US3595005A

US3595005A - Information-transmitting means for textile strand ends-down detecting apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3595005A
Application number: US866266A
Authority: US
Inventors: David W Saunders
Original assignee: Parks Cramer Co
Current assignee: Parks Cramer Co
Priority date: 1969-10-14
Filing date: 1969-10-14
Publication date: 1971-07-27
Anticipated expiration: 1988-07-27
Also published as: GB1326408A; FR2064326B1; CH518870A; FR2064326A1; DE2050514A1; DE2050514B2; JPS5622968B1

Abstract

Improved electrical circuit means for use in an apparatus which travels a detector means along textile strand processing apparatus such as spinning frames for determining the absence of ends of yarn from locations therealong at which such ends are normally present and wherein the electrical circuit means responds to a determination that ends are down by transmitting information from a moving portion of the ends down detecting apparatus to a stationary portion thereof. The information transmitting means disclosed herein incorporates a transmitter means mounted for travel with detector and logic circuit means along a predetermined path relative to a traversed textile apparatus and having an electrical lamp energized in response to a determination that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus, and a stationary receiver means mounted relative to the path of movement of the transmitter means for exposure to the electrical lamp thereof and having a photosensitive element responsive to illumination from the lamp for variation of an electrical characteristic of the receiver.

Description

United States Patent [72] inventor David W. Saunders Fitchburg. Mass.

[21] Appl. No. 866.266

[22] Filed Oct. 14, 1969 [45] Patented July 27,1971

[73] Assignee Parks-Cramer Company Charlotte, NC.

(54} INFORMATION-TRANSMITTING MEANS FOR TEXTILE STRAND ENDS-DOWN DETECTllNG APPARATUS 10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.C1 57/81, A 57/56, 250/219 [51] Int. (11., D0lh 13/26, Dolh 13/16, DOlh 13/32 [50] Field ofSearch 57/34, 52,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,043,991 7/1962 Schneider 57/81 X 3,099,829 7/1963 Namenyi-Katz. 57/81 X 3,114,233 12/1963 Guri 57/81 3,287,887 11/1966 Dornberger 57/19 I r- I 1 .1 2.1 2)

Primary E.ram1'ner Donald E. Watkins A1/orneyParrott, Bell, Seltzer, Park. & Gibson ABSTRACT: Improved electrical circuit means for use in an apparatus which travels a detector means along textile strand processing apparatus such as spinning frames for determining the absence of ends of yarn from locations therealong at which such ends are normally present and wherein the electrical cir cuit means responds to a determination that ends are down by transmitting information from a moving portion of the ends down detecting apparatus to a stationary portion thereof. The information transmitting means disclosed herein incorporates a transmitter means mounted for travel with detector and logic circuit means along a predetermined path relative to a traversed textile apparatus and having an electrical lamp energized in response to a determination that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus, and a stationary receiver means mounted relative to the path of movement of the transmitter means for exposure to the electrical lamp thereof and having a photosensitive element responsive to illumination from the lamp for variation of an electrical characteristic of the receiver.

PAIENTED JUL27 l9?! SHEET 1 OF 2 ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJULNIQTI 3595.005

SHKET 2 UF 2 mum bAvm \MSAUNbE-RS ATTORNEYfi INFORMATION-TRANSMITTING MEANS FOR TEXTILE STRAND ENDS-DOWN DETECTING APPARATUS It has heretofore been proposed that the efficiency of certain textile strand producing operations be improved by providing apparatus for detecting and reporting the ends down condition of textile yarn or thread forming apparatus such as spinning and twisting machines. In accordance with certain of such proposals, apparatus is provided within a textile mill room, such as a spinning room, for moving detector and logic circuit means along textile apparatus such as spinning frames.

It is an object of the present invention to facilitate improved transmittal of data regarding the ends-down condition of traversed textile machines by providing improved electrical circuit information transmitting means which reports information from traveling detector means to stationary receiver means without mechanical connection thercbetween.

