Patent Publication Number: US-6907721-B2

Title: Spliced yarn and method for forming the same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Subject matter disclosed herein is disclosed and claimed in the following co-pending application: 
     “Apparatus For Forming A Spliced Yarn”, filed contemporaneously in the names of present inventors and assigned to the assignee of the present invention U.S. application Ser. No. 10/323,451 filed Dec. 19, 2002). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming a spliced yarn. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Space-dyed yarns are carpet yarns that change color at predetermined intervals along the length of the yarn. Carpets manufactured using space-dyed yarn are desirable owing to the pleasing aesthetic provided by the variegated colors of the spaced-dyed yarns. 
     The color changes along the length of a space-dyed yarn is accomplished by one of two primary methods. In the first process, a white yarn is passed through a multicolor dying machine wherein the yarn is held against rollers containing different colored dyes. This process is very flexible, but it is quite slow and requires a large investment in associated dryers and heat-setting equipment. Moreover, the color produced to a yarn by dyeing are not as durable and vibrant as the color imparted to a solution-dyed yarns. In a solution dyed yarn the color pigments are incorporated into the polymer pellets from which the yarn is made. 
     The second process also begins with a white yarn which is knit into a fabric. The fabric is then printed with a multicolored pattern Once dried and heat-set, the fabric is unraveled and rewound into a package. This process is relatively slow and expensive. The yarns produced by this process are seen to suffer the same disadvantages as to color durability and vibrancy as the yarn produced by the other process. 
     In view of the foregoing it is believed advantageous to provide a process and an apparatus for producing a multicolored yarn that is able to provide substantially the same multicolor appearance as a space-dyed yarn. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for producing a spliced yarn comprising alternating predetermined lengths of a first and a second yarn and to the yarn so formed. 
     In accordance with the present invention a predetermined length of a first yarn is drawn through an intermingling jet. A leading portion of a second yarn is forwarding into the intermingling jet and into overlapping relationship with a trailing portion of the first yarn. Using a pressurized fluid the overlapped portions of the first and second yarns are intermingled, thereby to splice the leading portion of second yarn to the trailing portion of the first yarn. The first yarn is then severed, and the spliced portion and a predetermined length of the second yarn are drawn through the intermingling jet. The cycle is repeated with the second yarn being the currently drawn yarn and the first yarn being forwarded into overlapping relationship therewith. 
     Preferably the yarns are held in the intermingling jet, as by a clamp disposed forwardly of the jet, while the intermingled splice is formed. The pressurized fluid forming the intermingled splice has a pressure in the range from sixty (60) to one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (413.4 to 689.4 Kilopascals), and more preferably, a pressure in the range from sixty (60) to eighty (80) pounds per square inch (413.4 to 551.2 Kilopascals). (One pound per square inch is 6.894757 Kilopascals.) Each splice so formed must be able to withstand a tension force of at least 6.8 pounds (3.1 kilograms). Yarn splices formed at the higher pressures in the above-mentioned ranges should be able to withstand a tension force of at least 8.3 pounds (about 3.8 kilograms). 
     The predetermined lengths of the first and second yarn may be equal or different. The first and second yarns are of may be made differently colored. Preferably the first and second yarns are solution dyed to be differently colored. However, it lies within the contemplation of the present invention to utilize yarns that have different dye affinities so that the yarns may be differently colored at a later time. The yarns may be formed from the same or different polymer materials, and may be of the same or different deniers. 
