US2637349A - Shuttleless loom which pneumatically projects weft thread - Google Patents

Description

May 5, 1953 G. w. DUNHAM SHUTTLELESS LOOM WHICH PNEUMATICALLY PROJECTS WEFT' THREAD 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 24, 1948 mmvmx I 650x45 M DUNHAM 205F030 Okmm E BY M1, Wm

ATTORNEYS.

M y 1953 G. w. DUNHAM 2,637,349

7 SHUTTLELESS LOOM WHICH PNEUMATICALLY PROJECTS WEFT THREAD il D90- 2 1 4 -4 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

G L-aka: h/ DUNHAM ATTORNEYS Maly 5, 1953 G. w. DUNHAM SHUTTLELESS LOOM WHICH PNEUMATICALLY PROJECTS WEFT THREAD 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 24, 1948 INVENTOR. aka/me 14/ DUNHAM fl TTORNEYS.

May 5, 1953 G. w. DUNHAM SHUTTLELESS LOOM WHICH PNEUMATICALLY PROJECTS WEFT THREAD 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed D66. 24, 1948 INVENTOR. GEO/F66 h/ Du/vHAM BY M, M v M ATTORNEYS Patented May 5, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHUTTLELESS LOOM WHICH PNEUMATI- CALLY PROJECTS WEFT THREAD 13 Claims.

The invention relates to so-called shuttleless looms, and more particularly to a loom in which each pick of weft thread is carried through the shed by an air blast.

An object of the present invention is to provide a shuttleless loom of the above character which is relatively simply in construction, which is faster, and which has greater freedom from shut-downs than conventional shuttle type looms.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lay beam of the loom is provided with a pneumatic jet projector at one end and a suction tube at the other end. The jet projector comprises an outer tube within which is a hollow needle. A suitable annular chamber connects with the space between the hollow needle and the outer tube to which a steady stream of compressed air is fed. The weft thread passes through the hollow needle, straight through the jet projector.

According to a preferred form of the invention, the weft thread is controlled by a metering device which may be mounted on a stationary part of the machine adjacent the lay beam. This metering device comprises a continuously rotating measuring Wheel against which is pressed, at times, a presser wheel. The weft thread passes over the presser wheel and through a suitable braking device for arresting movement of the weft thread. When the presser wheel engages the measuring wheel, the brake is released to feed weft thread to the jet projector; and when the presser wheel disengages the measuring wheel, the brake is applied to stop the feed of the weft thread.

According to the said preferred embodiment, the presser wheel and brake movement is conveniently controlled by a control arm having a finger engaging in the notch of a one-revolution collar. The one-revolution collar is mounted on a stud shaft and driven by a gear, also mounted on said shaft, through a suitable friction clutch. The said gear engages with a pinion on the measuring wheel shaft which is power driven; the gear ratio is such that the measuring wheel makes a predetermined number of revolutions while the onerevolution collar makes one revolution. The number of revolutions made by the measuring wheel, while the presser wheel is in engagement therewith, corresponds to the width of the cloth.

When the finger is in the notch of the onerevolution collar, the weft brake is applied and no weft thread is projected. Operation of the control lever removes the finger from the notch,

releasing the one-revolution collar permitting it to make one revolution. The disengagement of finger and notch causes the presser wheel to engage the measuring wheel and the brake to release. The control lever may be conveniently operated by a latch arrangement, controlled by an electric solenoid; the solenoid is in turn controlled by an electric switch on one of the shafts of the machine; this times the projection of the weft thread to that part of the weaving cycle in which the shed is open.

The invention also consists in certain new and original features and combinations hereinafter set forth and claimed.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is an end elevation of a simple loom to which the invention is applied;

Fig. 2 is a cross section on the line 22 of Fig. 1, showing the cam-operated timing switch;

Fig. 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic, longitudinal, vertical section taken on the line 33 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a detail elevation of the weft thread measuring device, the parts being shown in position holding the weft thread stationary;

Fig. '5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 but showing the parts in position for feeding and measuring the weft thread;

Fig. 6 is a detail on the line 6-6 of Fig. 4 showing the separate drive motor for the weft thread measuring device;

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 1---'! of Fig. 5 illustrating the one-revolution collar and drive therefor;

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section taken through the feed jet, and

Fig. 9 is a transverse section taken on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

In the following description and in the claims, various details will be identified by specific means for convenience, but they are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification, certain specific disclosure of the invention is made for purposes of explanation, but it will be understood that the details may be modified in various respects without departure from the broad aspect of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, a conventional type loom is shown to which the invention is applied. Conventional parts of the loom are shown somewhat diagrammatically and a simple form of 100m is shown for purposes of simplicity. It will. be understood that the invention is directed mainly to the pneumatic weft feeding and tensioning arrangement, to the weft thread metering arrangement and to the manner in which these arrangements are incorporated into the loom.

