TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of textile machinery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to machines used in blow room of a spinning facility. More particularly, it pertains to a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different chambers for mixing.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Machines used in blow rooms of spinning facilities are well known in the art. When bales of fibre material, manmade or artificial, arrive at a spinning mill, these are subjected to various operations in the blow room to make the material suitable for spinning. As a general rule, operations in a blow room comprise: opening the bale, cleaning of the fibre material, mixing or blending the materials of different types or grades, dust removal and uniformly feeding the material to carding machines.

[0004] Blow room installations consist of a sequence of different machines to carry out the above mentioned operations. The natural or manmade fibre material received in highly pressed form, i.e. in bales, and after removal from these bales is passed through several stages where it is opened into smaller and smaller lumps in a gradual sequence, during which foreign matter gets loosened and separated. Typically, these machines consist either of spike rollers of varying sizes, or various types of mechanical beaters, which cause a considerable amount of long and good fibbers to break leading to loss in terms of quality of material.

[0005] Another important object of a blow room setup is mixing of different types of natural or manmade fibres. Mixing fibres with different characteristics, such as different staple length, gives much better yarn at controlled cost. Furthermore mixing of natural and manmade fibres can give much better physical characteristics, greater strength and longer life at the same time being cost effective. Different types of fibres with different characteristics need to be mixed properly and used to obtain better results in yarn making. [0006] For mixing fibres with different characteristics, fibre material from different bales, after the bales of different types of fibre materials have been opened, has to be filled in different designated chambers, from where the different fibre materials could be withdrawn for mixing in a desired proportion. Typically, opened tufts of fibre material is carried pneumatically from bale opening machine and stages of beaters through a conduit/ chute and dropped in different chambers. Inlet openings to the chambers are configured with valves or flapsthrough which fibre material from the conduit falls into the chambers simultaneous or sequentially. Flap(s)/valve(s) of a designated chamber(s) in which the fibre material is to be filled at any instance are opened and others are kept closed.

[0007] Therefore, control over the timing and quantity of material filled in different chambers using the conventional method and apparatus is not very fine i.e. at the large tuft level, which is of size directly fed from bale opening machine. Furthermore, mixing only by overlap of tufts or lumps of material in output gives limited degree of fine fibber mixing. It would, therefore, be advantageous if the method and apparatus for filling of fibre material in different chamber could also result in opening of tufts of the fibre material for improved control by reducing the lump/tuft size. Opening of tufts/lumps at filling stage would also result in loosening of foreign matter and separation.

[0008] Since performance of a blow room system is measured by its efficiency in removing foreign matter, mixing homogeneity of different fibres and the final reduction in staple length, an improved method and apparatus for filling of fibre material in different chamber that additionally opens tufts/lumps shall be helpful in improving overall efficiency of the blow room system.

[0009] Therefore, there is a requirement of an improved method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different chambers for mixing to replace the conventional method and apparatus.

[0010] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0011] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Not with standing that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0012] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of“a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0013] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0014] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markus groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION [0015] A general object of the present disclosure is to improve the blow room processes in spinning facilities.

[0016] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers for mixing of the fibre material, and a machine to implement the proposed method, that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material.

[0017] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material without adversely affect value of the fibre material.

[0018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material without damaging or breaking the fibre.

[0019] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers that also helps in loosening and removing greater amount of foreign matter from the fibres or tufts with minimal damage to the fibres.

SUMMARY

[0020] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to operations carried out in blow rooms of spinning facilities. Specifically, the present disclosure pertains to targeted and controlled filling of designated chambers with different types of natural or manmade fibres having different characteristics, from where the fibre materials may be drawn for mixing in a desired proportion.

[0021] In an aspect, the proposed method and apparatus for filling chambers also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material, and therefore is an improvement over known methods and apparatuses. In an aspect, the disclosed method is based on use of bursts of pressurized air or gas or their mixture, and the bursts of pressurized air or gas or their mixture also help in opening the tufts/lumps ensuring better cleaning and mixing of the fibres for better processing in subsequent stages.

[0022] In an aspect, the bursts of pressurized air or gas or their mixture, are directed towards a desired chamber so that the tufts/lumps of the fibre material that are in line of the bursts are subjected to direct hitting and penetration or pulling of fibres by the air/gas, thereby spreading the fibre material to a larger space to open the lump, and thrown in the chamber to which the bursts are directed. [0023] In an aspect, the proposed apparatus for controlled and targeted filling of different fibre materials into multiple chambers comprises: a plurality of chambers, each chamber designated to hold a different fibre material; one or more openings for feeding the fibre material, wherein the one or more openings are located adjacent the plurality of chambers; and at least one nozzle located adjacent to the one or more openings such that a controlled jet of a pressurized gaseous fluid from the at least one nozzle is directed at the fibre material fed through the one or more openings. In an aspect, the controlled jet of the pressurized gaseous fluid upon hitting the fibre material directs the fibre material to a desired chamber such that the fibre material is spread out and filled into the desired chamber.

