Positive expansion/contraction comb system for wide beam weaving

Abstract

A system for providing improved warp uniformity across the width of the machine, the system including an expansion/contraction comb assembly connected to a synchronized timing system for providing a multiplicity of different expansion zones based upon different threaded zones on the drive rod that become sequentially decreasingly dense from the center of the machine outward. Also the system provides for elimination of floater blocks, which are replaced by drive blocks for deflection control across the width of the machine.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A positive expansion/contraction comb system for providing improved warp uniformity across the width of a machine comprising: 
 an expansion/contraction comb assembly having comb panels and holders attached with cross-links to form a series of expandable and contractable comb panels connected pivotally at respective first and second ends across the width of the machine, the assembly connected to a synchronized predetermined timing system including a drive system having a center support block and a series of spaced-apart drive blocks that are actively engaged to a threaded drive rod that extends outwardly from the center block having right hand threading on one side of the center and left hand threading on the other side of the center, whrerein the series of spaced-apart support blocks are positioned at the ends of a multiplicity of threaded zones for providing controlled, tiered expansion and contraction across the width of the machine, wherein the multiplicity of zones is between about three to about six zones on either side of the center block.    
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the multiplicity of zones is between about three to about five zones on either side of the center block.  
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the multiplicity of zones is between about four zones on either side of the center block.  
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 3 , wherein the zones provide for threaded drive rod sections having 20 tpi, 15 tpi, 10 tpi, and 5 tpi consecutively from the center block outward on either side of the center block.  
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the multiplicity of zones includes threaded sections of the drive rod that are decreasingly dense from the center block outward.  
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the cross-links are connected by precision-torqued internally threaded shoulder bolts.  
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein no floater blocks are used.  
     
     
         8 . A positive expansion/contraction comb system for providing improved warp uniformity across the width of a machine comprising: 
 a positive expansion/contraction comb assembly having comb panels which are inserted into a comb bed and attached with cross-links to form a series of expandable and contractable comb panels connected pivotally at respective first and second ends across the width of the machine, the assembly connected to a synchronized predetermined timing system including a drive system having a center support block and a series of spaced-apart drive blocks that are actively engaged to a threaded drive rod that extends outwardly from the center block having right hand threading on one side of the center and left hand threading on the other side of the center, wherein the series of spaced-apart drive blocks are positioned within a multiplicity of threaded zones connected by spaced-apart stationary support blocks, wherein the system provides for controlled, tiered expansion and contraction across the width of the machine without requiring the use of any floater blocks for stabilization, wherein the multiplicity of zones is between about three to about six zones on either side of the center block.