The loom comprises, in general, a suitable framework indicated by lil; warp beam. H from which the warp threads are fed. in the direction of the arrow X; tension rods I2; harness l'4 comprising frames A and B operating the shed l3; lay beam !5 carrying; reeds l6; breast beam I! over which the finished cloth passes; and the roll [8 of finished cloth.

The weft projecting devices comprisesin general the projecting nozzle or jet projector Hi, the suction tube 29 and the thread. metering device (see particularly measuring wheel 2i and presser wheel 22).

All of these parts will be described more inv detail hereinafter.

The warp beam I! is suitably journaled in frame It and has the warp thread wound, thereon as is well known. Any suitable means may be provided for driving or letting ofithewarp beam.

The warp threads are: divided into groups a and 19 passing over andunder the tension rods i 2 to form the shed I3. The; shed is opened and closed by the harness 14. which comprises frames A and B. frame A is up, as. shown in Figure 3, the other frame 13 is clown and that the positions of these frames reverses, as is well known-in the art.

The harness i is driven from. main shaft 25 suitably journaled in the. main frame ll] of the machine. Shaft 25- is. driven continuously by a suitable motor or other source of power (not shown); Main shaft 25 drives harness shaft 27 through gears 26 in a two-to-onerelationship; the main shaft makes: two revolutions for every one revolution of the harness shaft.

Harness shaft 27 has cams 2% operating on frames A and B. Straps 34 pass over pulleys and connect the upper bars 3 I of harness frames A and B. Pulleys 35 are mounted on shaft 36 journaled in the frame of the machine.

t will be understood thatwarp threads a are controlled by frame A and warp threads I) are controlled by frame B. Thus, as harness drive shaft 2:! rotates, thetreadles- 30 reciprocate harness frames A and B up and down, opening and closing the shed if), as is well known to those skilled in the art.

The lay beam I5 is mounted on. swords it] suitably mounted on pivot'sha-ft' M journaled in the machine frame. The lay beam i5'carriesreed frame 42 having the reeds. [6. Main drive shaft 25 has cranks 3'! on which are journaled connecting rods 38 pivoted. to the lay beam l5. It will be understood. that rotation of drive shaft 25 causes the lay beam 15 to move to the right. in Fig. 3 causing the reed. 1 6 tobeat the weft It will be understood that, when one.

thread into the cloth and then to return to the position shown, as is well known.

The breast beam It extends all the way across the machine and supports, on one side, the stationary jaw of weft thread cut off shears. A movable jaw -54 is pivoted to stationary jaw 43, and a spring 45 normally holds the jaw M in open position. Movable jaw 44 has an arm 46 against which lay beam [5 strikes to close the shears to out. the weft thread, as explained hereinafter. A similar cut-off shears (not shown) may be mounted on the breast beam at the other side of. the m, and similarly operated, if desired, to trim. off the other end of the weft thread.

The cloth roll I8 is suitably journaled in the frame of the: machine and may be driven to wind up the finished cloth in any convenient or well known manner.

The suction tube 29 of the weft projecting devices has a flared mouth 52 and is suitably clamped to the lay beam hi. Afiexiblepipe 50 extends to a suitable suction. pump (not shown) which may be mounted in some convenient stationary position.

The pressure nozzle or jet projector I8 is also mounted on the lay beam l5 in line with the suction tube 26. It, too, has a flexible pipe 5| connecting with a suitable source (not shown). of compressed air which may. be a standard air compressor mounted in somev convenient stationary position.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the projecting nozzle. or jet projector l9 will now be described. It comprises a main tube. 52: connecting with an inner chamber An annular chamber 54 sur-- rounds inner chamber 53 cor-meeting therewith by a series of radial holes? 59. The. annular chamber 5a is closed by a band 55 suitably se-- cured to the walls of annular chamber 54. A nipple 56 is welded to band 55 and is connected" to flexible pipe 5t for supplying the jet" 1-9 with compressed air.