[0024] In an aspect, the controlled jets of the pressurized gaseous fluid are bursts of short durations to enable opening of the fibre material and spreading the opened fibres in to the desired chamber.

[0025] In an aspect, the at least one nozzle comprises a plurality of nozzles, there being one nozzle associated with each of the plurality of chambers such that controlled jet of a pressurized gaseous fluid from a nozzles out of the plurality of nozzles results in moving the fed fibre material to the associated chamber.

[0026] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a control means to facilitate the controlled jets of the pressurized gaseous fluid from a nozzle associated with the desired chamber when a corresponding fibre material is being fed from the opening.

[0027] In an aspect, the one or more openings comprise a plurality of openings such that there is one opening associated with each of the plurality of chambers, and wherein the apparatus further comprises means for controlled feeding of the fibre material through the opening associated with the desired chamber.

[0028] In an aspect, the source of the pressurized gaseous fluid may be inbuilt with the apparatus, or may be an external source, or may be a combination of external source and an inbuilt source.

[0029] In an aspect, the pressurized gaseous fluid is air, or a mixture of air and a gas.

[0030] In an aspect, the different fibre materials include one or more of natural fibres and manmade fibres.

[0031] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for controlled and targeted filling of different fibre materials into multiple chambers, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a plurality of chambers, each camber designated to hold a different fibre material; (ii) providing one or more openings for feeding the fibre material, the one or more openings located adjacent the plurality of chambers; (iii) providing at least one nozzle located adjacent to the one or more openings; (iv) feeding the different fibre materials through the one or more openings; and (v) directing a controlled jet of a pressurized gaseous fluid from the at least one nozzle at the fibre material fed through the one or more openings. In an aspect, the controlled jet of the pressurized gaseous fluid upon hitting the fibre material directs the fibre material to a desired chamber such that the fibre material is spread out and filled into the desired chamber.

[0032] In an aspect, the method further includes the step of controlling the jets of the pressurized gaseous fluid to create bursts of short durations that enable opening of the fibre material and spreading the opened fibres in to the desired chamber.

[0033] In an aspect, the method further includes the step of comprising: providing a plurality of nozzles, there being one nozzle associated with each of the plurality of chambers such that controlled jet of the pressurized gaseous fluid from a nozzles out of the plurality of nozzles results in moving the fed fibre material to the associated chamber.

[0034] In an aspect, the method further includes the step of controlling supply of the pressurized gaseous fluid to a nozzle associated with the desired chamber when a corresponding fibre material is being fed from the opening.

[0035] In an aspect, the method further includes the step of providing a plurality of openings such that there is one opening associated with each of the plurality of chambers, and further comprising the step of controlling feed of the fibre material through the opening associated with the desired chamber.

[0036] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. [0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical arrangement used for targeted and controlled filling of designated chambers with different types of fibre materials for mixing them, in blow rooms of spinning facilities.

[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic representation, with help of a top view, of the proposed apparatus for targeted and controlled filling of designated chambers with different types of fibre materials, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram for the proposed method for targeted and controlled filling of designated chambers with different types of fibre materials, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0042] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0043] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0044] Embodiments explained herein relate to operations carried out in blow rooms of spinning facilities. Fibre materials are received in the spinning facilities in highly compressed state in form of bales. When the material is removed from the bales using bale opening machines, they come out as lumps and tuffs of the material, which are unsuitable for spinning operation. Besides, the material may also contain foreign matters, such as seeds, leaves, dust etc., which need to be separated before feeding the fibre material to spinning machines. Therefore, the lumps/tuffs of the material are subjected to a series of operations to loosen the lumps/tuffs so that the foreign mattergets separated, and the fibre material is ready for spinning.

[0045] In addition to opening of tufts and lumps of the fibre material, different types of natural or manmade fibres or of different characteristics, such as different staple length, which have been received in different bales, is subjected to mixing to achieve better physical characteristics, greater strength and longer life for the spun yam. For mixing fibres with different characteristics, fibre material from different bales, after the bales of different types of fibre materials have been opened, is filled in different designated chambers, from where the different fibre materials could be withdrawn for mixing in a desired proportion.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram showing a typical arrangement used for (for) targeted and controlled filling of designated chambers with different types of fibre materials for mixing them, in blow rooms of spinning facilities. As shown, the conventional machines and methods for loosening the lumps/ tuffs of fibre material is based on carrying the opened tufts of fibre material pneumatically from bale opening machine and stages of beaters through a conduit/ chute 102 and dropping the carried fibre material in different chambers, such as chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3. . . etc. (collectively referred to as chamber(s) 104). Inlet openings, such as openings 106-1, 106-2, 106-3. . . . etc. (collectively referred to as opening(s) 106), of the chambers 104-1, 104-2, 104-3. . . etc. respectively, are configured with valves or flaps through which fibre material from the conduit 102 falls into the chambers simultaneous or sequentially. Flap(s)/valve(s) of a designated chamber(s) in which the fibre material is to be filled at any instance are opened and others are kept closed.

