Title of Invention	AN INPUT FEED MEASURING DEVICE FOR A TEXTILE CARDING MACHINE
Abstract	The invention relates to an input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine. The device of the present invention is useful for sensing and controlling the variation in feed material delivered to the feed rollers of a carding machine in order to effect control over the feed material to achieve reduction in coefficient of variation in the sliver delivered by the carding machine. The invention involves an improved sensing plate assembly useful for the incorporation into the input feed device.

Title of Invention

AN INPUT FEED MEASURING DEVICE FOR A TEXTILE CARDING MACHINE

Abstract

The invention relates to an input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine. The device of the present invention is useful for sensing and controlling the variation in feed material delivered to the feed rollers of a carding machine in order to effect control over the feed material to achieve reduction in coefficient of variation in the sliver delivered by the carding machine. The invention involves an improved sensing plate assembly useful for the incorporation into the input feed device.

Full Text	FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine. The device of the present invention is useful for sensing and controlling the variation in feed material delivered to the feed rollers of a carding machine in order to effect control over the feed material to achieve reduction in coefficient of variation in the sliver delivered by the carding machine. This invention also relates to an improved sensing plate assembly useful for the incorporation into the input feed device of the present invention. More particularly the present invention relates to an input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART In a carding machine the out put sliver quality depends on the uniformity in weight per unit length of the feed material either in the form of lap or flock. The material is bound to have variation in weight per unit length both in length wise and width wise in the lap or the flock fed. Since the carding machine adopts higher drafts between the feed rollers and delivery rollers, the variation in the feed material, though very small, is magnified in the resultant out put sliver quality. Width wise variation is likely to occur in the chute due to the reason that the filling of the chute is not uniform. The method of controlling the feed roller speed to have control over the feed material using the sensors fitted to both ends of the feed rollers is known. In the known method the feed roller moves up and down due to the variation in the weight per unit length of the feed material presented between the feed roller and feed plate against the pre determined applied spring load at both the ends of the feed roller. The movement of the feed roller obtained depends on the variation in the feed material in the length wise direction only and is the cumulative effect on the width. Individual variation on the desired sections cannot be measured. The method of sensing the variation in the mass of feed material along the width of feed roller comprising a sensing roller located prior to the feed roller and driven in synchronization with the feed roller with plurality of sensing plates with plurality of sensing arrangement attached to it for the passage of feed material to the feed roller to sense the variation in feed material in width wise direction is known. Indian patent applications 1031/MAS/2000, 1032/MAS/2000, 1033/MAS/2000 and Indian patent 203498 describe distinct apparatuses for sensing thickness variation of feed material in a carding machine having distinct features. Indian patent application 1031/MAS/2000 discloses an apparatus for sensing thickness variation of feed in a carding machine comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets and rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller, plurality of spring loaded sensing plate arranged across the entire width of said sensing roller and located under said sensing roller, the movement of sensing plates are sensed by sensing means located coaxially beneath said bottom stud and fed to a micro processor which averages the values and modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed. Indian patent application 1032/MAS/2000 discloses a carding machine comprises feed plate and feed roller for feeding fibre batt to the licker in zone of the carding comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller, plurality of spring loaded sensing plates arranged across the entire width of said sensing roller and located under said sensing roller, said sensing plates attached to plurality of input sensing pistons provided in a fluid cylinder, the combined pressure generated by said plurality of sensing pistons provide movement to an out put piston provided on said fluid cylinder, the movement of the out put piston is sensed by a sensing means and fed to a micro processor which modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed. Indian patent application 1033/MAS/2000 discloses an apparatus for sensing the thickness variation in the feed material in a carding machine comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets and rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller, plurality spring loaded sensing plates provided with sensing stud with spring loading means, the sensing plates are hinged at one end on a hinge bracket, the movement of the sensing stud is magnified by virtue of the hinge bracket arrangement, the movement of sensing plates are sensed by sensing means located coaxially beneath said bottom stud and fed to a micro processor which averages the values and modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed. In the above arrangements, the sensing and correction of the variation in the feed material in width wise direction is effected by the plurality sensing plates by establishing line contact with the feed material. In the above arrangements the sensing is not accurate because the contact between the sensing roller and the sensing plate is line contact and is also expensive due to the fact they employ additional sensing roller or additional feed roller with parts for sending the feed batt, with associated drive elements. Indian patent application Indian patent 203498 discloses an apparatus which overcomes the above disadvantages and cost effective as the device consist of parts which perform multiple functions to measure and control as the feed material to licker in roller thus eliminating the additional sensing roller and its associated drive arrangement. The apparatus comprising a plurality of sensing plate assembly (4) arranged along the entire width of the feed roller (6), each said sensing plate assembly (4) being provided with a sensing plate (1) having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential curvature having an radius (R1) at the batt entry region and radius (R2) at the batt exit region, radius R1 is greater than R2 and R1 and R2 are tangential, said sensing plate (1) being attached to a hinge bracket (2) by a hinge pin(3), a bottom sensing rod (11) being attached to the said sensing plate (1), a top sensing rod (12) being attached to the said bottom sensing rod (11), said plurality sensing plate assembly (4) being further provided with pre loading means and being fixed to the feed roller assembly, said plurality sensing plate (1) envelops said feed roller (6) with a passage opening between the said feed roller (6) and the said curved surface (5) of the said sensing plate (1) for the follow of batt, plurality of sensors (14) arranged at a proximity distance to the said top sensing rod (12) and being mounted on a sensor holder (13), said sensor holder (13) being attached to said feed roller assembly, said plurality of sensors (14) being connected to a processing unit (16), the said processing unit (16) being further connected to a drive (17) which is being connected to a motor (18 ), said motor (18) drivingly connected to the said feed roller (6). This arrangement is shown in fig 1 and 2 of the companying drawings. In the above arrangements sensor target moves in radial path to the proximity sensor and senses the linear distance between them. This leads to error in measuring distance between sensor target and proximity sensor. Two hinge pins are used to attach sensing plate to hinge bracket which create more complication in assembling elements and reduces setting accuracy. The sensing plate having a curved surface constructed with differential curvature having a radius (R1) at the batt entry region creating a negative slope from the chute creates complexities in smooth entry of material. Therefore the main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which overcomes all the drawbacks of the prior art devices and make for better user friendliness, ease of manufacturing and assembly. Another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which facilitates accurate sensing and controlling of the feed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The details of the invention are explained with reference to the figures 3 to 6 of the drawings accompanying this specification. Accordingly, the present invention provides, an improved input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine comprising two cooperating components, one of said component being a feed roller and the other component being a sensing plate assembly comprising the sensing plate , said feed roller being rotatably supported on a fixed axis and the other being movably supported to allow movements thereof towards and away from the respective other component as a function of the thickness of feed material (batt) passing through the feeding roller and the sensing plate wherein said sensing plate assembly comprising the sensing plate which is having a curved surface constructed with single curvature having a radius (R1) at batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, and said movements being sensed as linear movements of the sensing plates relative to the feed roller. According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an improved sensing plate assembly for a textile carding machine comprising plurality of sensing plate assembly arranged along the entire width of the feed roller, said sensing plate assembly being provided with a sensing plate having a curved surface constructed with curvature having an radius (R1) at the batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, said sensing Plate assembly being attached to a housing by the hinge pin, a holding plate attached to the sensing plate, said holding plate having a recess to accommodate a spring stud with upper end attached to the second vertical wall of the housing through the holder and preloaded by a spring, a sensing target attached to a target holder, lower end of which is attached to a plunger positioned on the holding plate, a sensor positioned above the said sensor target at a pre set distance 'D\ the sensor being mounted on the sensor holder and fitted to the second vertical wall of the housing, sensing plate envelops said feed roller with a passage opening between the said feed roller and the said curved surface of the said sensing plate for the flow of batt said sensors being connected to a processing unit, the said processing unit being further connected to a drive which is being connected to a motor, said motor drivingly connected to the said feed roller. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the ensuing detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts the schematic view of sensing plate assembly according to the invention disclosed in application no. Indian patent 203498 Figure 2 depicts cross sectional view of sensing plate assembly according to the invention disclosed in application no. Indian patent 203498 Figure 3 depicts schematic view of sensing plate according to the present invention. Figure 4 depicts cross sectional view of sensing plate assembly according to the present invention. Figure 5 depicts the schematic view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention. Figure 5a depicts another schematic partial view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention, shown without the top cover. Figure 6 depicts the schematic view of the control system of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood however that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The following description and drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention and numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. However in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. Figure 3 represents schematic view of sensing plate according to the present invention. Sensing plate (100) having curved surface constructed with curvature having a radius (R1) at the batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region. The said sensing plate being swingably supported on a hinge pin (30) through the bush (30b) member mounted on the ear portion disposed on both the ends of the said sensing plate. The sensing plate (100) may be made of wear resistant material such as Spheroidal graphite iron casting and may be given Nickel or Chromium plating for wear resistance. The sensing plate and the hinge pin assembled together form the sensing plate assembly (40). The radii R1 of the sensing plate depend upon the diameter of the feed roller employed. In an embodiment of the invention the diameter of the feed roller may be 120mm and R1 60mm. Figure 4 represents cross sectional view of sensing plate assembly according to the present invention. A plurality of sensing plate assembly (40) being fastened to the first vertical wall of the housing (70) of the feed roller assembly by suitable fastening means, for example through the screws (30a) such that the sensing plate (100) are located above said feed roller (60) and said sensing plates (100) envelops the feed roller (60). Holding plate (130) provided with a passage opening (130a) for accommodating the head portion (80c) of a spring stud (80). The said holding plate (130) being fastened to the said sensing plate in a known way. The said spring stud (80) in association with a compression spring (90) being provided for the pre loading of said sensing plate (100). The upper portion of the said spring stud (80) being threaded to facilitate accommodating the setting nut (80a), loading member (80d) and the retaining member (80e). The bottom portion of the said spring stud being provided with head portion (80c). The said spring stud being firmly held between the said holding plate (130) and a holder (131). The said holder (131) being provided with a passage opening to accommodate the said spring stud (80) and fastened to the second vertical wall of the said housing (70). The sensing plate can be pre loaded to the pre determined value by adjusting the said loading member (80d) which in turn through the flanged ring (80b) modify the spring pressure Spring loaded plunger (110b) which is provided with a bottom curved surface being housed within a guide bush (132). The said guide bush being fixed to the horizontal wall of the housing (70). The spring loaded plunger (110b) is disposed such that the curved surface of the said plunger (110b) is always in contact with the said holding plate (130) under the pressure exerted by a spring (133). A target holder (110a) being fastened to the said plunger (110b) and being provided with means for adjustably mounting a sensor target (110) which is disposed coaxial to the said plunger (110b) and a sensor (120), which may be for example, a proximity sensor. A sensor holder (134) provided with passage opening to accommodate the said sensor (120) and the said sensor holder (134) being mounted on the second vertical wall of the said housing (70) such that the said sensor (120) being coaxial to the said sensor target (110). The distance (D) between the said sensor target (110) and the face of the said sensor (120) being pre set to the pre determined value. Figure 5 represents the schematic view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention. Sensors being connected to a processing unit (160), further connected to a drive (170) which is being connected to a motor (180). The motor (180) is drivingly connected to feed roller (60) directly. The processing unit (160) averages the plurality of signal provided by plurality of sensor (140) and generates a signal which is being fed to drive (170) for regulating the speed of motor (180) which drives feed roller (60). Working of the invention- The batt is passed between the feed roller and the plurality sensing plates. The variation in the thickness of the batt causes up and down movement of the plurality of the sensing plates and the movement is sensed by sensing means attached to the sensing plates. The batt delivered from feed roller zone to the licker-in zone of the carding machine. Sensing target attach to the sensing plate moves corresponding to the variation in the thickness of the batt and sensor employed for measuring the movement generates signal and fed to a processing unit. The thickness of the batt being measured either in the form of voltage, current or digital values and fed to processing unit. The processing unit averages the signal received from the plurality of sensors and generates suitable signal against set value and the same being fed to a drive unit. The drive connected to the feed roller drive motor regulates the speed of said feed roller motor. Though this invention is hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, obvious alterations and modifications known to persons skilled in the art are well within the scope of the appended claims. ADVANTAGES The sensor target moves in linear path to the proximity sensor which gives better accuracy in measurements. Single hinge pin is used to attach sensing plate to the housing which gives more easy in assembling elements and increases setting accuracy. The sensing plate constructed with single curvature having a radius (R1) at the batt exit region and positive slope at batt entry region which makes smoother entry of material. It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that other control methods and apparatuses can be derived from the combinations of the various methods and apparatuses of the present invention as taught by the description and the accompanying drawings and these shall also be considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, description of such combinations and variations is therefore omitted above. Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are possible and are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. WE CLAIM 1. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine comprising two cooperating components, one of said component being a feed roller(60) and the other component being a plurality of sensing plate assembly(40) comprising sensing plate, said feed roller(60) being rotatably supported on a fixed axis and the other being movably supported to allow movements thereof towards and away from the respective other component as a function of the thickness of feed material (batt) passing through the feed roller and the said sensing plate wherein said sensing plate having curved surface constructed with a curvature having a radius (R1) at batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, and said movements being sensed as linear movements of the sensing plate relative to the feed roller. 2. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein sensing plate assembly (40) arranged on the upper side of the feed roller (60) along the entire width and being attached housing member (70) by a hinge pin (30). 3. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein a holding plate (130) attached to the sensing plate(100), said holding plate having a recess (130a) to accommodate a spring stud (80) with upper end attached to the housing(70) and preload by a spring (90) which allows movements of the sensing plate towards and away from the feed roller in response to the variation in thickness of the batt. 4. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein a sensing target (110) attached to a target holder (110a), lower end of which is attached to a plunger (110b) positioned on the holding plate (130) and a sensor (120) positioned above the sensing target at a pre set distance (D). 5. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein sensing plate (100) envelops said feed roller (60) with a passage opening between the said feed roller and the said curved surface of the said sensing plate (100) for the flow of batt, a sensor target (110) arranged at a distance 'D' to the said sensor (120), said plurality sensor (120) being connected to a processing unit (160), the said processing unit being further connected to a drive (170) which is being connected to a motor (180), said motor drivingly connected to the said feed roller (60). 6. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine comprising plurality of sensing plate assembly (40) arranged along the entire width of the feed roller (60), said sensing plate assembly (40) being provided with a sensing plate (100) having a curved surface constructed with curvature having an radius (R1) at the batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, said sensing Plate assembly being attached to a housing by the hinge pin (30), a holding plate (130) attached to the sensing plate (100), said holding plate (130) having a recess (130a) to accommodate a spring stud (80) with upper end attached to the second vertical wall of the housing (70) through the holder (131) and preloaded by a spring (90), a sensing target (110) attached to a target holder (110a), lower end of which is attached to a plunger (110b) positioned on the holding plate (130), a sensor (120) positioned above the said sensor target (110) at a pre set distance 'D\ the sensor being mounted on the sensor holder and fitted to the second vertical wall of the housing (70), sensing plate envelops said feed roller (60) with a passage opening between the said feed roller and the said curved surface of the said sensing plate for the flow of batt, said sensors being connected to a processing unit (160), the said processing unit being further connected to a drive (170) which is being connected to a motor (180), said motor drivingly connected to the said feed roller (60). 7. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said sensing plates (100) being made of Spheroidal graphite iron casting with Nickel and or Chromium plated for wear resistance. 8. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the feed roller being 120mm and R1 being 60 mm respectively. 9. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the said processing unit is a programmable logic controller or a micro controller. 10. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine, substantially as hereinbefore described particularly with reference to the figures 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine. The device of the present invention is useful for sensing and controlling the variation in feed material delivered to the feed rollers of a carding machine in order to effect control over the feed material to achieve reduction in coefficient of variation in the sliver delivered by the carding machine. This invention also relates to an improved sensing plate assembly useful for the incorporation into the input feed device of the present invention. More particularly the present invention relates to an input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
In a carding machine the out put sliver quality depends on the uniformity in weight per unit length of the feed material either in the form of lap or flock. The material is bound to have variation in weight per unit length both in length wise and width wise in the lap or the flock fed. Since the carding machine adopts higher drafts between the feed rollers and delivery rollers, the variation in the feed material, though very small, is magnified in the resultant out put sliver quality. Width wise variation is likely to occur in the chute due to the reason that the filling of the chute is not uniform.
The method of controlling the feed roller speed to have control over the feed material using the sensors fitted to both ends of the feed rollers is known. In the known method the feed roller moves up and down due to the variation in the weight per unit length of the feed material presented between the feed roller and feed plate against the pre determined applied spring load at both the ends of the feed roller. The movement of the feed roller obtained depends on the variation in the feed material in the length wise direction only and is the cumulative effect on the width. Individual variation on the desired sections cannot be measured.