Disposed within tube 52 is hollow needle 57. Needle 5? has a base 53 connected to the walls of. annular chamber 54 by screws 62'. The hollow' needle 57 has a roundedsurface 6i": and the. bore of tube 52 has a rounded surface ii! to facilitate flow of air around the annular throat between. the hollow needle and the tube 52. The weft thread W passes through the hollow needle in the direction of the arrow inFig. 8.

When compressed air is supplie to nipple 55, the annular chamber 5 3 carries air uniformly around the entire circumference of the chamber; thence the air passes inwardly through the. holes 59 into the inner annular E53 whence the air passes through the annular throat between the hollow needle 5'? andfeecl-tube The compressed air issuing out of the mouth of the nozzle carries the thread W along with it, projecting the thread through the shed across the width of the loom as described hereinafter.

Referring now more particuiarly to Figs. 4 to 7', the weft thread metering device will now be described. This device is mounted upon a separate frame 56 attached to the main frame ID of the machine and does not move with the lay beam l5. It comprises an electric motor 61 on whose shaft 12 is mounted the measuring wheel 2|; Wheel 2! is secured to shaft by set screw 69. Rigidly mounted on the hub of measuring wheel 2| is pinion E58, being secured thereto by set screw 70. A rubber band or tire 7i. encircles measuring wheel 2 l.

Pinion 68 drives large gear 73.

Large gear 73' is loose on stud shaft 14 secured to frame 66. Gear '53 is secured to flange it of sleeve 15 by bolts as indicated in Fig. '7; sleeve 15 is journaled on shaft 'i l. Sleeve 15 is held axially in position between the shoulder 18 on shaft l4 and washer alt held in position by cotter pin 85.

One-revolution collar is is journaled on sleeve "E5. 6n either side of collar it is a friction clutch washer iii. A helical spring 32, retained by washer d3 sprung a groove in sleeve 15, abuts one of the clutch washers 8 l, axially urging one-revolution collar 76 against the other friction washer 85 which in turn presses againsthub of gear "E3; the construction is such that, in effect, large gear drives one-revolution collar it through a friction slip clutch. The friction clutch washer 8! adjacent spring 82 is feather keyed to sleeve 15 by a pin 8E3 set into the sleeve, as shown in Fig. '7, to prevent rotation of the washer from winding up the spring.

The one-revolution collar It is held stationary by a control lever 36 having a finger 8E3 engaging in collar notch ll. It will be understood that even though one-revolution collar i5 is held stationary, the drive gear it rotates continuously,

the friction clutch washers Bl permitting such action. However, when finger fit is removed from notch W, the friction clutch drives one-revolution collar it, causing it to make one revolution when finger 88 again drops into notch ll; during the one revolution, finger rides on the pe riphery of collar it.

Control lever 36 is up of members ill and ti l suitably riveted together. Member it! pivoted to frame at offset foot as engaging a helical spring 92 which also engages a fixed abutment It will be understood that spring as normally urges finger 83 into engagement with notch ll.

Control lever member or has a flexible brake shoe 9t bearing upon a smooth surface brake rod at suitably secured to an adjustable plate as. This plate has slots through which screws 99 pass securing it to frame 62' to permit vertical adjustment of rod 9'5 to get proper brake pressure against brake shoe It will be understood that the thread W passes over brake rod ill, between rod al and brake shoe and is clamped between these two members when they are in the position shown in Fig. 4.

Presser wheel 22 is journaled on arm ltd which is pivoted to frame at ilil. The position of arm [at is controlled by. an extension ltd engaging foot ti and engaging a helical spring Hi3 seated in a cup i iii secured to control lever mem ber ill.

its acts to move presser wheel 22 toward measuring wheel 2i and to yieldably hold presser wheel 22 against measuring wheel 25 when finger (i8 is disengaged from notch it (see Fig. 5).

The position of control lever 86 is controlled by a solenoid and latch engagement which will now be described. A solenoid Hi l is mounted upon a bracket secured to frame 56. It has a movable plunger it?) to which is pivoted a latch its by pivot Hi3. Latch H36 engages a stop we secured to frame 65. A tension spring till ophffember d5 has an It will be understood that the spring erates between stop tit} and a projection Hill on latch its to hold the latch in engagement with stop its and in engagement over the end of con trol lever member til when in the position shown in Fig. l.

