Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6499345?ie=ISO-8859-1
Timestamp: 2014-09-18 15:50:02
Document Index: 234132001

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 1', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'arts 11', 'art 12', 'art 11', 'art 12', 'art 12']

Patent US6499345 - Measuring device for thread-like test samples - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign in<nobr>Advanced Patent Search</nobr>PatentsThe invention relates to a measuring device for thread-like test samples (3), comprising a measuring slit (2) exhibiting measuring areas (6, 7) for measuring characteristics of a test sample which moves longitudinally, said measuring areas being associated to a measuring device. A coating (8) made of...http://www.google.com/patents/US6499345?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6499345 - Measuring device for thread-like test samplesAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6499345 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/744,915PCT numberPCT/CH1999/000340Publication dateDec 31, 2002Filing dateJul 23, 1999Priority dateJul 31, 1998Fee statusLapsedAlso published asCN1098799C, CN1311752A, DE59905211D1, EP1100742A1, EP1100742B1, WO2000007921A1Publication number09744915, 744915, PCT/1999/340, PCT/CH/1999/000340, PCT/CH/1999/00340, PCT/CH/99/000340, PCT/CH/99/00340, PCT/CH1999/000340, PCT/CH1999/00340, PCT/CH1999000340, PCT/CH199900340, PCT/CH99/000340, PCT/CH99/00340, PCT/CH99000340, PCT/CH9900340, US 6499345 B1, US 6499345B1, US-B1-6499345, US6499345 B1, US6499345B1InventorsCyrill Bucher, Roger PidouxOriginal AssigneeZellweger Luwa AgExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (12), Referenced by (2), Classifications (10), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMeasuring device for thread-like test samplesUS 6499345 B1Abstract The invention relates to a measuring device for thread-like test samples (3), comprising a measuring slit (2) exhibiting measuring areas (6, 7) for measuring characteristics of a test sample which moves longitudinally, said measuring areas being associated to a measuring device. A coating (8) made of an abrasion-resistant material is applied over the whole measuring slit and its measuring areas (6, 7) in order to define more freely the dimensions of said measuring slit and especially to obtain a narrower measuring slit.
What is claimed is: 1. A measuring device for thread-type test samples, comprising a measuring slit (2) with at least one measuring zone (6, 7) for measuring the characteristics of a moving test piece, said measuring slit (2) having spaced apart wall portions providing therebetween a space through which the test piece may be drawn with surfaces of said wall portions facing the path of the test piece, said wall portions having measuring sensor components associated therewith in said at least one measuring zone for establishing a measuring field that extends between said wall portions and intersects the path of the test piece, and a coating (8) covering surfaces of said components and wall portions which face the path of the test piece through the measuring slit, said coating being a coating of an abrasion-resistant material which is insensitive to wear by the moving test piece and does not interfere with said measuring field.
2. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said coating consists of material exhibiting glass-like characteristics.
3. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said coating is formed by a nano-composite obtained from inorganic material synthesis.
4. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said coating exhibits a thickness of 20-30 nm.
5. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said measuring slit with the coating exhibits a width (B) which corresponds to 4 to 10 times the diameter of the test piece.
6. A measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said coated measuring slit comprises an inlet part (11) and a measuring part (12).
7. A measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said inlet part comprises a narrower cross section than the measuring part (12).
8. A measuring device according to claim 6, wherein said measuring part comprises three-dimensionally curved side faces (17).
9. A process for producing a measuring device according to claim 1, wherein said coating is applied at least to parts of the measuring slit and enters into chemical combination with the material at the surface of the measuring slit.
10. A measuring device according to clam 1, wherein said components are components of an optical measuring system.
11. A measuring device according to clam 1, wherein said components are components of a capacitive measuring system.
12. In apparatus for measuring characteristics of a thread as the thread is being drawn longitudinally through a measuring gap having walls on opposite sides of the thread path, with one of said walls having associated therewith a light receiver and the other of said walls having associated therewith a light emitter for directing light across said gap to said light receiver along a path that passes through transparent components located at the facing surfaces of said walls and intersects said thread path, the improvement which comprises:
a coating of abrasion resistant material covering said facing surfaces of said walls at the locations of said transparent components, said coating being contacted by the moving thread to remove foreign matter deposits from the light path but being insensitive to wear by the moving thread.
The invention relates to a measuring device having a measuring slit with measuring zones, for measuring the characteristics of a moving thread-type test sample, which are associated with a measuring device.