A further object of this invention is to provide for such information transmittal by emission of radiant energy to represent determinations of textile apparatus operating condi' tions. In accomplishing these objects of the present invention, mechanically actuated elements or mechanically moving elements are avoided in an environment where reliability of such actuation or movement may be impaired by line or the like produced by the textile processes. More particularly, transmitter means mounted for travel with detector and logic circuit means along textile strand processing apparatus has an electrical lamp energized in response to a determination that ends are down at traversed locations therealong. A stationary receiver positioned in a predetermined manner relative to the path followed by the moving transmitter means includes a photosensitive element and is responsive to exposure of the photosensitive element to the electrical lamp so as to receive data from the transmitter means without requiring physical actuation or contact therebetween.

A further object of the present invention is the improvement of an apparatus of the general type described above wherein the detector and logic circuit means travel with a pneumatic cleaner mounted on a track for movement above and along a plurality of yarn forming locations and wherein the compatibility of the traveling pneumatic cleaner functions and the ends down detecting functions is enhanced.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which;

FIG. 1 is a plan view, partly in phantom, ofa traveling pneumatic cleaner and ends down detecting device positioned on a track for travel over a textile strand processing apparatus such as a spinning frame and incorporating the improved information-transmitting means ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of portions of the traveling device shown in FIG. I and the track supporting the same, illustration more particularly certain features of the electrical circuit means ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the structure illustrated in FIG. I; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of stationary portions of the information transmitting means of the present inven tion.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, apparatus is there shown in which the travel of detector means along textile strand processing apparatus such as spinning frames for locating ends down thereon results from the combination of electrical circuit means with a traveling pneumatic cleaner as generally indicated at in FIGS. 1 and 3. The traveling pneumatic cleaner 10 is mounted on a track generally indicated at 11 for self-propelled travel above and along a plurality of yarn forming locations of textile strand processing apparatus such as one or more spinning frames generally indicated at 12, For a more extensive disclosure of the advantages and benefits which flow from such a combination, attention is directed to copending application Ser. Nov 794,880, filed Jan. 29, I969,

now U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,413, entitled Apparatus and Method for Detecting and Reporting Ends Down on Textile Machines" and owned in common with this application. As the broad relationship of the traveling pneumatic cleaner of FIGS. 1 and 3 to a textile strand processing apparatus may be fully understood from such disclosure and reference therein made to other and further pertinent patent disclosure, the present application shall not repeat such disclosure at length, but shall be directed more toward particular electrical circuit information transmittal means operative in such an environment.

Apparatus of the type for which the present invention is an improvement conventionally comprise detector means such as a photosensitive means or other energy level sensing means which is traveled along portions of textile strand processing apparatus to scan locations where ends of yarn normally are present during operation of the apparatus. Further, the apparatus has logic circuit means moving with the detector means for determining from the response of the detector means the presence and absence of ends of yarn from locations at which such ends normally are present. The specific details of the detector means and logic circuit means are not critical to the present invention, it being contemplated that such means may take forms such as are disclosed in the prior art, including pending applications owned in common with this application, and it is noted that electrical circuit means including detector means and logic circuit means are the subject of patent protection separate from the present invention.

In accordance with the present invention, the transmittal of information from a moving portion of the apparatus to a stationary portion thereof is accomplished through the use of radiant energy, thereby avoiding direct physical engagement or mechanical actuation for information transfer. Such transmittal of information both minimizes the possibilities of mechanical malfunction and opens capabilities of more ad vanced and higher speed information transmittal. As will be discussed more fully hereinafter, transmittal of information is particularly accomplished by energizing an electrical lamp mounted for movement with the detector means and logic circuit means in response to a determination that ends are down on a traversed apparatus and illuminating with the electrical lamp a stationary receiver means for thereby transferring information between moving and stationary portions of the ends down detecting apparatus.

