Patent GB-400668-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in weft replenishing mechanism of looms for weaving
IPC: D03D45/20
Filed: 1933-02-27
Abstract: 400,668. Looms with automatic weft replenishment. MOORE, J. E., 56, Newton Street, Manchester. Feb. 27, 1933, No. 5744/32. [Classes 142 (i) and 142 (iii).] When the weft fails &c. and a change shaft G is rotated, a rotary shuttle box F<1> with a hollow centre, or an endless chain carrying shuttle boxes, is operated to bring a fresh shuttle F<2> into working position in line with the raceway and to bring a previously-exhausted shuttle into position to have its spent shuttle skewer or weft carrier B removed by an ejector b<23> on a cranked lever b<21>. The rotation of the box F<1> also brings another previously-exhausted shuttle into position to receive a loaded shuttle skewer, and also a detachable weft-end holder a<3> from an endless chain or belt or rotary loaded shuttle skewer or weft-carrier magazine A, A<1>, A<2> oscillating with the lay. This weft-carrier magazine is connected with the rotary shuttle box by chain gearing so as to rotate therewith and bring a loaded shuttle skewer into the path of constantly rocking feeding-levers b<12>, which transfer the loaded shuttle skewer into the empty shuttle situated above them in the rotary shuttle box. A spring-controlled lever b<16>, controlled from the shaft of the feeding levers b<12>, is simultaneously rocked to transfer a weft-end holder a<3> from the magazine A, A<1>, A<2> into an appropriate one of several weft end holder boxes b<18> in the rotary shuttle box. The feeding and ejecting levers b<12>, b<21> are operated through give-way devices from a lever operated by a cam on the bottom shaft. Construction of the loaded-shuttle skewer or weft-carrier magazine. This may comprise flanged discs A, A<1>, which are fitted with spring clips a, a<1> to hold loaded shuttle or weft skewers or weft carriers. The discs are fixed to a shaft C, which is detachably mounted between a spring-pressed stud &c. c carried by a boss c<1> on a bracket on the lay sword, and a stud D, so that the magazine may be removed and replaced by a filled one. The magazine also has a flanged disc A<2> having brackets a<2> carrying the weft-end holders a<3>, Fig. 7, comprising rollers with tongues a<4>. Construction and operation of the rotary shuttle boxes. This is rotated by means of a change hook, which is moved up and down by cam-controlled lever mechanism and is moved against spring action into engagement with one of several studs on the box by mechanism controlled from the change shaft. Each cell of the shuttle box has a weft-end holder b<18> provided with a spring-controlled jaw as shown in Fig. 5. Weft, cutting.-An arm l<3> on the change shaft raises a block l<2> provided with a spring gripping a rod l<1> which raises the movable blade of a weft-cutter L. This is closed at the beat-up by contact of the lay with a projection l. The weft is thereby cut and the corresponding weftend holder is released and falls down a shoot M carrying with it the length of weft extending between the cutter and the weft-end holder. Stop motions.-When all the weft carriers have been transferred from the magazine, a projection on the disc A<2> engages a pin and rocks a lever into such a position that at the beat-up it engages a lateral projection k<3> on an arm on a rod k<5>. Another arm on this rod engages a pin on and turns a lever which moves the starting handle into position to stop the loom, the lever also operating mechanism to lift the weft fork clear of the weft hammer and prevent actuation of the change shaft. A modification is described wherein the rotary shuttle-box is replaced by a series of equally spaced shuttle-boxes mounted on two endless chains. Such shuttle-boxes may be mounted on a slitted endless conveyer belt, and guides may be used in connection therewith for retaining the shuttles in their correct lateral position until arrival at their discharge position. The weft-carrier magazine may comprise one or more drums or an endless chain or belt. The shuttles may have slots cut in their sides or bottoms, and the stop-rod finger may be acted upon thereby through the slotted bottoms of the shuttle-boxes.