The path of the weft thread W will now be described. The weft thread is stored in a suitable package or cone H4 mounted on the main frame of the machine (see Fig. 1). Thread W passes through guides lit and ill, thence between brake surfaces d6, ill, thence between the rubber tire ll of measuring wheel 2i and the-smooth surface of presser roll 22 (see Fig. 6). The thread W then passes through guide (2| into the back of jet it where it passes straight through the jet, as illustrated particularly in Fig. 8.

The solenoid left is controlled by a control circuit shown in Fig. 1. A switch l is is mounted onthe frame l0. The switch has a pushbutton controlled by cam 5 i8 mounted on main shaft 25. As the projection on cam I 18 engages the push button of switch 4 59, it closes the switch. Wires indicated by :28 connect switch I i9 and solenoid I94 with a source of electric power as indicated. Thus, every time cam it closes switch H9, solenoid me is operated and held operated until the projection on the cam H3 rides off the pushbutton when the switch H9 opens and solenoid 1M releases.

Operation be projected through the shed across the loom.

It will be understood that the shed l3 opens and closes in accordance with the movement of the harness under control of harness shaft 21. In the position shown in Fig. 3, the shed is open; the weft thread has been projected through the shed; and the lay beam i5 is in substantially its backmost position. The lay beam I5 is about to move forward. The projected weft thread is held taut, anterior of the reed [8, by the jet I9 and by the suction tube 20. As the lay beam l5 moves forward, the reed It beats this weft thread into the cloth; and as the lay beam i5 engages shear arm 46, shears 43, M sever the weft thread adjacent the jet l9.

In the meantime, the shed is closing and opening in the opposite direction. As the lay beam [5 nears its rearmost position, the projection on timing cam H8 closes switch H9 which operates solenoid I04. This pulls control lever 8t clockwise (see Fig. 4), disengaging finger 88 from notch 11; this releases one-revolution collar 16, permitting it to make one revolution, the finger 88 riding on the periphery of the one-revolution collar, holding control lever 86 to the right for a complete revolution.

Clockwise movement of control lever 86 releases brake 96, 91 and presses presser wheel 22 against measuring wheel 2] as illustrated in Fig. 5. The jet nozzle l!) exerts continuous pull on the weft thread W. The engagement of presser wheel 22 with feed wheel 2| draws weft thread from package I I4 and positively feeds the thread to the jet nozzle H! which projects the thread through the shed.

It will be understood that the gear ratio between gears 68 and 13 is such that, when onerevolution collar 16 is making one revolution, measuring wheel 2| will make a sufiicient number of revolutions to measure the proper amount of weft thread equivalent to the width of the cloth being'woven. V. j

When the proper amount of weft thread W is paid out, the control finger 88 drops again down intonotch I!- under pressure of'springS-Zi This releases presser wheel 22 from measuring wheel 2| and causes brake shoe 98 to press thread W against pin 91, stopping further feed of weft thread.

When the solenoid I04 operates and pulls finger 88 out of notch ll, a tip projection I'H- on the latch ['6 engages the solenoid frame rais-= ing the latch I06 about its pivot l I El causing it todisengage member 90'.

The parts of this operating mechanism are so arranged" that-finger 88 is free to drop'bacl: into notch 11, under pressure of spring 9'2, regardless of the length of time solenoid H4 remains actuated. If notch 77 comes into register with finger 88 before solenoid I 04- relea'ses', the fin ger is free to drop into notch W as clearly indicated in Fig. upon release of solenoid I04, the cam surface I22 on latch let will then ride up on member 90 and drop down with the catch shoulder I23 behind member 9! to the position shown in Fig; 4. Oh the other hand, if solenoid PM releases before notch l7" comes into register with finger 88', spring w l pulls latch F56 back intoposition against stop i9 8, causing thelatch to ride over the end of member 93' and take sucha position against stop its as to permit member 9& to move into position behind catch shoulder i23 when notch IT comes into register with finger" 8'8.

Festshave' shown that the weft thread is pro-- ject'ed instantly through the shed with great speed and accuracy: The thread is measured asit is fed and when the correct amount is paid out, further projection is prevented by the thread brake: As the weft thread travels into the neighborhood of' the suction nozzle; thesuction takes hold and holds theweftthread under tensi'on' and the thread is measured while it is so held. The forward movement of the lay beam causes thereed to beat-the'thread into the cloth and cuts oi? the weft thread as the shed closes. As the veiocity of the projected" weft thread is very high, it need not be projected until the" shed is substantially wide open.

The weft thread may be measuredtoover-- hang slightly the edge of the cloth" at either side. Inpl'ace or the usual selvage, if desired, the cloth may be runthrough a suitable hard enable liquid which will cement or secure the warp and weft threads together at the side margins of the cloth to prevent any' unraveling which might otherwise occur due" to: handling the cloth before making up into clothing or other manufactured goods. the weft may be tucked back into the warp by any suitable means (not shown)" at a succeed ing opening of the shed.

By varying the speed and diameter of the measuring wheel, any reasonable weft thread velocity maybe obtained. By varying the gear ratio-between gears 88 and T3, any thread length corresponding to any width of cloth is obtainable, within the limitations of:' the weft project'- in'g device. The rubber: surface. of the measuring: wheel 2|- is such: as to give good; tractionto the thread. The surface of the: brake: pin 91- is such". as to allow'the thread. to slip freely with brake released" and to grip the. thread: instantly when the: brake is applied. Presser wheel 22 is made as free: running as possible sow that it may continue to spin between. successive projections oi: successive" weft threads; it is made. as. light: in weight as possible so it may accelerate quickly The short loose ends of 8. to catch up: with themeasurihg wheel when coming into contact with it. The weft-thread is thus accelerated and deceleratedalmost instantly.

It will be understood that the timing of the weft projections may be tied to other parts of the loom; also that in practice, other parts of the loom, shown diagrammatically, will be suitably counterbalanced and otherwise arranged for the faster. loom speeds made possible by the present invention.

It will be noted that-the metering device 1neasuresas it feeds the weft thread' into the jet projector. The weft thread is not completely measured until it is projectedthe entire width of the loomand is caught by the suction tube. At this time the presser wheel clisengages the measuring wheel and the brake elementsgrip the weft'thread stopping further feeding thereof. In other words, the weft thread metering device not only measures the thread but controls both the starting and stopping of the projection thereof. The air pressure on the jet projector and the suction. on the s otion tube is continuousand are continuously available to carry" the weft thread through the shed and to hold it taut under control of the metering device;

The relationship of the metering wheels and the lay beam is such thecompara-tively smallmovement of the lay beam does not interfere substantially with the length ofthreadextending from the metering wheels to the jet projector. At the time of weft projection, the jet projector preferably inline with the metering guide l-El but this relationship is not especially critical.

An example of specifications of the weft pro jecting and metering apparatus will now be given. In tests, a 40/1 weft thread was projected a distance of 44 to as inches from the projecting nozzle. Peripheral speed of the measuring wheel 1! was 31 feet per second, this being also the speed of travel of the weft thread across the loom. The jet projector had the following dimensions. The inner bore of the tube 52 was 1% inch in diameter, its owerall length 1%, inches. The overall length of the hollow needle was 153E inches, and the diameter of. the holethrough the hollow needle was .055 inch. The-pressure oi" the com.- pressed air fed to the jet-projector was 7 pounds gauge. The 1 /2 inch inside diameter suction nozzle had a flaring month about: /2 inch larger and the suction pressure was 2: /4. inches of water.- 1 /4 inches from the open end;

While certainnovel features of the invention have been disclosed herein, and are pointed out in the annexed claims; it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled. in the art Without departing from the spirit. of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1 In a loom, mechanism to form a.sl1ed,.a-jet projector at one end of said shed, a. suction: tube at the other. endof said shed, means for'supply-- ing. substantially constant pressure to said jetprojector, means for supplying substantially constant suction to said suction tube, a weft metering device comprising a continuously rotating. measuring Wheel, a presser. member intermittent-- 1y pressing against said; measuring wheel, means" for guiding Weft thread between. saidmeasuring wheel and presser member and into saidljet pro-- jector, means synchronized. with the l'oorn'. for urging said presser'member and measuringwheel together at a time whenthe shed is opera. and for holding" said member and wheel togetl ieruntil a predetermined length of thread is fed to said jet projector.