The traveling cleaner l0 incorporates a tractor carriage generally indicated at 20 (FIG. 2) including a plurality of roller members (unnumbered in the drawings) engaging the track 11 for movement of the traveling cleaner l0 therealong. Mounted from the tractor carriage 20 is a transmitter means mounting arm 21, extending outwardly of the track 11 and downwardly therealong. Secured to the mounting arm 21 is a transmitter means housing 22, supported from the tractor carriage 20 for movement with the travelling cleaner 10 along a predetermined path relative to a traversed spinning frame 12. In accordance with the teachings of the aforementioned copending application, the traveling cleaner ltl additionally has mounted for movement therewith detector means for responding to ends thereon and l4gic circuit means responsive to the moving with the detector means for determining the absence ofends of yarn from locations on the textile machines at which such ends normally are present, details of such detector means and logic circuit means being omitted from the drawings of this application, for purposes of brevity.

Enclosed within the transmitter means housing 22 is a radiant energy emitting means preferably in the form of at least one electrical lamp 23 energized in response to a determination by the logic circuit means that one or more ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus. In the particular embodiment herein illustrated and in accordance with the teachings of the aforementioned copending patent application, means are provided for simultaneously scanning two sides of a spinning frame and determining the ends down conditions of each of the two sides. Accordingly, the transmitter means of the electrical circuit information transmitting means herein disclosed preferably has one electrical lamp 23, 23' for each of the two detector means and logic circuit means operative during traversal of an apparatus on which ends are to be checked. Thus, the transmitter means housing 22 preferably encloses a pair of electrical lamps.

In accordance with the present invention, the electrical lamps 23, 23' enclosed within the transmitter means housing 22 are energized by an output device for the logic circuit means upon a determination that ends are down at traversed yarn forming locations. Under the disclosure of the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 794,880, such energization of an electrical lamp will occur on determination that the number of ends down in a predetermined lengthwise portion of a traversed textile machine exceeds a predetermined number. Thus, if the number three is established as the number of ends down which will be accepted along one side of a traversed textile machine, a determination that four or more ends are down will result in energization of the corresponding lamp within the transmitter means housing 22. The present invention is not however, limited to only this specific system of operation, but is adaptable to other approaches which may contemplate more frequent or nearly continuous information transfer.

Mounted In the track ll relative to the path of movement followed by the transmitter means is a receiver means housing 24. The receiver means housing 24 is arranged relative to the transmitter housing 22 for exposure to the radiant energy emitted from the means enclosed within the transmitter housing 22, such as the

electrical lamps

23, 23 disclosed herein. In the particular form illustrated, the lamps enclosed within the transmitter means housing 22 direct light inwardly toward the track 11 on which the traveling pneumatic cleaner 20 is mounted. Accordingly, the receiver means housing 24 is mounted on track ll inwardly of the path followed by the transmitter means housing 22 for receiving information transmitted when the electrical lamps within the transmitter means housing 22 are energized.

As discussed in the aforementioned copending application Ser. No. 794,880 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,523,413, particularly with reference to FIGS. and 12 thereof, it is advantageous to accommodate transmittal of information from the portions of the ends down detecting apparatus moving with the traveling cleaner 10 to stationary portions of the apparatus without regard to the direction in which the traveling cleaner 10 is moving relative to the spinning frame 12. Further, it is advantageous to announce to workers in the mill room the determination of an ends down condition without respect to which end of the spinning frame may be viewed by the worker. To this end, the present invention contemplates that stationary electrical receiver means be mounted in predetermined relation to both ends of a traversed spinning frame 12 (FIG. 3) and that annunciator signal means generally indicated at 25 be similarly located adjacent both ends of a traversed textile ap paratus.

In the general operation of the ends down detecting apparatus, the annunciator signal means 25 is responsive to a determination by the logic circuit means moving with the traveling cleaner 10 by signaling a worker in an appropriate manner such as by energization of a warning lamp. On illumination of a warning lamp, a worker is advised that the traversed textile apparatus requires attention. Within such a general frame of operation, it is preferred that provision be made for further warning a worker that a machine has gone unattended for at least a predetermined time after a determination has been made that the operating condition of the machine is improper. Further, provision should be made for cancellation of the annunciator signal either on the next traverse by the end detector means or manually after the machine has been restored by a worker to propcr working condition: To this end, the annunciator signal means 25 as herein disclosed incorporates by way of example manually operable signal cancellation switches identified generally at 28 and preferably constructed as pendant switches hanging downwardly from adjacent the track 11 and at the ends of the traversed spinning frame 12. Further, the circuit means of the present invention incorporates means for modulating the signal given by the annunciator signaling means 25 on expiration ofa predetermined time period.