     The apparatus for forming the spliced yarn of the present invention includes a yarn conduction member with an intermingling jet disposed forwardly thereof. The yarn conduction member has respective yarn conduction channels through which the first and second yarns are conveyed to the intermingling jet. The axis of each yarn conduction channel from the inlet to the outlet of the member is a straight line, with no bends or deviations. The yarn conduction member has a knife blade disposed adjacent to a respective yarn conduction channel. Each knife blade has a tip thereon. Each blade has a passage defining a cutting edge formed in one portion thereof and a solid portion disposed between the passage and the tip of the blade. The length of the solid portion of the blade being at least equal to the dimension of the passage to which the blade is adjacent. The first and second knives are insertable into and retractable from the channel to which they are adjacent. In the inserted position the passage in the knife aligns with the channel into which it is inserted, while in the retracted position the solid portion of the blade interdicts the passage to prevent movement of a yarn therethrough. Movement of each knife from the inserted to the retracted positions brings the cutting edge into operative cutting contact with the yarn conduction member thereby severing a yarn extending through the passage in the knife. A first and a second holding cap is disposed adjacent to one of the yarn conduction channels and proximal to a respective one of the knives. Each cap is retractable from and insertable into the channel adjacent thereto in correspondence with the respective insertion and retraction of the proximal knife. When inserted into a channel the cap is disposed into abutting contact with the yarn conduction member and serves to hold a yarn extending through a channel against the yarn conduction member. The yarn conduction member is preferably formed from conjoined first and second housing members, one of which is fabricated from a transparent material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description thereof, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a yarn splicing apparatus for forming splices between a first and a second yarn in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of the yarn splicing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is cross sectional view of the yarn splicing apparatus taken along section lines  3 — 3  in  FIG. 2 , while  FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of the circled portion of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is cross sectional view of the yarn splicing apparatus taken along section lines  4 — 4  in  FIG. 2 , while  FIG. 4A  is an enlarged view of the circled portion of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a knife used in the yarn splicing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 6A through 6L  are stylized pictorial views illustrating the operation of the yarn splicing apparatus for forming splices between a first and a second yarn in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration of the use of the yarn splicing apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Throughout the following detailed description similar reference numerals refer to similar elements in all figures of the drawings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 4A  respectively shown are perspective, plan and cross sectional views of a yam splicing apparatus generally indicated by the reference numeral  10  for forming a spliced yarn  12  (diagrammatically indicated in  FIG. 7 , for example) from alternating predetermined lengths of a first yam  14  and a second yarn  16  in accordance with the present invention. In one especially preferred use the spliced yarn  12  is used to form a wrapped composite yarn  212  in FIG.  7 . 
     The first and second yarns  14 ,  16  may be any multifilament yarn capable of being intermingled using an intermingling jet. By “intermingled” it is meant that the yarns are combined (interlaced) using an intermingling jet wherein a fluid (typically air) is used to create turbulence that entangles the filaments of continuous filament yarns without forming loops. The yarns  14 ,  16  can be made from the same or different polymer materials and/or can be the same of different deniers. Preferably the yarns  14 ,  16  are each multifilament bulked continuous filament nylon yarns, although multifilament yarns made of other materials (such as polyester or polypropylene) capable of being intermingled with each other can be used. 
     In order to provide the desired aesthetic appearance the first and second yarns  14 ,  16  are differently colored. The difference in coloration may be imparted in any convenient fashion. Preferably, the first and second yarns are solution dyed to be differently colored. However, it lies within the contemplation of the present invention that different coloration to the yarn may be imparted by pre-dyeing the yarns or by forming the yarns from polymers having different dye affinities. 
     The yarn splicing apparatus  10  includes a yarn interlace module  20 , a yarn conduction module  22 , and a yarn feed module  24 , each mounted to a respective mounting plate  20 P,  22 P and  24 P. The mounting plate  20 P for the yarn interlace module  20  is a generally U-shaped member having a main body portion  20 M from which a pair of arms  20 A- 1 ,  20 A- 2  rearwardly project. To facilitate access for maintenance or to adjust the relative position of yarn interlace module  20  with respect to the yarn conduction module  22  the mounting plate  20 P is movably mounted near the forward edge of the mounting plate  22 P via respective fasteners  20 B- 1 ,  20 B- 2 , such as hexagonal socket cap screws and associated washers. The shank of each screw  20 B- 1 ,  20 B- 2  extends through a respective slot  20 S provided in each arm  20 A- 1 ,  20 A- 2 . 
     As is perhaps best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4  the yarn interlace module  20  includes an jet block  30  that has an intermingling channel  30 C ( FIG. 3 ) extending from an inlet port  30 L formed in the rear face  30 R of the block  30  to an outlet port  30 P provided in the forward face  30 F thereof. A supply channel  30 S for a pressurized intermingling fluid is formed within the body of the block  30 . The supply channel  30 S is arranged such that the pressurized intermingling fluid is introduced into the intermingling channel  30 C along the axis  30 A thereof. The axis  30 A′ of the supply channel  30 S should be oriented perpendicularly to the axis  30 A of the intermingling channel  30 C. 
     A jet found suitable for use as the intermingling jet in the present invention has an intermingling channel  30 C of circular cross-section with a diameter of 0.204 inches (0.52 centimeters). The supply channel  30 S is generally rectangular in cross section with the opening having a length dimension of 0.195 inches (about 0.50 centimeters) and a width of 0.107 inches (about 0.27 centimeters). The overall length of the supply channel being 0.518 inches (about 1.3 centimeters). 