[0047] Conventional machines and methods, such as shown at FIG. 1, does not provide a very fine control over the timing and quantity of material filled in different chambers. For example, the chambers get filled with tufts/lumps of size directly fed from bale opening machine, and therefore the control is at the level of size of the tufts/lumps. Furthermore, mixing of material based on the tufts or lumps of material filled in the chambers results in output with limited degree of fine fibber mixing.

[0048] In an aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for targeted filling of different chambers that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material, and therefore is an improvement over the conventional methods and apparatuses. In an aspect, the disclosed method is based on use of bursts of pressurized air or gas or their mixture that are directed towards a desired chamber so that the tufts/lumps of the fibre material that are in line of the bursts are subjected to direct hitting and penetration, or pulling of fibres by the air/gas, thereby spreading the fibre material to a larger space to open the lump. Simultaneously the opened tufts/lumps are thrown in the chamber to which the bursts are directed. Thus, the directed and controlled filling of chambers in accordance with the method of the present disclosure overcomes drawbacks of the conventional methods and apparatuses by opening the tufts/lumps ensuring better cleaning and mixing of the fibres for better processing in subsequent stages.

[0049] Specifically, the present disclosure pertains to targeted and controlled filling of designated chambers with different types of natural or manmade fibres having different characteristics, from where the fibre materials may be drawn for mixing in a desired proportion.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, which illustrates an exemplary schematic representation, with help of a top view, of the proposed apparatus for targeted filling of different chambers, the proposed apparatus 200 can incorporate a plurality of chambers, such as chambers 202-1,

202-2, 202-3.202-5 (collectively referred to as chamber(s) 202), arranged close to each other, either in linear or circular configuration. Each of the chambers 202 may be designated to hold a different fibre material. There can be one or more openings, such as openings 204-

1.204-5 (collectively referred to as opening(s) 204) for feeding the fibre materials. The openings 204 may be located adjacent the plurality of chambers 202. In addition, at least one nozzle, such as nozzles 206-1.206-5 (collectively referred to as nozzle(s) 206) may be located adjacent to the openings 204 such that a controlled jet of a pressurized gaseous fluid from the nozzles 206gets directed at the fibre material fed through the openings 204.

[0051] In an aspect, the chambers 202 may be arranged in circular fashion as shown in the exemplary illustration of FIG. 2, or they can be arranged in linear configuration without any limitation. The one or more openings 204 and the at least one nozzle 206 may also be positioned according to the configuration of the chambers 202.

[0052] The nozzles 206 can be configured to receive a supply of a pressurized gaseous fluid so that the nozzles can selectively generate a jet of the pressurized fluid directed at the fibre material entering through a selected opening out of the openings 204.

[0053] It is to be appreciated that though the exemplary illustration of FIG. 2 shows a number of openings 204 and a corresponding number of nozzles 206, it is possible to have other configurations. For example, in an implementation, there can be just one opening 204 and a single movable nozzle 206 such that the nozzle 206 gets repositioned to direct the jet of the pressurized fluid through the fibre material entering through the single opening towards a desired chamber 202. In an alternative arrangement, there can be a number of openings 204, there being one opening corresponding to each of the chambers 202, and a single rotating number of nozzles 206, which rotates to direct the jet of the pressurized fluid towards a desired opening 204 through which the fibre material is currently entering such that the material is thrown to the selected chamber 202.

[0054] In an aspect, there can be a selector 210 to work as a control means for opening of the nozzles 206 and/or the openings 204. For example, in configuration having a plurality of openings 204 and a plurality of nozzles 206 corresponding to the plurality of chambers 202, the selector 210 can open the opening 204 and the nozzle corresponding to the desired chamber to which fibre material is to be directed, simultaneously. In the other configuration having a single rotating nozzle 206 and a plurality of openings 204, the selector 210 can open the opening 204 corresponding to the desired chamber to which fibre material is to be directed and simultaneously rotate the nozzle 206 to a desired direction so that the fibre material coming in from that opening 204 is directed to the desired chamber 202. In the yet other configuration having a single movable nozzle 206 and a number of opening 204, the selector 210 can be configured to position the nozzle 206 to a desired location and direction so that jet of the pressurized fluid is directed to the opening 204 from a direction that throws the fibre material coming in from that opening 204 the desired chamber 202.

[0055] In an aspect, the controlled jet of the pressurized gaseous fluid from the at least one nozzle 206 upon hitting the fibre material directs the fibre material to a desired chamber 202 such that the fibre material is spread out and filled into the desired chamber 202.