In particular, the electrical circuit means of the present invention which is responsive to the determination that ends are down, and to the transmittal of such information by emission of radiant energy such as on energization of a lamp enclosed within the transmitter means housing 22, includes circuit elements as shown schematically in FIG. 4. As there indicated, the stationary electrical receiver means which is mounted relative to the path of travel of the transmitter means for exposure to the electrical lamp has

photosensitive elements

30 and 30 responsive to illumination from the electrical lamps 23, 23' respectively of the transmitter means for variation of an electrical characteristic of the receiver means. As indicated by phantom lines, two receiver means housings 24 are shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 4, with the photosensitive elements 30 thereof arranged in parallel electrical connection. This reflects the positioning of two receiver means housings 24 relative to a traversed textile machine 12 as shown at opposite ends of the frame in FIGS. 1 and 3 and also reflects the limitation of the circuitry schematically shown in FIG. 4 to responding to a determination of an ends down condition of one side of a traversed textile machine only. It is to be understood that each of the receiver means housings 24 contains two photosensitive elements 30, 30', one for each of the two sides of the spinning frame 12 being scanned by the detector means moving with the traveling pneumatic cleanerlO.

The

photosensitive elements

30, 30, are electrically connected to an activating element of an electrical switching means. The conductive state of the switching means changes in response to variation in an electrical characteristic of the receiver means upon receipt of radiant energy emitted from the transmitter means, as upon illumination of a

photosensitive element

30, 30, by light from the electrical lamp of the transmitter means, In the particular form illustrated, the electrical switching means is a current sensitive electromechanical relay generally indicated at 31, having a winding 32 which functions as the activating element of the relay. The photosensitive elements are photoresistors in which the resistance value decreases with an increase in illumination applied thereto. On a decrease in the resistance value of either photosensitive element 30, the current through the winding 32 increases, causing closure of two associated contact sets 34 and 35. One contact set 34 is arranged as a holding contact to maintain energization of the winding 32 after the transmitter means moves beyond the receiver means housing 24 and the resistance value of the photosensitive element 30 again increases. As shown, the release switch 28 is normally closed pushbutton electrically connected in series with the winding 32 of the electrical switch means 31 to release the holding current on manual actuation.

While disclosed herein with particular reference to an electromechanical relay 31 and photoresistors as the photosensitive elements 30, the present invention contemplates that the electrical switching means may be a switching means which does not relay upon mechanical movement for changing conductive state. Further, circuit inversions may be used in such a manner that the change in conductive state is not from an open contact position to closed contact, but is a reverse circuit operation. Finally, control over the activating element of the electrical switching means need not be necessarily accomplished by variation in resistance value, as radiant energy responsive means are known which produce electrical signals in other ways such as by current modulation or by voltage generation.

The annunciator signal means generally indicated at 25 is electrically connected to the switching means such as the current sensitive relay 31 for energization upon a change of conductive state of the switching means indicative of the transfer from the transmitter means to the receiver means of information that a determination was made by the logic circuit means that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus. That is, upon energization of the electrical lamp means forming a portion of the transmitter means and moving with the traveling cleaner l0, and upon passage of the energized lamp adjacent the receiver means so as to direct light upon one of the photoresistors 30, the energization of the winding 32 of the relay 31 closes the other contact set 35. Such closure of the other contact set 35 applied electrical energy to'the annunciator signal means including

annunciator lamps

38 and 39 disposed at opposite ends of the traversed textile machine 112 and advises a worker that the traversed textile machine requires attention for correction ofthe ends-down condition thereof.