The method of sensing the variation in the mass of feed material along the width of feed roller comprising a sensing roller located prior to the feed roller and driven in synchronization with the feed roller with plurality of sensing plates with plurality of sensing arrangement attached to it for the passage of feed material to the feed roller to sense the variation in feed material in width wise direction is known.
Indian patent applications 1031/MAS/2000, 1032/MAS/2000, 1033/MAS/2000 and Indian patent 203498 describe distinct apparatuses for sensing thickness variation of feed material in a carding machine having distinct features.
Indian patent application 1031/MAS/2000 discloses an apparatus for sensing thickness variation of feed in a carding machine comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets and rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller, plurality of spring loaded sensing plate arranged across the entire width of said sensing roller and located under said sensing roller, the movement of sensing plates are sensed by sensing means located coaxially beneath said bottom stud and fed to a micro processor which averages the values and modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed.
Indian patent application 1032/MAS/2000 discloses a carding machine comprises feed plate and feed roller for feeding fibre batt to the licker in zone of the carding comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller, plurality of spring loaded sensing plates arranged across the entire width of said sensing roller and located under said sensing roller, said sensing plates attached to plurality of input sensing pistons provided in a fluid cylinder, the combined pressure generated by said plurality of sensing pistons provide movement to an out put piston provided on said fluid cylinder, the movement of the out put piston is sensed by a sensing means and