2. In a loom, mechanism to form a shed, a jet projector at one end of said shed, a suction tube at the other end of said shed, means for supplying substantially constant pressure to said jet projector, means for supplying substantially constant suction to said suction tube, a weft metering device comprising a continuously rotating measuring wheel, a presser wheel intermittently pressing against said measuring wheel, means for guidin weft thread between said measuring and presser wheels and into said jet nozzle, means synchronized with the loom for urging said presser and measuring wheels together at a time when the shed is open, a timing control for separating said wheels, said timing control being operated by rotation of a predetermined number of revolutions of said measuring wheel beginning with initial contact of said wheeis, whereby said jet projector projects the weft thread through said shed as the weft thread is measured by said measuring wheel.

3. In a loom, means for forming a shed, a device for projecting a weft thread through the shed, a metering device for feeding predetermined lengths of weft thread through the shed, said metering device comprising a continuously moving measuring wheel, a. presser member, a control cam, a lever system having a finger engageable with said cam, said lever system oper ating to press said wheel and member together at times, gearing between said measuring wheel and said cam to cause said measuring wheel to make a predetermined number of revolutions corresponding to the width of the cloth while said cam makes a predetermined movement, said wheel and member being separated while said finger engages one part of said cam, said wheel and member being pressed together while said finger engages another part of said cam.

l. In a loom, means for forming a shed, a device for projecting a weft thread through the shed, a metering device for feeding predeter mined lengths of weft thread to the projecting device, said metering device comprising a continuously moving, measuring wheel, a presser wheel adapted to engage said measuring wheel, a thread brake adjacent said wheels, a timing collar having a notch, a lever system having a finger engageable in said notch at times and ridable on the periphery of said collar at times, said lever system operating said brake and said presser wheel, gearing between said measuring wheel and said timing collar to cause said measuring wheel to make a predetermined number of revolutions, corresponding to the width of the cloth, while said collar rotates a predetermined angle, the arrangement being such that said wheels are separated and said brake is applied to the thread while said finger is engaged in said notch, and said wheels are pressed together and said brake is released while said finger rides on the periphcry of said collar.

5. In a loom, a projecting jet for projecting weft threads across the loom, a main conduit, a hollow needle projecting within the bore of said main conduit, said needle having a small opening in line with said bore to pass thread through the hollow needle and bore, and means supplying air to the space between said needle and conduit to project said thread from the main conduit, said main conduit being substantially unrestricted from the discharge end of the needle to the discharge end of the main conduit.

6. In a loom, a projecting jet for projecting weft threads across the loom, a main conduit having a central chamber, an outer annular chamber surrounding said central chamber, a plurality of openings connecting said chambers, means for supplying the outer chamber with compressed air, a hollow needle disposed within said central chamber, said needle projecting within the bore of said main conduit, said needle having a small opening whose entire length is in line with said bore, whereby to pass thread straight through the hollow needle and bore, and whereby the air passing between said needle and conduit projects said thread.

'7. In a loom, mechanism to form a shed, a lay beam, reeds carried by said lay beam, a breast beam, a jet projector at one end of said lay beam. a suction mouth at the other end of said lay beam, means-for supplying substantially constant air pressure to said jet projector, and means for supplying substantially constant suction to said suction mouth, a weft measuring device compris ing a continuously rotating measuring wheel, a presser wheel intermittently pressing against said measuring wheel, a thread brake, means for guiding weft thread through said brake and between said measuring and presser wheels and into said jet projector, a cutting device adjacent said breast beam, means synchronized with the loom for urging said presser and measuring wheels together and releasing said brake at times, and for moving said wheels apart and braking said weft thread at other times, whereby said jet projector projects the weft thread through said shed as the weft thread is measured by said measuring wheel, and said weft thread is severed when said lay beam approaches said breast beam.

8. In a loom, mechanism to form a shed, a lay beam, reeds carried by said lay beam, a breast beam, a jet projector on one end of said lay beam, a suction mouth on the other end of said lay beam, means for supplying substantially constant air pressure to said jet projector, means for subplying substantially constant suction to said suction mouth, a weft metering device mounted on a stationary part of the loom, said metering device comprising a continuously rotating measuring wheel, a presser wheel intermittently pressing against said measuring wheel, a thread brake, means for guiding weft thread through said brake and between said measuring and presser wheels and into said jet projector, a cutting device carried by said breast beam, means sy chronized with the loom for urging said presser and measuring wheels together and releasing said brake at times, and for moving said Wheels apart and braking said weft thread at other times, whereby said jet projector projects the weft thread through said shed as the weft thread is measured by said measuring wheel, and said weft thread is severed when said lay beam approaches said breast beam.

9. In a loom, means for forming a shed, a device for projecting a weft thread through the shed, a metering device for feeding predetermined lengths of weft thread to said projection device, said metering device comprising a drive shaft, a measuring wheel and a pinion on said drive shaft, an auxiliary shaft, a gear on said auxiliary shaft meshing said pinion, a timing collar having a notch and journaled on said auxiliary shaft, a clutch between said collar and said gear, a control lever having a finger engageable in said notch, a pivot for said control lever, a brake element over which weft thread passes,

i=1 a brake :shoe operated .by said control lever and engageable with said brake element to brake said weft thread, means urging said lever finger into .said :notch, a presser wheel adjacent said measpredetermined lengths .of weft thread to said pneumatic projection device, said metering device comprising a drive shaft, a measuring wheel and a pinion :on said drive shaft, said measuring wheel having a relatively soft tire, an auxiliary shaft, a gear on said-auxiliaryshaft meshing said a pinion, .a timing collar having a :notch and dournaled on said auxiliary ,sha-f-t, a friction .cl-utch between said collar and said gear, a control lever having a finger -;engagzeable "in said notch, a pivot for said control lover, :a intake ,pin over which weft thread passes, .a brake shoe secured to said control lever rand 'engageable with said brake pin to brake said weft thread, spring means urging said lever finger into said notch, .a presser wheel adjacent .said measuring wheel, .a presser arm on which said presscr wheel is journaled, .a pivot for said prcsser arm,.said presser .arm having an extension engaging over-a .fo 0t attached to said -.control lever, a second spring operating .be-

tween said control lever and .said extension, .a

solenoid having ,a plunger, and a latch member pivoted to said plungerand having atcatch ,projection engaging OVER-Said control lever.

11. In a loom, mechanism to .form .a shed, .a pneumatic weft projecting device, .a weft metering device comprising a continuously rotating measuring wheel, a .presscr member intermittentl pressing the ,weit thread against the .measurmg wheel, means synchronized with the loom for causing said .presser member .to press the wei t thread against the measuring wheel at a time when the shed is open andior holding said weft thread against the measuring wheel until a predetermined length ,of thread is pneumatically projected through the shed, said weft metering 12 device paying out the thread at .a speed slower than that at which said weft projecting device tends to project the thread.

12. In a loom, mechanism to form a shed, a jet projector at one end of said shed, a suction mouth at the other end of said shed, means .for supplying substantially constant pneumatic pressure to said jet projector, means for supplying substantially constant suction to said suction mouth, a metering device for paying out weft thread into said .l'et projector, said jet projector delivering the weft thread through said shedinto the influence of said suction mouth, .said meter- .ing device paying .out thread, while the thread is passing through the shed, :at a speed which .is slower than the speed at which said jet projector tends to project the thread, said meterin device paying out said thread until the thread is projected substantially completely across the width of the cloth and is drawn taut by said suction mouth.

13. In a loom, mechanism to form .a shed, .a pneumatic projector for projecting weft thread through said shed, ,a metering device for paying out weft thread to said projector, said metering device paying out the thread at a speed slower than the projector tends to project the thread, said metering device thus exercising a hold-back control on said thread while it is .being projected through the shed, until the thread is projected substantially completely across the Width of the cloth.

.GEQRGE W. .DU N HAM.

References Cited ,in the file of this patent -UNIfIlElD .STACDES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,368,691 Brooks Feb. 15, 1921 1,386,550 Brooks Aug. 2, 1921 1,721,940 Ballou July 23, 1929 1,922,920 Aherne .Aug. 15, 19.33 2,175,787 Sullivan d. Oct. 1-0, "1939 2,401,070 Harter May 28, 1945 "2,519,786 Paabo s Aug. 22, 1950 FOREIGN PAFIElIFES Number Country Date 251,353 Switzerland Sept. 1, I948

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