Title of Invention

AN IMPROVED INPUT FEET MEASURING DEVICE USEFUL IN A TEXTILE CARDING MACHINE

Abstract The invention relates to an input measuring device for a textile carding machine. The device of the present invention is useful for sensing and controlling the variation in feed material delivered to the feed rollers of a carding machine. Plurality of sensing plate assemblies constructed with sensing plate with differential curvature. The sensing plate assemblies being provided with pre loading means and sensing means and arranged over the feed roller to the entire width.This invention also relates to an improved sensing plate assembly useful for the incorporation into the input feed device of the present invention
Full Text Technical Field
The invention relates to an input measuring device for a textile carding machine . The device of the present invention is useful for sensing and controlling the variation in feed material delivered to the feed rollers of a carding machine in order to effect control over the feed material to achieve reduction in coefficient of variation in the sliver delivered by the carding machine. This invention also relates to an improved sensing plate assembly useful for the incorporation into the input feed device of the present invention
Background Art
In a carding machine the out put sliver quality depends on the uniformity in weight per unit length of the feed material either in the form of lap or flock. The material is bound to have variation in weight per unit length both in length wise and width wise in the lap or the flock fed. Since the carding machine adopts higher drafts between the feed rollers and delivery rollers, the variation in the feed material, though very small, is magnified in the resultant out put sliver quality. Width wise variation is likely to occur in the chute due to the reason that the filling of the chute is not uniform
The method of controlling the feed roller speed to have control over the feed material using the sensors fitted to both ends of the feed rollers is known. In the known method the feed roller move up and down due to the variation in the weight per unit length of the feed material presented between the feed roller and feed plate against the pre determined applied spring load at both the ends of the feed roller. The movement of the feed roller obtained depends on the variation in the feed material in the length wise direction only and is the cumulative effect on the width. Individual variation on the desired sections cannot be measured.
The method of sensing the variation in the mass of feed material along the width of feed roller comprising a sensing roller located prior to the feed roller and driven in synchronization with the feed roller with plurality of sensing plates with plurality of

sensing arrangement attached to it for the passage of feed material to the feed roller to sense the variation in feed material in width wise direction is known.
Our CO pending patent applications 1031 /MAS/2000, 1032/MAS/2000 and 1033/MAS/2000 describe three distinct apparatus for sensing thickness variation of feed material in a carding machine having distinct features.
1031/MAS/2000 discloses an apparatus for sensing thickness variation of feed in a carding machine comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets and rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller , plurality of spring loaded sensing plate arranged across the entire width of said sensing roller and located under said sensing roller , the movement of sensing plates are sensed by sensing means located coaxially beneath said bottom stud and fed to a micro processor which averages the values and modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed. This arrangement is shown in figure 1 of the drawings accompanying this specification .
1032/MAS/2000 discloses a carding machine comprises feed plate and feed roller for feeding the fibre batt to the licker in zone of the carding comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller , plurality of spring loaded sensing plates arranged across the entire width of said sensing roller and located under said sensing roller , said sensing plates attached to plurality of input sensing pistons provided in a fluid cylinder , the combined pressure generated by said plurality of sensing pistons provide movement to an out put piston provided on said fluid cylinder , the movement of the out put piston is sensed by a sensing means and fed to a micro processor which modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed. This arrangement is shown in figure 2

1033/MAS/2000 discloses an apparatus for sensing the thickness variation in the feed material in a carding machine comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets and rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller , plurality spring loaded sensing plates provided with sensing stud with spring loading means ,the sensing plates are hinged at one end on a hinge bracket, the movement of the sensing stud is magnified by virtue of the hinge bracket arrangement, the movement of sensing plates are sensed by sensing means located coaxially beneath said bottom stud and fed to a micro processor which averages the values and modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed. This arrangement is shown in figure 3
In the known arrangements, including that are described in our co pending patent applications nos 1031/MAS/2000, 1032/MAS/2000 and 1033/MAS/2000 in which the sensing and correction of the variation in the feed material in width wise direction is effected by the plurality sensing plates by establishing line contact with the feed material. For accurate sensing and correction area contact between the sensing plates and the sensing roller will be more advantageous.
More over in the known arrangements , the sensing is not accurate because the contact between the sensing roller and the sensing plate is hne contact and is also expensive due to the fact they employ additional sensing roller or additional feed roller with parts for sensing the feed batt, with associated drive elements.
Therefore the main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which overcomes all the drawbacks of the prior art devices.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which is cost effective as the device consist of parts which perform multiple functions to measure and control the feed

