1980-04-29 Aktiebolaget Iro Yarn feed control system
US4549268A (en) * 1982-08-18 1985-10-22 Loepfe Brothers Limited Apparatus for measuring the length of filamentary material, such as yarn or thread wound-up at individual winding or spinning locations of a textile machine
US6112557A (en) * 1998-11-27 2000-09-05 Carla A. Taylor Flat bed yarn measuring device and method
US20060191153A1 (en) * 2005-02-25 2006-08-31 Thompson Rocke P Length measuring method and device
US7216439B2 (en) 2005-02-25 2007-05-15 Techxotic Lc Length measuring method and device
US20220349097A1 (en) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., Ltd. Circular knitting machine for prompting knitting machine status instantaneously based on cloth surface status of fabric
US11739450B2 (en) * 2021-04-28 2023-08-29 Pai Lung Machinery Mill Co., Ltd. Circular knitting machine for prompting knitting machine status instantaneously based on cloth surface status of fabric

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB1254516A (en) 1971-11-24
FR2038483A5 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1971-01-08
DE2011900A1 (de) 1970-11-19

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