fed to a micro processor which modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed.
Indian patent application 1033/MAS/2000 discloses an apparatus for sensing the thickness variation in the feed material in a carding machine comprises a sensing roller supported on two end brackets and rigidly fixed to a support frame and located along the width of the carding machine, said sensing roller located parallel and close to feed roller of the carding machine and driven at the same speed as that of said feed roller, plurality spring loaded sensing plates provided with sensing stud with spring loading means, the sensing plates are hinged at one end on a hinge bracket, the movement of the sensing stud is magnified by virtue of the hinge bracket arrangement, the movement of sensing plates are sensed by sensing means located coaxially beneath said bottom stud and fed to a micro processor which averages the values and modify the speed of the feed roller to compensate the variation sensed.
In the above arrangements, the sensing and correction of the variation in the feed material in width wise direction is effected by the plurality sensing plates by establishing line contact with the feed material. In the above arrangements the sensing is not accurate because the contact between the sensing roller and the sensing plate is line contact and is also expensive due to the fact they employ additional sensing roller or additional feed roller with parts for sending the feed batt, with associated drive elements.
Indian patent application Indian patent 203498 discloses an apparatus which overcomes the above disadvantages and cost effective as the device consist of parts which perform multiple functions to measure and control as the feed material to licker in roller thus eliminating the additional sensing roller and its associated drive arrangement. The apparatus comprising a plurality of sensing plate assembly (4) arranged along the entire width of the feed roller (6), each said sensing plate assembly (4) being provided with a sensing plate (1) having a curved surface (5) constructed with differential curvature having an radius (R1) at

