GB545638A - Improvements in exhaust openers and lap machines, scutchers and other machines used in the preparation of cotton and other fibrous materials - Google Patents

Abstract

545,638. Opening or scutching cotton &c. MARSHALL, A. Jan. 25, 1941, No. 1011. [Class 120 (i)] In an exhaust opener, lap machine, scutcher or other machine for cotton and other fibres in which air-currents induced by fans or the like cause the deposition of the fibres upon a revolving cage from which they are received in sheets or laps, the cage is furnished internally with an air inlet or suction nozzle which provides an opening for the inflow of air extending parallel to the axis of the cage and from end to end thereof and which extends to or close to the inner surface of the perforated circumferential wall of the cage so that the air flows from without through the wall of the cage to the air intake or nozzle only through that part of the wall which at the moment is opposite the intake the suction is thus controlled and the fibre deposited on the cage opposite the air inlet and evenly from side to side of the cage. As shown the perforated cylindrical cage 12 co-operates with a second cage 13 and is driven therefrom through toothed gearing, the cage 12 being supported on rollers 17, 18 and engaged by a roller 19 which keeps the teeth of the gearing in engagement. The air inlet nozzle 23, which may be adjusted angularly relatively to the axis of the cage 12, is formed by two plates 23a, 23b extending' from end to end of the cage and from the opposite sides of a slot 20a in a conduit 20 extending through the ends of the cage and connected by pipes 21 with a fan 14; the ends of the plates are connected by segmental plates and the outer edges are provided with strips 24a, 24b of leather which engage the inner surface of the cage. In a modification one of the plates 23a, 23b. is formed with a curved flange engaging the outer surface of the conduit 20 and adjustably fixed thereto by bolts and slots so that the opening of the nozzle may be varied; the opposite ends of the adjustable plate are provided with means to ensure air-tight joints with the segmented end plates. The passage of the fibres from the beater 11 to the cage 12 is controlled by a deflector plate 26 supported on a frame secured to the machine frame 10, one lateral edge of the plate resting on the upper edge of the beater stripping plate 27 and the other being disposed closely adjacent the cage 12 and having a flexible flap 28 engaging the cage in line with the strip 24b of the nozzle. The cage may be provided with two air inlets so that air may be induced from each end of the cage.