material to licker-in roller thus eliminating the additional sensing roller land its associated drive arrangement.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which facilitates accurate sensing and controlling the feed.
The details of the invention are explained with reference to the figs 4 to 7 of the drawings accompanying this specification.
In the figures,
Figure 4 represents the schematic view of sensing plate assembly according to the invention.
Figure 5 represents the schematic view of the input feed sensing device according to the invention.
Figure 6 represents the schematic view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention
Figure 7 represents the schematic view of the control system of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention.
Accordingly , the present invention provides An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine comprises plurality of sensing plate assembly (4) arranged along the entire width of the feed roller (6), each said sensing plate assembly (4) being provided with a sensing plate (1) having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential curvature having an radius (Rl) at the batt entry region and radius (R2) at the batt exit region, radius Rl is greater than R2 and Rl and R2 are tangential, said sensing plate (1) being attached to a hinge bracket(2) by a hinge pin(3), a bottom sensing rod (11)

being attached to the said sensing plate (1), a top sensing rod (12) being attached to the said bottom sensing rod (11) , said plurality sensing plate assembly (4) being further provided with pre loading means and being fixed to the feed roller assembly, said plurality sensing plate (1) envelops said feed roller (6) with a passage opening between the said feed roller (6) and the said curved surface(5) of the said sensing plate(l) for the flow of batt, plurality of sensors (14) arranged at a proximity distance to the said top sensing rod (12) and being mounted on a sensor holder (13), said sensor holder (13) being attached to said feed roller assembly, said plurality of sensors(14) being connected to a processing unit (16), the said processing unit (16) being further connected to a drive (17) which is being connected to a motor (18), said motor (18) drivingly connected to the said feed roller (6).
According to another embodiment of the present invention there is also provided an improved sensing plate assembly (4) useful for incorporation in an input feed measuring device of a Textile Carding Machine , each said sensing plate assembly (4) comprises sensing plate (1) having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential curvature having a radius (Rl) at the batt entry region and a radius ( R2) at the batt exit region, the said sensing plate (1 ) being attached to a hinge bracket (2 )by a hinge pin (3 ) and the said sensing plate(l) being provided with pre loading means.
Details of the Invention
Plurality of sensing plate (1 ) provided with differential radius of curvature attached to plurality of hinge bracket(2 )by plurality of hinge pin(3 ) and forms sensing plate assembly (4 ) . The sensing plate (1 ) made of suitable wear resistance material, for example SG iron , having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential radius of curvature comprising radius ( Rl) at the batt entry region and radius ( R2) at the batt exit region, radius Rl is greater than R2. The radii Rl and R2 depend upon the diameter of the feed roller employed. In an embodiment of the invention the diameter of the feed roller may be 120mm and Rl and R2 being 93,5mm and 60mm respectively. The