the batt entry region and radius (R2) at the batt exit region, radius R1 is greater than R2 and R1 and R2 are tangential, said sensing plate (1) being attached to a hinge bracket (2) by a hinge pin(3), a bottom sensing rod (11) being attached to the said sensing plate (1), a top sensing rod (12) being attached to the said bottom sensing rod (11), said plurality sensing plate assembly (4) being further provided with pre loading means and being fixed to the feed roller assembly, said plurality sensing plate (1) envelops said feed roller (6) with a passage opening between the said feed roller (6) and the said curved surface (5) of the said sensing plate (1) for the follow of batt, plurality of sensors (14) arranged at a proximity distance to the said top sensing rod (12) and being mounted on a sensor holder (13), said sensor holder (13) being attached to said feed roller assembly, said plurality of sensors (14) being connected to a processing unit (16), the said processing unit (16) being further connected to a drive (17) which is being connected to a motor (18 ), said motor (18) drivingly connected to the said feed roller (6). This arrangement is shown in fig 1 and 2 of the companying drawings.
In the above arrangements sensor target moves in radial path to the proximity sensor and senses the linear distance between them. This leads to error in measuring distance between sensor target and proximity sensor. Two hinge pins are used to attach sensing plate to hinge bracket which create more complication in assembling elements and reduces setting accuracy. The sensing plate having a curved surface constructed with differential curvature having a radius (R1) at the batt entry region creating a negative slope from the chute creates complexities in smooth entry of material.
Therefore the main objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which overcomes all the drawbacks of the prior art devices and make for better user friendliness, ease of manufacturing and assembly.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved input feed measuring device useful in a textile carding machine which facilitates accurate sensing and controlling of the feed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The details of the invention are explained with reference to the figures 3 to 6 of the drawings accompanying this specification.
Accordingly, the present invention provides, an improved input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine comprising two cooperating components, one of said component being a feed roller and the other component being a sensing plate assembly comprising the sensing plate , said feed roller being rotatably supported on a fixed axis and the other being movably supported to allow movements thereof towards and away from the respective other component as a function of the thickness of feed material (batt) passing through the feeding roller and the sensing plate wherein said sensing plate assembly comprising the sensing plate which is having a curved surface constructed with single curvature having a radius (R1) at batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, and said movements being sensed as linear movements of the sensing plates relative to the feed roller.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is also provided an improved sensing plate assembly for a textile carding machine comprising plurality of sensing plate assembly arranged along the entire width of the feed roller, said sensing plate assembly being provided with a sensing plate having a curved surface constructed with curvature having an radius (R1) at the batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, said sensing Plate assembly being attached to a housing by the hinge pin, a holding plate attached to the sensing plate, said holding plate having a recess to accommodate a spring stud with upper end attached to the second vertical wall of the housing through the holder and preloaded by a spring, a sensing target attached to a target holder, lower end of