[0056] In an aspect, the controlled jets of the pressurized gaseous fluid can be bursts of short durations to enable opening of the fibre material and spreading the opened fibres in to the desired chamber 202. A pressure control means 208 can be provided to facilitate generation of the controlled jets of the pressurized gaseous fluid from the at least one nozzle 206.

[0057] In an aspect, the source of the pressurized gaseous fluid may be inbuilt with the apparatus, or may be an external source, or may be a combination of external source and an inbuilt source. The pressurized gaseous fluid from the source may be supplied to the pressure control means 208 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] In an embodiment, the gaseous fluid used may be air, which is easily available and cheap to compress. Specifically, equipment to compress air is easily available, and is generally part of blow room facilities, such as for bale opening machine. Thus, the source of the pressurized gaseous fluid may be an external source such as compressed air source of the blow room facilities, or may be inbuilt with the apparatus 200. In an alternate embodiment, it may be a combination of external source and an inbuilt source.

[0059] In an embodiment, the pressurized gaseous fluid can be a mixture of air and a gas.

[0060] In an aspect, the different fibre materials fed to the disclosed apparatus 200 may include one or more of natural fibres and manmade fibres. Different of these fibre materials may be received at the apparatus 200 at different times depending on a bale being opened in the blow room, and the incoming fibre material depending on type of the material can be filled into a designated chamber 202 by controlling the one or more openings 204 and the at least one nozzle 206 as the case may be.

[0061] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a method for controlled and targeted filling of different fibre materials into multiple chambers. As shown at FIG. 3, the step 302 of the method 300 for controlled and targeted filling of different fibre materials into multiple chambers can be to provide a plurality of chambers, such as chambers 202 shown at FIG. 2. Each of the chambers 202 can be designated to hold a different type of fibre material. Step 304 of the method 300 can be providing one or more openings, such as openings 204 shown in FIG. 2, for feeding the fibre material. The one or more openings 204 may be located adjacent the plurality of chambers 202.

[0062] In an aspect, the Method 200 can involve, as shown at step 306 of FIG. 3, providing at least one nozzle, such as nozzles 306 shown at FIG. 2, located adjacent to the one or more openings 204. Step 308 can be feeding the different fibre materials through the one or more openings 204, and the step 310 of the method 300 can be directing a controlled jet of a pressurized gaseous fluid from the at least one nozzle 206 at the fibre material fed through the one or more openings 204. In an aspect, the controlled jet of the pressurized gaseous fluid upon hitting the fibre material directs the fibre material to a desired chamber 202 such that the fibre material is spread out and filled into the desired chamber.

[0063] In an aspect, the method 300 can further include the step of controlling the jets of the pressurized gaseous fluid to create bursts of short durations that enable opening of the fibre material and spreading the opened fibres in to the desired chamber.

[0064] In an aspect, the method 300 can further include the step of providing a plurality of nozzles, there being one nozzle associated with each of the plurality of chambers such that controlled jet of the pressurized gaseous fluid from a nozzles out of the plurality of nozzles results in moving the fed fibre material to the associated chamber. [0065] In an aspect, the method further includes the step of providing a plurality of openings 204 such that there is one opening 204 associated with each of the plurality of chambers 202, and further comprising the step of controlling feed of the fibre material through the opening 204 associated with the desired chamber 202.

[0066] In an aspect, the method can further include the step of controlling supply of the pressurized gaseous fluid through the nozzle 206 associated with the desired chamber 202 when a corresponding fibre material is being fed from the opening, wherein the control can be facilitated by a selector, such as selector 210 shown at FIG. 2, which can also control the openings 204 depending on what type of material is being fed at the given instance and in which of the plurality of chamber 202 the fibre material is to be filled.

[0067] In an aspect, the jets of air may interact with the tuffs/lumps of fibre material by directly hitting and penetrating the lumps thereby spreading the fibre material to a larger space to open the lump, or may interact by pulling the fibres from the lumps on account of pulling action of the pressurized air flowing over the lump. In either case, action of burst of air jet results in opening of fibre material and spreading it while also moving the material to a desired chamber. Thus, the proposed method for controlled and directed filling of chambers with fibre material also provides separation of fibre material resulting in loosening of any foreign matter trapped by the fibres, leading to cleaning of the fibre material.

[0068] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0069] The present disclosure improves the blow room processes in spinning facilities.

[0070] The present disclosure provides a method for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers for mixing of the fibre material, and a machine to implement the proposed method, that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material.

[0071] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material without adversely affect value of the fibre material. [0072] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers that also helps in opening the tufts of the fibre material without damaging or breaking the fibre.

[0073] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for filling different fibre materials into different designated chambers that also helps in loosening and removing greater amount of foreign matter from the fibres or tufts with minimal damage to the fibres.