     A pressurized fluid supply manifold block  32  ( FIG. 1 ) is fastened (as by hexagonal cap screws  30 H) adjacent to the interlace jet block  30  in fluid communication with the supply channel  30 S. A pressurized intermingling fluid (e.g., air, water) is conducted from a supply conduit diagrammatically indicated by reference character  34  ( FIG. 1 ) into the supply channel  30 S via a supply passage  32 S formed in the manifold block  32 . As will be developed the pressure of the intermingling fluid upon entry into the intermingling channel  30 C should be in the range for sixty (60) to one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (413.4 to 689.4 Kilopascals). More preferably, the pressure of the intermingling fluid upon entry into the intermingling channel  30 C should be in the range for sixty (60) to eighty (80) pounds per square inch (413.4 to 551.2 Kilopascals). (One pound per square inch is 6.894757 Kilopascals.) 
     A yarn clamp assembly  38  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ) is also mounted to the mounting plate  20 P adjacent to the forward face  30 F of the interlace jet block  30 . The clamp assembly  38  includes a clamp head  38 H and associated clamp anvil  38 V. The clamp head  38 H has a relief passage  38 R extending therethrough. The relief passage  38 R is positioned in adjacent to and in fluid communication with the outlet port  30 P in the forward face  30 F of the jet block  30 . The major face of the anvil  38 V has an elastomeric pad  38 P thereon. Suitable for use as the pad  38 P is a  70 A durometer neoprene rubber pad available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Elmhurst, Ill., under model number 8463K62. The anvil  38 V and the clamp head  38 H are positioned on the plate  20 P in confronting relationship on opposite sides of the axis  30 A of the interlace channel  30 C. 
     The clamp head  38 H is attached to the shaft  38 S of an actuator  38 A fastened to the plate  20 P (as by hexagonal socket cap screws and associated washers). The clamp head  38 H is reciprocally moveable toward and away from the anvil  38 A in the directions of respective arrows  38 T (movement toward anvil) and  38 F (retraction from anvil). Actuating fluid under pressure is applied to the actuator  38 A of the clamp assembly via a pressurized air supply line diagrammatically indicated by reference character  38 L (FIG.  2 ). Suitable for use as the actuator  38 A is the air cylinder actuator manufactured by SMC Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., and sold as model number ZCUKC 16-10D. 
     The yarn conduction module  22  includes a relief housing  42  and a yarn conduction block  48 , both affixed to the mounting plate  22 P. 
     The pressurized fluid relief housing  42  is located near the forward margin of the mounting plate  22 P of the yarn conduction module  22 . The relief housing  42  is formed from upper and lower blocks  42 T,  42 B ( FIGS. 1 ,  4 ) joined together by fasteners  42 H (such as hexagonal cap screws). An escape passage  42 E extends through the upper block  42 T into fluid communication with a relief chamber  42 C ( FIG. 3 ) formed on the interior of the housing  42 . A perforated relief tube  42 P ( FIG. 3 ) is received in mounting grooves provided in the respective front and the rear faces  42 F,  42 R of the housing  42 . The front face  42 F of the housing  42  has a generally circular groove that receives an annular gasket  44 F (FIG.  4 ). The gasket  44 F surrounds and seals the interface between the front surface  42 F of the housing  42  and the rear surface  30 R of the interlace jet block  30 . Similarly, an annular gasket  44 R received within a groove formed in the rear face  42 R of the housing  42  surrounds and seals the interface between the rear surface  42 R of the housing  42  and the forward face  48 F of the yarn conduction block  48  ( FIGS. 3 ,  4 ). The housing  42  is joined to the forward end face of the yarn conduction block  48  by fasteners  49 , such as hexagonal socket cap screws. 
     The yarn conduction block  48  is a generally triangularly shaped member preferably formed from conjoined upper and lower housings  52  and  54 , respectively. The rearward faces of the housings  52 ,  54  receive a retainer plate  56  for a purpose to be described. The retainer plate is secured to the housings  52 ,  54  by suitable fasteners. The plate  56  has a pair of ports  56 A,  56 B that extend through the side margins thereof. 
     Coplanar regions of the upper and lower housings  52  and  54  define the front surface  48 F of the yarn conduction block  48 . The exterior surfaces of the retainer plate  56  define the rear surface  48 R of the yarn conduction block. 
     The upper and lower housings  52 ,  54  are registered with respect to each other by registration pins  57 P ( FIG. 2 ) and corresponding recesses  57 R. The housings  52 ,  54  are held in the conjoined relationship illustrated in the drawings by suitable fasteners, such as hexagonal socket cap screws  58 H. In practice, in order to afford visual access to the yarn conduction path and to verify operability the upper housing  52  is preferably fabricated from a transparent material, such as an acrylic plastic manufactured and sold by E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company under the trademark Lucite®. The lower housing  54  and the retainer plate  56  may be fabricated from any suitable machinable material, such as aluminum. 
     As is best seen in  FIGS. 2 through 4  the mating surfaces of each of the upper and lower housings  52 ,  54  have a pair of generally cylindrical grooves  52 A,  52 B,  54 A,  54 B machined therein. When the housings  52 ,  54  are mated confronting pairs of grooves  52 A- 54 A,  52 B- 54 B, respectively, register to define enclosed yarn conduction channels  62 A (FIG.  3 ),  62 B ( FIG. 4 ) that extend entirely through the block  48 . The rearward ends of the channels  62 A,  62 B respectively align with ports  56 A,  56 B formed in the side margins of the retainer plate  56 . The forward ends of the channels  62 A,  62 B meet each other at a yarn outlet port  53  defined in the front surface  48 F of the yarn conduction block  48 . Thus, a conduction path for each yarn  14 ,  16  is defined through the yarn conduction block  48  from the ports  56 A,  56 B defined in the rear surface  48 R to the outlet port  53  formed in the front surface  48 F of the block  48 . The port  53  communicates with the end of the perforated tube  42 P supported at the rear surface  42 R of the air relief housing  42 . As best seen in the plan view of  FIG. 2  the central axes of the yarn conduction channels  62 A,  62 B extend as straight lines directly, without bends or deviations, from the respective inlet ports  56 A,  56 B to their juncture at the outlet port  53 . 
     The grooves  52 A,  52 B,  54 A,  54 B formed in the housings  52 ,  54  are widened in the rearward regions  52 A′,  52 B′,  54 A′,  54 B′ such that an enlarged counterbored jet cavity  66 A,  66 B is created in the rearward portion of each channel  62 A,  62 B. An aspirating forwarding jet  68 A,  68 B is positioned in each jet cavity  66 A,  66 B. Suitable for use as the jet  68 A,  68 B is the device manufactured and sold by Air Vac Inc., Seymour, Conn., as model number ITD-147. The retainer plate  56  serves to hold each of the jets  68 A,  68 B in the jet cavity  66 A,  66 B. An aspirating fluid passage  70 A,  70 B is provided through the lower housing  54  to supply pressurized aspirating fluid to each respective jet  68 A,  68 B. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3  a closed access passage  72 A extends through the body of the upper housing  52  and intersects the yarn conduction channel  62 A forwardly of the aspirating jet  68 A. The closed bottom of the passage  72 A is defined by a surface  52 S formed by the lower housing  54 . The upper portion of the passage  72 A is threaded. 
     An analogous structure is provided in the lower housing  54 , as is illustrated in FIG.  4 . A closed access passage  72 B extends through the body of the lower housing  54  and intersects the yarn conduction channel  62 B forwardly of the aspirating jet  68 B. The closed bottom of the passage  72 B is defined by a surface  54 S formed by the upper housing  52 . The entrance of the passage  72 B is threaded. An opening  74  is formed in the mounting plate  22 P in registry with the access passage  72 B. 
     A respective actuating assembly  76 A,  76 B is threaded into each passage  72 A,  72 B. Suitable for use as the actuator  76 A,  76 B is the device manufacture by Bimba Manufacturing Company, Monee, Ill., as 01.5, ½″ stroke, type 316 air cylinder. 
     Each actuating assembly includes a respective piston rod  77 A,  77 B. Each piston rod has a holding member, or holding cap,  78 A,  78 B thereon. The caps  78 A,  78 B are fabricated of an elastomeric or polymeric material that does not scratch or mar the surfaces of channel into which it projects. A suitable cap is a 55 durometer rubber cap available from McMaster-Carr Supply Company, Elmhurst, Ill., under model number 6448K45. The piston rods  77 A,  77 B of each actuating assembly are reciprocally movable within the cylinder of the actuator in respective holding directions  79 A,  79 B and retraction directions  80 A,  80 B. 
     Movement of the piston rod  77 A,  77 B in the holding direction  79 A,  79 B brings the holding cap  78 A,  78 B disposed at the end thereof into its adjacent associated yarn conduction channel  62 A,  62 B and into abutting contact with respective bottom surface  54 S,  54 S′ in lower and upper housings  54 ,  52 . Movement in the counter directions  80 A,  80 B retracts the cap  78 A,  78 B from its respective associated conduction channel  62 A,  62 B. 
     As seen in  FIG. 3  the body of the upper housing  52  has an enclosed pocket  78 A that communicates with the yarn conduction channel  62 A just forwardly of the access passage  72 A. A counterbored mounting opening  89 A is formed in the lower housing  54  in alignment and communication with the pocket  78 A. The counterbore of the mounting opening  89 A defines a shoulder  90 A. 
     An analogous structure is provided in connection with the channel  62 B. With reference to  FIG. 4  the body of the lower housing  54  has an enclosed pocket  88 B that communicates with the yarn conduction channel  62 B just forwardly of the access passage  72 B. A counterbored mounting opening  89 B is formed in the upper housing  52  in alignment and communication with the pocket  88 B. The counterbored portion of the mounting opening  89 A defines a shoulder  90 A. 
     A knife assembly  92 A,  92 B is respectively mounted in the mounting openings  89 A,  89 B and held in place against the respective upper and lower housings  52 ,  54  by suitable fasteners  91 A,  91 B, such as hexagonal socket cap screws. Generally suitable for use as the knife assembly  92 A,  92 B is a yarn cutter manufactured and sold by Slack and Parr, Charlotte, N.C., as number A301330, model YCDP360-DP, that has been modified from commercially available model in a manner to be discussed shortly. 
     As seen in  FIG. 3  the knife assembly  92 A includes a housing  93 A supporting a cutter head  94 A and an actuator  95 A. The cutter head  94 A includes a movable blade  96 A and a fixed blade  99 A. A detail drawing of the movable blade  96 A of the knife assembly is shown in FIG.  5 . 
     The fixed blade  99 A and an associated pressure plate  100 A are held together within the housing  93 A by a spring band  101 A. The fixed blade  99 A and the pressure plate  100 A each have a cutout formed therein that cooperate to define a rectangular opening  102 A through which the movable blade  96 A extends. The edge  103 A of the fixed blade  99 A defines the fixed cutting edge of the cutter head within the yarn conduction block  48 . 
     The movable knife blade  96 A (shown in isolated perspective in  FIG. 5 ) includes a generally rectangular body portion  104 A through which a passage  105 A is formed. Preferably, the diametrical dimension of the passage  105 A is equal to the diameter of the circular channel  62 A with which it is associated so the yarn sees no obstruction as it passes through the channel  62 A. The passage could be tapered in the direction of yarn motion, if desired. The edge of the passage  105 A defines the movable cutting edge  106 A of the cutter head. The portion  107 A of the blade remaining between passage  105 A and the tip  108 A of the blade has a length dimension  109 A is at least equal to the diametrical dimension of the yarn conduction channel with which the blade is associated. The other end of the movable blade  96 A is attached to a piston rod  110 A that extends from the cylinder of the actuator  95 A. The actuator  95 A is itself supported above and on the axis of the mounting opening by a yoke portion of the housing  93 A. The back side of the movable blade  96 A (i.e., the side facing the pressure plate  100 A) is relieved (as at  111 ) to insure that yarn is cut only at the interface of the cutting edges on the fixed and movable blades. 
     The actuator is operative to reciprocate the movable blade  96 A in opposed directions  112 A,  114 A. Movement in the direction  112 A inserts the movable blade  96 A into the pocket  88 A, while movement in the opposed direction  114 A retracts the movable blade  96 A therefrom. The passage  105 A is located in the movable blade  96 A such that, when fully inserted into the pocket  88 P, the passage  105 A is aligned with the conduction channel  62 A. However, when retracted, the solid portion  107 A of the movable blade  96 A blocks the channel  62 A, preventing movement of yarn therethrough. Moreover, as the movable blade  96 A retracts the cutting edge  106 A thereon is brought into cutting engagement with the fixed cutting edge  103 A on the fixed blade  99 A. 
     An analogous knife assembly  92 B structurally and operational identical to the assembly  92 A is mounted into the mounting opening  90 B (FIG.  4 ). As the movable blade  96 A reciprocates in opposed interdiction and retraction directions  112 B,  114 B it is inserted into or retracted from the pocket  88 B. The cutting action occurs when the cutting edge  106 A on the movable blade  96 B is retracted past the cutting edge  103 A on the fixed blade  99 A. 
     The yarn feed module  24  includes pair of feed assemblies  120 A,  120 B, respectively. Each feed assembly is operative to feed a respective yarn  14 ,  16  to a respective one of the channels  62 A,  62 B formed in the yarn conduction block  22 . 
     Only the feed assembly  120 A ( FIG. 3 ) is described in detail, it being understood that the corresponding structural and operational elements of the feed assembly  120 B are indicated in the drawings (particularly  FIG. 4 ) by corresponding reference numerals denoted with a “B” suffix. The mounting plate  24 P has mounting windows  24 - 1 ,  24 - 2  formed therein. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3  a rotary actuator  124 A, such as that actuator sold by Bimba Manufacturing Company, Monee, Ill., as the “Pneu-Turn Rotary Actuator”, is secured to the lower surface of the plate  24 P. The shaft  126 A of the actuator  124 A is keyed to the axle  128 A of a feed wheel  130 A. A portion of the wheel  130 A projects through the window  24 - 1  and extends above the surface of the plate  24 P. The wheel is reciprocally rotatable with respect to the plate  24 P in the forward and reset directions (i.e., toward and away from the yarn conduction module  22 ) as indicated by the respective arrows  132 A,  133 A (FIG.  3 ). 
     The axle  128 A carries a pinion (not visible) that meshes with a gear rack disposed with the actuator housing. The rack is rectilinearly reciprocally movable within the actuator housing in response to the introduction of an actuating fluid supplied by a suitable supply line (not shown). 
     A support bracket  144 A in the shape of an inverted “U” is secured to the upper surface of the plate  24 P. The bracket  144 A carries an actuator  146 A such as that available from Clipard Instrument Laboratories, Cincinnati, Ohio, as model number  3 G. The piston of the actuator  146 A is secured to a trunnion  148 A ( FIG. 3 ) that supports the axle of a nip roller  150 A. Preferably, the nip roller is an elastomeric material while the corresponding feed roller  130  may be formed of a more rigid material, such as aluminum. A pair of fore and aft support arms  152 A,  154 A extend forwardly and rearwardly from the trunnion  148 A. Fore and aft yarn guide eyelets  156 A,  158 A are mounted to the end of the respective arms  152 A,  154 A. 
     The trunnion  148 A and associated nip roller  150 A just described moves as a unit in respective directions  160 A,  162 A toward and way from the surface of the feed wheel  130 A. 
     The feed assembly  120 B (wherein corresponding parts are denoted by numerals with a “B” suffix) is mounted under the mounting plate  24 P and the wheel  130 B thereof projects through the window  24 - 2  formed in the plate  24 P. 
     A feed tube  168 A,  168 B is mounted in a tube support block  170 A,  170 B disposed forwardly of each respective feed assembly  120 A,  120 B. Each feed tube  168 A,  168 B guides a respective yarn  14 ,  16  from the fore yarn ceramic guide eyelet  156 A,  156 B in that yarn&#39;s respective feed assembly  120 A,  120 B toward the associated inlet port  56 A,  56 B in the yarn conduction block  48 . 
     Having described the structure of the yarn splicing apparatus  10  the operation thereof for forming a spliced yarn comprising alternating predetermined lengths of the yarns  14  and  16  by splicing a leading end of the yarn  14  to the trailing end of the yarn  16  may now be described. The operation of the yarn splicing apparatus  10  is believed best understood from the series of diagrammatic views shown in  FIGS. 6A through 6L . In the drawings the first yarn  14  is indicated by a bold line while the second yarn is indicated by a fine line. In practice each yarn  14 ,  16  is supplied to the splicing apparatus  10  from a suitable supply bobbin B, B′ (FIG.  6 A). To avoid operational disruptions an accumulation of each yarn  14 ,  16  is held in a respective accumulator assembly A, A′ downstream of the respective supply bobbin B, B′. Suitable for use as the accumulator A, A′ is the device manufactured by IRO Inc., Charlotte, N.C. and sold as IRO Galaxy RS.H. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates the status of the various elements of the splicing apparatus  10  at the beginning of an operational cycle. In this state the head  38 H of the clamp assembly  38  has been retracted in the direction  38 F removing any restriction to yarn passage at the outlet of the interlace jet block  30 . The actuator  95 A has fully inserted the movable knife blade  96 A into the yarn conduction block  48  such that the passage  105 A in the movable blade  96 A aligns with the channel  62 A. The holding cap  78 A has been retracted in the direction  80 A from the channel  62 A. The actuator  146 A has withdrawn the nip roller  150 A (in the direction  162 A) away from contact with the feed wheel  130 A. The aspirating jets  68 A,  68 B are off. 
     With all interference removed the yarn  14  is free to travel from its bobbin B via its accumulator A, through the aft and fore yarn eyelets  158 A,  156 A; through the feed tube  168 A; through the channel  62 A in the yarn conduction block  48 ; through the perforated tube  42 P in the air relief housing  42 ; and through the channel  30 C of the interlace jet block  30  to a user apparatus  200  (as will be discussed). Since the movable blade  96 A occupies its inserted position the yarn  14  extends through the passage  105 A in the blade  96 A as it travels through the channel  62 A. In practice, a suitable mechanism, such as a pair of driven nip rolls N ( FIG. 7 ) is disposed forwardly of the splicing apparatus  10  to draw the yarn  14  therethrough. 
     The channel  62 B is interdicted by the body portion  107 B of the retracted knife blade  96 B and the free end of the yarn  16  is held at a point of repose R′ by the extended holding cap  78 B. Movement of the yarn  16  is restrained by the engagement of the nip roller  150 B and the feed wheel  130 B. 
     To begin a splicing cycle the actuator  76 B is asserted in the direction  80 B to withdraw the cap  78 B from the channel  62 B. Simultaneously, the movable knife blade  96 B is extended in the direction  112 B to place the passage  105 B in the blade  96 B into alignment with the channel  62 B. These conditions are illustrated in FIG.  6 B. 
     Next, as seen in  FIG. 6C , the feed wheel  130 B is rotated by its actuator in the direction  132 B and the forwarding jet  68 B is asserted as indicated by the arrow J′. As a result of these simultaneous actions metered length L′ of the yarn  16  advances through the intermingling jet  30 . The metered length L′ of the yarn  16  is the distance between the initial point of repose R′ ( FIG. 6A ) and the point F′ ( FIG. 6C ) forward of the outlet of the interlace jet  30 . The leading end of the yarn  16  thus lies in overlapping relationship with a trailing portion of the yarn  14  in the intermingling channel  30 C. 
     The next action in anticipation of the intermingling is illustrated in FIG.  6 D. The actuator  38 A is asserted to extend the clamp head  38 H in the direction  38 T toward the anvil  38 V. This action clamps both of the yarns  14 ,  16  against the pad  38 P ( FIG. 1 ) on the anvil  38 V and holds both yarns from passing through the intermingling jet. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6E  the intermingling jet  30  is then asserted and a pressurized intermingling fluid (indicated by the reference arrow F) is introduced through the supply passage  30 S into the jet  30 . Owing to the structure of the jet  30  ( FIG. 4 ) the intermingling fluid F is introduced on the centerline of the channel  30 C and perpendicular with respect thereto. The pressure of the fluid F that forms the intermingled splice is in the range from sixty (60) to one hundred (100) pounds per square inch (413.4 to 689.4 Kilopascals), and more preferably, a pressure in the range from sixty (60) to eighty (80) pounds per square inch (413.4 to 551.2 Kilopascals). (One pound per square inch is 6.894757 Kilopascals.) The duration of the pulse should be at least two hundred milliseconds (200 msec.) 
     The pressurized fluid F entangles the filaments of the yarns  14 ,  16  resulting in the formation of an interlaced splice S ( FIG. 6E ) between the leading portion of the yarn  16  and the trailing portion of the second yarn  14 . Although it is possible that the intermingling jet may be actuated and a splice formed while the first yarn  14  is still advancing through the jet  30 , it is preferred that both yarns  14 ,  16  be stopped and held within the jet  30  when the intermingling of filaments occurs. 
     Owing to the presence of the relief passage  38 R in the clamp head  38 H and to the perforated tube  42 P and escape passage  42 E the intermingling fluid F is afforded a vent route from the jet  30 . 
     Upon introduction of the pressurized intermingling fluid F the nip roll  150 B withdraws in the direction  160 B away from the feed wheel  130 B and the feed wheel  130 B resets in the direction  133 B. 
       FIG. 6F  illustrates the next step in the cycle. With the splice S formed between the yarns  14 ,  16  the movable blade  96 A is retracted from the channel  62 A in the direction  114 A. This movement brings the cutting edge  106 A of the movable blade  96 A against the fixed cutting edge  103 A ( FIG. 3 ) of the block  48  to sever the yarn  14 . The severing action forms a tail T. At about the same time the cap  78 A is extended in the direction  79 A to hold the free end of the yarn  14  formed by the cut at a point of repose R. The nip roll  130 A is extended in the direction  160 A toward the wheel  150 A to restrain the yarn  14  from further movement. 
     The clamp head  38 H is withdrawn in the direction  38 F. Since the blade  96 B is extended and the holding cap  78 B is retracted the yarn  16  is free to follow the interlaced splice S and to travel from its bobbin B′ and accumulator A′; through the aft and fore yarn eyelets  158 B,  156 B; through the yarn guide  168 B; through the channel  62 B in the yarn conduction block  48 ; through the perforated tube  42 P in the air relief housing  42 ; and through the channel  30 C of the interlace jet block  30  to the user apparatus  200 . It is noted that as the yarn  16  travels through the channel  62 B it passes through the passage  105 B in the movable blade  96 B (FIG.  6 G). 
     The yarn  14  remains at its point of repose R while any predetermined desired length of yarn  16  passes to the user apparatus  200 . 
     Owing to the fact that axes of both of the channels  62 A,  62 B are straight lines, the respective yarn yarns  14 ,  16  pass through the block  48  with a reduced risk of being hung at a point within the block  48 . 
     When it is desired to switch yarns the alternate of the process as heretofore described is repeated with the yarn  16  being the yarn now drawn through the apparatus  10  and the yarn  14  being the yarn that is forwarded into overlapping relationship therewith. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6H , when it is desired to splice the leading end of the yarn  14  to a trailing end of the yarn  16  the actuators  76 A and  95 A are asserted. These actions respectively withdraw the holding cap  78 A and extend the movable blade  96 A into the channel  62 A. Extension of the movable blade  96 A aligns the passage  105 A therein with the channel  62 A. 
     In  FIG. 6I  the feed wheel  130 A is rotated by its actuator in the direction  132 A and the forwarding jet  68 A is asserted (as indicated by the arrow J) to meter a predetermined length L of the yarn  14  through the interlace jet  30 . The metered length L of the yarn  14  is equal to the distance between the point of repose R ( FIG. 6F ) and the point F forward of the outlet of the interlace jet  30 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6J  the actuator  38 A is again asserted to extend the clamp head  38 H in the direction  38 T toward the anvil  38 A, clamping both the yarn  14  and the yarn  16  against the pad  38 P ( FIG. 2 ) on the anvil  38 V and holding the yarns  14 ,  16  in the intermingling jet  30  in anticipation of intermingling the second yarn  16  to the first yarn  14 . The intermingling jet  30  is then asserted and intermingling fluid F introduced into the jet, resulting in the formation of an interlaced splice S′ between the trailing end of the yarn  16  and the leading end of the second yarn  14 . The position of the yarn  14  within the intermingling channel  30 C prior to the formation of the splice S′ is indicated by the dashed lines. 
     Shortly after the introduction of the pressurized intermingling fluid F the nip roll  150 A withdraws in the direction  160 A away from the feed wheel  130 A and the feed wheel  130 A resets in the direction  133 A. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6K , with the splice S′ formed the movable blade  96 B retracts from the channel  62 B in the direction  114 B. This movement brings the cutting edge  106 B of the movable blade  96 B against the fixed cutting blade  103 B ( FIG. 4 ) to sever the yarn  16 . Another tail T′ is formed by this severing action. At about the same time the cap  78 B is extended in the direction  79 B to hold the free end of the yarn  14  formed by the cut at a point of repose R′. The nip roll  150 B extends in the direction  160 B toward the wheel  130 B to restrain the yarn  16  from movement. 
     As seen in  FIG. 6L  the clamp head  38 H is withdrawn (in the direction  38 F). Since the blade  96 A is extended and the cap  78 A is retracted the yarn  14  is free to follow the intermingled splice S′. The yarn  14  travels from its accumulator A through the aft and fore yarn eyelets  158 A,  156 A; through the guide tube  168 A; through the channel  62 A in the yarn conduction block  48 ; through the perforated tube  42 P in the air relief housing  42 ; and through the channel  30 C of the interlace jet block  30  to the user apparatus  200 . The cycle is complete. The yarn  16  lies in the channel  62 B at its point of repose R′ in anticipation of another splice. 
     As a result of the method and apparatus of the present invention a spliced yarn  12  is formed that comprises alternating predetermined lengths of a first yarn  14  and a second yarn  16 , wherein the trailing end of one of the yarns is joined to the leading end of the other yarn by a fluid entangled splice formed in an intermingling jet. The lengths of the alternating yarns  14 ,  16  can be equal or different. If different, the lengths can be randomly selected. Each splice S, S′ formed as discussed must be able to withstand a tension force of at least 6.8 pounds (3.1 kilograms). Yarn splices formed at the higher pressures in the above-mentioned ranges are be able to withstand a tension force of at least 8.3 pounds (about 3.8 kilograms). 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a use of the yarn splicing apparatus  10  of the present invention in connection with a user apparatus  200 , such as the apparatus for forming a wrapped composite yarn  212  as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,926 (Flynn), assigned to the assignee of the present invention. 
     Prior to introduction into the user apparatus  200  the spliced yarn  12  produced in the apparatus  10  is drawn by the nip rolls N and a guide jet G and supplied to an accumulator box  210 . From the accumulator  210  the spliced yarn  12  passes through a vacuum trimmer  220  where the tails T, T′ are trimmed. In the wrapper apparatus  200  the spliced yarn  12  is joined with at least one other yarn Y and wrapped by a wrapper yarn W to form the composite yarn  212 . It should be understood that the yarn(s) Y may be derived from any source, including one or more additional splicing apparatus  10  as described herein. 
     Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of the present invention as hereinabove set forth may effect numerous modifications thereto. Such modifications are to be construed as lying within the contemplation of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.