which is attached to a plunger positioned on the holding plate, a sensor positioned above the said sensor target at a pre set distance 'D\ the sensor being mounted on the sensor holder and fitted to the second vertical wall of the housing, sensing plate envelops said feed roller with a passage opening between the said feed roller and the said curved surface of the said sensing plate for the flow of batt said sensors being connected to a processing unit, the said processing unit being further connected to a drive which is being connected to a motor, said motor drivingly connected to the said feed roller.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the ensuing detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 depicts the schematic view of sensing plate assembly according to the invention disclosed in application no. Indian patent 203498
Figure 2 depicts cross sectional view of sensing plate assembly according to the invention disclosed in application no. Indian patent 203498
Figure 3 depicts schematic view of sensing plate according to the present invention.
Figure 4 depicts cross sectional view of sensing plate assembly according to the present invention.
Figure 5 depicts the schematic view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention.

Figure 5a depicts another schematic partial view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention, shown without the top cover.
Figure 6 depicts the schematic view of the control system of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood however that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The following description and drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention and numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. However in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail.
Figure 3 represents schematic view of sensing plate according to the present invention. Sensing plate (100) having curved surface constructed with curvature having a radius (R1) at the batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region. The said sensing plate being swingably supported on a hinge pin (30) through the bush (30b) member mounted on the ear portion disposed on both the ends of the said sensing plate. The sensing plate (100) may be made of wear resistant material such as Spheroidal graphite iron casting and may be given Nickel or Chromium plating for wear resistance. The sensing plate and the hinge pin assembled together form the sensing plate assembly (40). The radii R1 of the sensing plate depend upon the diameter of the feed roller employed. In an