In order to bring to the attention of a worker the fact that a textile machine for which the

annunciator signal lamps

38 and 39 have been energized has gone unattended for an excessive interval, the apparatus of the present invention further comprises timing means electrically connected to the switching means for initiating timing of a predetermined interval upon energization of he annunciator signal means and signal modulating means electrically connected to the annunciator signal means and operative in response to the timing means for repetitively switching energization of the signal means after the predetermined interval has been timed. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the timing means preferably comprises a timing motor 40 electrically connected in parallel with the annunciator lamps 38 and in series with the other'contact set 35 of the electrical switching means or relay 31. On energization of the motor 40, rotation of the shaft thereof begins, with the rotation being at a predetermined relatively slow speed. Rotation of the shaft drives in movement a cam member 41 which, after passage of a predetermined interval of time, is operative to close a contact set 42. Closure of the contact set 42 energizes a flasher coil 44, which energization opens a normally closed flasher contact set 45. The flasher coil 44 is so connected to the flasher contact set 45 that opening of the contact set deenergizes the coil. As a result, the energization of the annunciator signal means is repetitively switched at a frequency determined by operation of the flasher coil and relay sets 44, 45. A worker is thereby signaled that the apparatus has gone unattended for at least a predetermined interval required for movement ofthe cam 41 to such a position that the contact set 42 is closed,

in the drawings and specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and although specific terms are employed, they are used in generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What i claim is:

I, in an apparatus which travels detector means along textile strand processing apparatus such as spinning frames for responding to ends of yarn thereon and which has logic circuit means moving with the detector means for determining from the response thereof the absence of ends of yarn from locations at which such ends normally are present, electrical cir cuit means responsive to a determination that ends are down by transmitting information from a moving portion of the ends down detecting apparatus to a stationary portion thereof and comprising:

transmitter means mounted for movement with the detector means and logic circuit means along a predetermined path relative to a traversed textile apparatus and having radiant energy emitting means energized in response to a determination by the logic circuit means that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus,

stationary receiver means mounted relative to said transmitter means path of movement for exposure to said radiant energy emitting means and having an electrical circuit element responsive to radiant energy from said radiant energy emitting means for variation of an electrical characteristic of said receiver means, and

electrical switching means having an activating element electrical connected to said electrically circuit element 2, Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said electrical switching means is a latching device responsive to a relatively short term variation in said electrical characteristic of said receiver means for changing conductive state and for continuing in such changed conductive state after said electrical characteristics of said receiver short term variation.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said latching device is an electromechanical relay having a winding functioning as said activating element.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising,

reset means operatively connected to said latching device for releasing said latching device from said changed conductive state.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said radiant energy emitting means comprises an electrical lamp emitting light on energization thereof and said electrical circuit element of said receiver means comprises .a photosensitive element.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said photosensitive element of said receiver means is a photoresistor responsive to variations in the level ofillumination applied thereto by variations in the resistance characteristic thereof.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said switching means comprises a current sensitive electromechanical relay having a winding functioning as said activating element.

8. Apparatus according to claim ll further comprising anmeans has recovered from said nunciator signal means electrically connected to said switching means for energization upon a change of conductive state ofsaid switching means indicative ofthe transmittal from said transmitter means to said receiver means of information that a determination was made by the logic circuit means that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising, timing means electrically connected to said switching means for initiating timing of a predetermined interval upon energization of said annunciator signal means, and

signal-modulating means electrically connected to said annunciator signal means and operative in response to said timing means for repetitively switching energization of said annunciator signal means after said predetermined interval has been timed and thereby for signaling that the apparatus has been unattended for at least said predetermined interval.

10. in an apparatus which travels a pneumatic cleaner along textile strand processing apparatus such as a spinning frame for removing lint and the like therefrom and which has detector means and logic circuit means moving with the traveling cleaner for responding to ends of yarn on a traversed apparatus and for determining the absence of ends of yarn from locations at which such ends normally are present, electrical circuit means responsive to a determination that ends are down by transmitting information from the traveling cleaner to a stationary portion of the apparatus and comprising:

transmitter means mounted on the traveling cleaner for movement with the detector means and logic circuit means along a predetermined path relative to a plurality of yarn forming locations and having an electrical lamp energized in response to a determination that one or more ends are down at traversed locations, stationary electrical receiver means located relative to said transmitter means path to movement for exposure to said electrical lamp on traversal by said transmitter means of the location of said receiver means and having a photosensitive element responsive to illumination from said electrical lamp for variation of the electrically conductive characteristics of said photosensitive element, latching electrical switching means having an activating element electrically connected to said photosensitive element and responsive to relatively short term variations in 7 said electrically conductive characteristics of said photosensitive element for changing the conductive state of said switching means, said switching means continuing in such changed conductive state after said photosensitive element recovers from such variation in electrically conductive characteristics,

annunciator signal means electrically connected to said switching means for energization upon-a change of conductive state of said switching means indicative of the