sensing plate assembly(4) being fastened to the housing(7 ) of the feed roller assembly by suitable fastening means such that the plurality of sensing plate(l) are located above said feed roller (6) and said sensing plates (1) envelops said feed roller ( 6). Plurality of spring stud ( 8) in association v^ith plurality of spring (9 ) provided for the pre loading of said sensing plate(l ). Said spring stud (8) provided with a top threaded portion (8a ) and bottom flange portion (8b ). Said sensing plate (1 ) being provided w^ith plurality of recess (la ) to accommodate said spring (9 ). Said bottom flange portion (8b) compress the spring and said top thread portion (8a ) is fastened to frame member (10 ) and locked with lock nut. Bottom sensing rod (11) comprising bottom threaded portion (11a ) with external threads and top threaded portion (lib ) with internal threads. Said bottom sensing rod (11 ) being fixed to said sensing plate (1 ) by the bottom threaded portion (1 la) and locked at the required position by suitable means . Top sensing rod (12 ) being fastened to said bottom sensing rod (11) . Sensor holder (13 ) provided for fixing plurality of sensor (14 ) at the pre determined location. The distance 'D' between said sensor (14 ) and said top sensing rod ( 12) can be pre set to the pre determined value by adjusting said top sensing rod (12). The movement of said plurality of sensing plate (1) being sensed by plurality of sensor(14). Said sensors being connected to a processing unit (16). The said processing unit (16) further connected to a drive (17) which is being connected to a motor (18). The said motor (18) is drivingly connected to said feed roller (6) directly . The said processing unit (16) averages the plurality of signal provided by plurality of sensor (14) and generates a signal which is being fed to said drive (17) for regulating the speed of said motor (18) which drives said feed roller (6).
Since the sensing plates being provided with curvature the material is guided positively . More over such curvature provides area contact between the sensing plate and feed roller unlike line contact in the prior art, resulting in more accurate sensing and correction of the variation in the mass of fibre per unit length.

Working of the invention
The batt is passed between the feed roller and the plurality sensing plates. The variation in the thickness of the batt causes up and down movement of the plurality of the sensing plates and the movement is sensed by sensing means attached to the sensing plates. The batt delivered from feed roller zone to the licker-in zone of the carding machine.
The plurality sensor employed for measuring the movement of plurality of sensing plates generates signal corresponding to the variation in the thickness of the batt sensed and the said signal being fed to a processing unit (16). The thickness of the batt being measured either in the form of voltage or current or digital values and fed to said processing unit (16). The said processing unit (16) averages the signal received from the plurality of sensors(14) and generates suitable signal against set value and the same being fed to a drive unit (17). The said drive (17) being connected to the feed roller drive motor(18) .Said drive unit (17) regulates the speed of said feed roller motor(18).
Though this invention is hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, obvious alterations and modifications known to persons skilled in the art are well within the scope of the appended claims.
Advantages of the invention
Since the plurality sensing plates being provided with differential curvature the material is compressed and guided positively . More over such curvature provides area contact between the sensing plate and feed roller unlike line contact in the prior art, resulting in more accurate sensing and correction .
More over by providing a curvature path with gradually closing gap coupled with feed roller nipping is effected .




WE CLAIM:
1. An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine comprises plurality of sensing plate assembly (4) arranged along the entire width of the feed roller (6), each said sensing plate assembly (4) being provided with a sensing plate (1) having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential curvature having an radius (Rl) at the batt entry region and radius (R2) at the batt exit region, radius Rl is greater than R2 and Rl and R2 are tangential, said sensing plate (1) being attached to a hinge bracket(2) by a hinge pin(3), a bottom sensing rod (11) being attached to the said sensing plate (1) , a top sensing rod (12) being attached to the said bottom sensing rod (11) , said plurality sensing plate assembly (4) being further provided with pre loading means and being fixed to the feed roller assembly, said plurality sensing plate (1) envelops said feed roller (6) with a passage opening between the said feed roller (6) and the said curved surface(5) of the said sensing plate(l) for the flow of batt, plurality of sensors (14) arranged at a proximity distance to the said top sensing rod (12) and being mounted on a sensor holder (13), said sensor holder (13) being attached to said feed roller assembly, said plurality of sensors(14) being connected to a processing unit (16), the said processing unit (16) being further connected to a drive (17) which is being connected to a motor (18), said motor (18) drivingly connected to the said feed roller (6).
2. An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 1, comprising 3 or more sensing plate assembly (4) with equal number of sensors (15).
3. An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claims 1 to 2, where in said plurality of sensing plates(l) are arranged on the upper side of the feed roller (6).
4. An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claims 1 to 3, where in said preloading means of the said sensing

plate assembly (4 ) being plurality of springs(9), fixed in the recess(iaj proviaea in the said sensing plate (1) and plurality spring stud (8) provided with top threaded portion (8a) and bottom flange portion (8b) .
An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claim! to 4 , wherein said plurality of sensing plates(l) being made of Spheroidal graphite iron casting with Nickel or Chromium plating for wear resistance.
An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claims! to 5, wherein the diameter of the feed roller being 120mm and Rl and R2 being 93,5 mm and 60 mm respectively.
An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claims 1 to 6 , wherein the distance 'D' between the said sensor (14) and the said top sensing rod ( 12) is pre set to the pre determined value by adjusting said top sensing rod (12).
An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein said plurality of sensors(l4) used are proximity sensors .
An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claims 1 to 8 , wherein the said processing unit is a programmable logic controller or a micro controller.
). An improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 1, substantially described with reference to the Fig 4 to 7 of the drawings accompanying this specification

11. An improved sensing plate assembly (4) useful for incorporation in an improved
input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine being provided
with sensing plate (1) having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential
curvature having an radius (Rl) at the batt entry region and radius (R2) at the batt
exit region and radius (R2) at the batt exit region, radius Rl is greater than R2 and
Rl and R2 are tangential, said sensing plate (1) being attached to a hinge
bracket(2) by a hinge pin(3), a bottom sensing rod (11) being attached to the said
sensing plate (1), a top sensing rod (12) being attached to the said bottom sensing
rod (11) said plurality sensing plate assembly (4) being further provided with pre
loading means.
12. An improved sensing plate assembly (4) useful for incorporation an improved
input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in
claim 11, wherein said preloading means of the said sensing plate assembly (4)
being plurality of springs(9), fixed in the recess(la) provided in the said sensing
plate (1) and plurality spring stud (8) provided with top threaded portion (8a) and
bottom flange portion (8b) .
13. An improved sensing plate assembly (4) useful for incorporation an improved
input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine as claimed in
claim 11 to 12, wherein said sensing plates(l) is made of Spheroidal graphite
iron casting with Nickel or Chromium plating for wear resistance.
14. An improved sensing plate assembly (4) useful for incorporation an improved
input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine substantially
described with reference to the Fig 4 of the drawings accompanying this
specification.


Documents:

329-che-2004-abstract.pdf

329-che-2004-claims duplicate.pdf

329-che-2004-claims original.pdf

329-che-2004-correspondnece-others.pdf

329-che-2004-correspondnece-po.pdf

329-che-2004-description(complete) duplicate.pdf

329-che-2004-description(complete) original.pdf

329-che-2004-drawings.pdf

329-che-2004-form 1.pdf

329-che-2004-form 19.pdf

329-che-2004-form 3.pdf


Patent Number 203498
Indian Patent Application Number 329/CHE/2004
PG Journal Number 05/2007
Publication Date 02-Feb-2007
Grant Date 17-Nov-2006
Date of Filing 12-Apr-2004
Name of Patentee M/S. LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LIMITED
Applicant Address PERIANAICKENPALAYAM, COIMBATORE-641 020
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 PERIASAMY LAKSHMI NARASIMHAN LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LIMITED, PERIANAICKENPALAYAM, COIMBATORE-641 020
2 GOPALAN BALASUNDARAM LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LIMITED, PERIANAICKENPALAYAM, COIMBATORE-641 020
3 KONDASWAMY RADHAKRISHNAN LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LIMITED, PERIANAICKENPALAYAM, COIMBATORE-641 020
4 RAMASAMY DAKSHINAMOORTHY LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LIMITED, PERIANAICKENPALAYAM, COIMBATORE-641 020
PCT International Classification Number D01G23/04
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 NA