embodiment of the invention the diameter of the feed roller may be 120mm and R1 60mm.
Figure 4 represents cross sectional view of sensing plate assembly according to the present invention. A plurality of sensing plate assembly (40) being fastened to the first vertical wall of the housing (70) of the feed roller assembly by suitable fastening means, for example through the screws (30a) such that the sensing plate (100) are located above said feed roller (60) and said sensing plates (100) envelops the feed roller (60). Holding plate (130) provided with a passage opening (130a) for accommodating the head portion (80c) of a spring stud (80). The said holding plate (130) being fastened to the said sensing plate in a known way. The said spring stud (80) in association with a compression spring (90) being provided for the pre loading of said sensing plate (100). The upper portion of the said spring stud (80) being threaded to facilitate accommodating the setting nut (80a), loading member (80d) and the retaining member (80e). The bottom portion of the said spring stud being provided with head portion (80c). The said spring stud being firmly held between the said holding plate (130) and a holder (131). The said holder (131) being provided with a passage opening to accommodate the said spring stud (80) and fastened to the second vertical wall of the said housing (70). The sensing plate can be pre loaded to the pre determined value by adjusting the said loading member (80d) which in turn through the flanged ring (80b) modify the spring pressure
Spring loaded plunger (110b) which is provided with a bottom curved surface being housed within a guide bush (132). The said guide bush being fixed to the horizontal wall of the housing (70). The spring loaded plunger (110b) is disposed such that the curved surface of the said plunger (110b) is always in contact with the said holding plate (130) under the pressure exerted by a spring (133). A target holder (110a) being fastened to the said plunger (110b) and being provided with means for adjustably mounting a sensor target (110) which is disposed coaxial to the said plunger (110b) and a sensor (120), which may be for example, a proximity sensor. A sensor holder (134) provided with passage opening to

accommodate the said sensor (120) and the said sensor holder (134) being mounted on the second vertical wall of the said housing (70) such that the said sensor (120) being coaxial to the said sensor target (110). The distance (D) between the said sensor target (110) and the face of the said sensor (120) being pre set to the pre determined value.
Figure 5 represents the schematic view of the feed roller assembly incorporating the input feed sensing device according to the invention. Sensors being connected to a processing unit (160), further connected to a drive (170) which is being connected to a motor (180). The motor (180) is drivingly connected to feed roller (60) directly. The processing unit (160) averages the plurality of signal provided by plurality of sensor (140) and generates a signal which is being fed to drive (170) for regulating the speed of motor (180) which drives feed roller (60).
Working of the invention- The batt is passed between the feed roller and the plurality sensing plates. The variation in the thickness of the batt causes up and down movement of the plurality of the sensing plates and the movement is sensed by sensing means attached to the sensing plates. The batt delivered from feed roller zone to the licker-in zone of the carding machine.
Sensing target attach to the sensing plate moves corresponding to the variation in the thickness of the batt and sensor employed for measuring the movement generates signal and fed to a processing unit. The thickness of the batt being measured either in the form of voltage, current or digital values and fed to processing unit. The processing unit averages the signal received from the plurality of sensors and generates suitable signal against set value and the same being fed to a drive unit. The drive connected to the feed roller drive motor regulates the speed of said feed roller motor.
Though this invention is hereinbefore described and illustrated with reference to specific embodiments, obvious alterations and modifications known to persons skilled in the art are well within the scope of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES
The sensor target moves in linear path to the proximity sensor which gives better accuracy in measurements. Single hinge pin is used to attach sensing plate to the housing which gives more easy in assembling elements and increases setting accuracy. The sensing plate constructed with single curvature having a radius (R1) at the batt exit region and positive slope at batt entry region which makes smoother entry of material.
It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that other control methods and apparatuses can be derived from the combinations of the various methods and apparatuses of the present invention as taught by the description and the accompanying drawings and these shall also be considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, description of such combinations and variations is therefore omitted above.
Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are possible and are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