Claims

1. In an apparatus which travels detector means along textile strand processing apparatus such as spinning frames for responding to ends of yarn thereon and which has logic circuit means moving with the detector means for determining from the response thereof the absence of ends of yarn from locations at which such ends normally are present, electrical circuit means responsive to a determination that ends are down by transmitting information from a moving portion of the ends down detecting apparatus to a stationary portion thereof and comprising: transmitter means mounted for movement with the detector means and logic circuit means along a predetermined path relative to a traversed textile apparatus and having radiant energy emitting means energized in response to a determination by the logic circuit means that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus, stationary receiver means mounted relative to said transmitter means path of movement for exposure to said radiant energy emitting means and having an electrical circuit element responsive to radiant energy from said radiant energy emitting means for variation of an electrical characteristic of said receiver means, and electrical switching means having an activating element electrical connected to said electrically circuit element and responsive to variation in said electrical characteristic of said receiver means for changing the conductive state of said switching means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said electrical switching means is a latching device responsive to a relatively short term variation in said electrical characteristic of said receiver means for changing conductive state and for continuing in such changed conductive state after said electrical characteristics of said receiver means has recovered from said short term variation.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising, reset means operatively connected to said latching device for releasing said latching device from said changed conductive state.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said radiant energy emitting means comprisEs an electrical lamp emitting light on energization thereof and said electrical circuit element of said receiver means comprises a photosensitive element.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said photosensitive element of said receiver means is a photoresistor responsive to variations in the level of illumination applied thereto by variations in the resistance characteristic thereof.

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising annunciator signal means electrically connected to said switching means for energization upon a change of conductive state of said switching means indicative of the transmittal from said transmitter means to said receiver means of information that a determination was made by the logic circuit means that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising, timing means electrically connected to said switching means for initiating timing of a predetermined interval upon energization of said annunciator signal means, and signal-modulating means electrically connected to said annunciator signal means and operative in response to said timing means for repetitively switching energization of said annunciator signal means after said predetermined interval has been timed and thereby for signaling that the apparatus has been unattended for at least said predetermined interval.

10. In an apparatus which travels a pneumatic cleaner along textile strand processing apparatus such as a spinning frame for removing lint and the like therefrom and which has detector means and logic circuit means moving with the traveling cleaner for responding to ends of yarn on a traversed apparatus and for determining the absence of ends of yarn from locations at which such ends normally are present, electrical circuit means responsive to a determination that ends are down by transmitting information from the traveling cleaner to a stationary portion of the apparatus and comprising: transmitter means mounted on the traveling cleaner for movement with the detector means and logic circuit means along a predetermined path relative to a plurality of yarn forming locations and having an electrical lamp energized in response to a determination that one or more ends are down at traversed locations, stationary electrical receiver means located relative to said transmitter means path to movement for exposure to said electrical lamp on traversal by said transmitter means of the location of said receiver means and having a photosensitive element responsive to illumination from said electrical lamp for variation of the electrically conductive characteristics of said photosensitive element, latching electrical switching means having an activating element electrically connected to said photosensitive element and responsive to relatively short term variations in said electrically conductive characteristics of said photosensitive element for changing the conductive state of said switching means, said switching means continuing in such changed conductive state after said photosensitive element recovers from such variation in electrically conductive characteristics, annunciator signal means electrically connected to said switching means for energization upon a change of conductive state of said switching means indicative of the transmittal from said transmitter means to said receiver means of information that a determination was made that ends are down on a traversed textile apparatus, and manually actuable reset means operatively connected to said switching means for releasing said switching means from said changed conductive state and thereby for deenergizing said annunciator signal means.