Such a measuring device is known for yarn, for example from U.S. Pat. No. 3,377,852. In this meaning device, two electrodes are installed in a slit in a plastics block, in such a way that together they form a measuring capacitor, the measuring field of which crosses the slit. The surface of this slit is coated with a thin layer of a material, the electrical conductivity of which is less than that of the electrodes. This is intended to ensure that locally occurring electrostatic charges arising as a result of contact with the moving yarn are distributed over this layer and dissipated.
It is further known that optically operating devices are also available for measuring yarn, which likewise form a slit for the yarn. The beam path of an optical system extends over this slit, which optical system opens into the side walls of the slit.
Measuring slits in optically operating yarn measuring devices may be soiled by the yarn to be measured, which impairs optical measurement. This soiling may be counteracted by a degree of self-cleaning by the moving yarn. In order effectively to combat soiling by self-cleaning, the dimensions of the measuring slit must be favourably adjusted. A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that, in the case of narrow measuring slits, undue wear of the side faces or of the elements installed therein has to be expected. However, this restricts freedom of design in relation to such measuring slits and yarn measuring means in general.
This is achieved according to the invention in that at least part of the measuring slit is covered with an abrasion-resistant coating, which is insensitive to wear by the moving yarn. This coating preferably covers electrodes, lenses or windows of optical devices embedded in the side walls of the measuring slit or parts thereof, as well as spaces or joints between the above-mentioned devices or electrodes and the other parts of the measuring slit. The measuring slit is coated by printing, dipping, vapour deposition, sputtering or spraying with a material which preferably enters into chemical combination with the surface of the above-mentioned parts in the slit and remains applied in a layer thickness of for example 20-30 nm.
The advantages achievable thereby are in particular that the service life of the measuring slit may be increased. Another advantage consists in the fact that the measuring field, i.e. the space in which there extends the beam path of an optical system or the electrical field of a capacitive system, may be reduced. This may be achieved on the one hand by a reduced slit width and on the other hand by a smaller surface area of the electrodes or the optical elements which adjoin the measuring slit. A further advantage consists in the fact that the self-cleaning effect of the measuring slit may be better exploited. This may be achieved by a reduced slit width. Soiling or deposits may then be more reliably removed by the test piece itself. This action is the greater, the narrower is the measuring slit and the more probable is contact between the test piece or protruding parts thereof and the side walls. Or, it is possible to dispense with lateral guidance, if the position of the test piece in the slit is of no importance.
A narrower slit also has the advantage that the effect of the shape, i.e. the fact that the cross section of the test piece may not be circular but possibly oval, on measurement of the mass of the test piece is reduced considerably. This is because, in a narrow slit, the yarn no longer appears to the electrodes or the optical elements as a flat body, as in a very wide slit.
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a measuring slit,
FIG. 2 shows part of a measuring device with a measuring slit, and
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of part of a measuring slit.
The Figures are schematic, simplified representations of a part 1 of a measuring device with a measuring slit or slit 2 for a test piece 3, here for example a yarn. Elements 6 and 7 of measuring devices are attached to side walls 4 and 5 of the slit 2 or embedded in the side walls 4, 5. These elements 6, 7 may comprise electrodes of a capacitively operating measuring system or windows, faces of prisms, lenses or other components of an optically operating measuring system. Corresponding elements 6′ and 7′ are located in the opposing side wall. The elements 6, 6′ or 7, 7′ define on the side walls 4, 5 measuring zones of a measuring device, known per se and therefore not described in any more detail here, for measuring yarn characteristics such as mass, diameter, hairiness, colour, foreign fibre content etc. A coating 8 here partly covers the side wall 4 with the elements 6 and 7. This coating may cover only the elements 6, 6′, 7, 7′ or only the base 9 or the entire side walls 4 and 5 and optionally also the base 9 of the slit 2 and consists of an abrasion-resistant material, which is preferably transparent to optical measuring systems or conductive with regard to capacitive measuring systems. The coating preferably has glass-like characteristics, i.e. it is transparent, hard and smooth, such that it offers little resistance to the test piece if touched.
The coating may be obtained for example by inorganic material synthesis and form a so-called nano-composite, with which for example a glass-like, scratch-resistant but non-fragile or brittle surface may be achieved. The coating may be applied by dipping the part 1 into the coating material or by spraying thereof. The coating may consist of a so-called sol, which enters into chemical combination with the material at the surface of the measuring slit. Such sols are known from sol-gel technology.
The coating makes it possible, for example, to restrict the width 3 of the slit to a value which corresponds to 4 to 10 times the diameter of the test piece 3 or to provide novel slit shapes, as shown in the Figures described below.
FIG. 2 shows part of a measuring device with a coated measuring slit 10, which may be subdivided into an inlet part 11 and a measuring part 12. A test piece 13 requiring measurement is located in the measuring part 12. Another arrangement of an inlet part 11′ is also revealed, which is not arranged as usual in the same axis as the measuring part 12, but rather issues to the side. Both inlet parts 11 and 11′ screen the measuring part 12 against foreign light by means of their narrow cross section, which is advantageous in optical measuring systems. This applies to a greater extent in the case of the inlet part 11′.
FIG. 3 shows a view of the measuring part 12 starting from a section plane as indicated by arrows A�A in FIG. 2. This reveals the end areas 14 and 15 together with a central area 16, wherein the central area 16 has a larger cross section than the end areas 14, 15. This means here too that the base, i.e. that part of the slit designated 9 in FIG. 1, no longer runs parallel to the test piece and is not flat. In the embodiment shown, the base is deeper in the middle of the slit than at the ends. It is thus possible, for example, to provide only the end areas 14, 15 with a layer 17, 18 according to the invention, such that the latter may assume the function of a guide for the test material. Thus, many other shapes are also feasible for the measuring part 12. Nevertheless, the area 16 may be provided with a layer for the better protection thereof. If the slit 2 is continuous at its base, i.e. is constructed without discontinuities such as steps, deposits are also removed continuously or entrained by the test material. This is particularly important in the case of test samples which, like yarns, consist of fibres.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3960593 *Sep 23, 1974Jun 1, 1976Zellweger, Ltd.Method of increasing the long-term stability of a measuring element of textile testersUS4638169 *Sep 26, 1984Jan 20, 1987Zellweger Uster, Ltd.Measuring device for measuring the cross-section of textile yarnsUS4706014 *Aug 2, 1985Nov 10, 1987Cselt - Centro Studi E Laboratori Telecomunicazioni S.P.A.Capacitive devices for measuring the diameter of a dielectric fiberUS5054317Jun 7, 1990Oct 8, 1991Zellweger Uster AgDevice for monitoring and/or measuring parameters of a running, thread-like or wire-like test material and method for operating the deviceUS5493918 *Dec 6, 1993Feb 27, 1996Commissariat A L'energie AtomiqueMethod and contactless measuring device for the tension of a filamentUS5530368Sep 28, 1993Jun 25, 1996Zellweger Luwa AgCapacitive sensor for detecting fluctuations in the mass and/or diameter of elongated textile test materialUS5688051 *Oct 20, 1993Nov 18, 1997Davy Mckee (Poole) LimitedRadiation pyrometer assembly for sensing the temperature of an elongate body moving longitudinallyUS5768938Sep 6, 1996Jun 23, 1998Zellweger Luwa AgYarn sensorUS5842373 *Oct 16, 1996Dec 1, 1998Textechno Herbert Stein Gmbh & Co. KgSingle fiber testing deviceUS5926267 *Dec 22, 1997Jul 20, 1999Zellweger Luwa AgProcess and device for detecting extraneous substances and extraneous fibers in a fibrous compositeJPH0273136A Title not availableWO1993012028A1Dec 10, 1992Jun 24, 1993Rieter Ingolstadt SpinnereiProcess and device for cleaning the sensor surfaces of a thread monitoring system* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7324201Oct 6, 2005Jan 29, 2008Oerlikon Textile Gmbh & Co. KgYarn sensorCN101168874BOct 27, 2006Jul 27, 2011马国富Yarn signal detection device with speed measuring functionClassifications U.S. Classification73/160, 73/159, 242/615.4, 428/908.8, 28/226International ClassificationB65H63/06, B65H63/00Cooperative ClassificationB65H63/065, B65H2701/31European ClassificationB65H63/06C4Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionFeb 22, 2011FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20101231Dec 31, 2010LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesAug 9, 2010REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJun 5, 2006FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jan 9, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG, SWITZERLANDFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZELLWEGER LUWA AG;REEL/FRAME:014242/0840Effective date: 20030826Owner name: USTER TECHNOLOGIES AG WILSTRASSE 11CH-8610 LUWA, (Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZELLWEGER LUWA AG /AR;REEL/FRAME:014242/0840Mar 22, 2001ASAssignmentOwner name: ZELLWEGER LUWA, SWITZERLANDFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BUCHER, CYRILL;PIDOUX, ROGER;REEL/FRAME:011617/0031;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010226 TO 20010302Owner name: ZELLWEGER LUWA CH-8610 USTER SWITZERLANDOwner name: ZELLWEGER LUWACH-8610 USTER, (1) /AEFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BUCHER, CYRILL /AR;REEL/FRAME:011617/0031;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010226 TO 20010302RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google