WE CLAIM
1. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine comprising two cooperating components, one of said component being a feed roller(60) and the other component being a plurality of sensing plate assembly(40) comprising sensing plate, said feed roller(60) being rotatably supported on a fixed axis and the other being movably supported to allow movements thereof towards and away from the respective other component as a function of the thickness of feed material (batt) passing through the feed roller and the said sensing plate wherein said sensing plate having curved surface constructed with a curvature having a radius (R1) at batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, and said movements being sensed as linear movements of the sensing plate relative to the feed roller.
2. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein sensing plate assembly (40) arranged on the upper side of the feed roller (60) along the entire width and being attached housing member (70) by a hinge pin (30).
3. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 1 wherein a holding plate (130) attached to the sensing plate(100), said holding plate having a recess (130a) to accommodate a spring stud (80) with upper end attached to the housing(70) and preload by a spring (90) which allows movements of the sensing plate towards and away from the feed roller in response to the variation in thickness of the batt.
4. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein a sensing target (110) attached to a target holder (110a), lower end of which is attached to a plunger (110b) positioned on the holding plate (130) and a sensor (120) positioned above the sensing target at a pre set distance (D).

5. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein sensing plate (100) envelops said feed roller (60) with a passage opening between the said feed roller and the said curved surface of the said sensing plate (100) for the flow of batt, a sensor target (110) arranged at a distance 'D' to the said sensor (120), said plurality sensor (120) being connected to a processing unit (160), the said processing unit being further connected to a drive (170) which is being connected to a motor (180), said motor drivingly connected to the said feed roller (60).
6. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine comprising plurality of sensing plate assembly (40) arranged along the entire width of the feed roller (60), said sensing plate assembly (40) being provided with a sensing plate (100) having a curved surface constructed with curvature having an radius (R1) at the batt exit region and a positive slop at batt entry region, said sensing Plate assembly being attached to a housing by the hinge pin (30), a holding plate (130) attached to the sensing plate (100), said holding plate
(130) having a recess (130a) to accommodate a spring stud (80) with upper
end attached to the second vertical wall of the housing (70) through the holder
(131) and preloaded by a spring (90), a sensing target (110) attached to a
target holder (110a), lower end of which is attached to a plunger (110b)
positioned on the holding plate (130), a sensor (120) positioned above the said
sensor target (110) at a pre set distance 'D\ the sensor being mounted on the
sensor holder and fitted to the second vertical wall of the housing (70), sensing
plate envelops said feed roller (60) with a passage opening between the said
feed roller and the said curved surface of the said sensing plate for the flow of
batt, said sensors being connected to a processing unit (160), the said
processing unit being further connected to a drive (170) which is being
connected to a motor (180), said motor drivingly connected to the said feed
roller (60).
7. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any
one of the preceding claims wherein said sensing plates (100) being made of

Spheroidal graphite iron casting with Nickel and or Chromium plated for wear resistance.
8. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any
one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the feed roller being
120mm and R1 being 60 mm respectively.
9. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine as claimed in any
one of the preceding claims wherein the said processing unit is a
programmable logic controller or a micro controller.
10. An input feed measuring device for a textile carding machine, substantially as
hereinbefore described particularly with reference to the figures 3 to 6 of the
accompanying drawings.

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Patent Number

251322

Indian Patent Application Number

834/CHE/2007

PG Journal Number

10/2012

Publication Date

09-Mar-2012

Grant Date

06-Mar-2012

Date of Filing

18-Apr-2007

Name of Patentee

LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LTD.,

Applicant Address

LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LTD, PERIANAICKEN PALAYAM, COIMBATORE 641020, INDIA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	NARAYANASWAMY KRISHNAKUMAR	EMPLOYED AT LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LTD, PERIANAICKEN PALAYAM, COIMBATORE 641020, INDIA
2	DHARMAM DAVID	EMPLOYED AT LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LTD, PERIANAICKEN PALAYAM, COIMBATORE 641020, INDIA
3	SOUNDARARAJAN BARATHKUMAR	EMPLOYED AT LAKSHMI MACHINE WORKS LTD, PERIANAICKEN PALAYAM, COIMBATORE 641020, INDIA

PCT International Classification Number

G01N 33/36

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA