Fiber-twist-spinning

Abstract

An open-end spinning system characterized by laying straightened fibers next to each other onto an endless member and moving these deposited fibers in a generally perpendicular direction to the fiber orientation into a twisting zone where they are twisted and compacted into a yarn.

1 . Apparatus for twisting staple fibers into a yarn comprising:
 (a) a mechanism to separate individual fibers;   (b) a mechanism to pull said individual fibers straight;   (c) a continuous surface onto which said individual fibers are deposited parallel to each other;   (d) moving said continuous surface with the deposited fibers in a direction which is generally at a right angle to the fiber orientation;   (e) a twisting position where the row of parallel fibers are rolled up around an axis which is substantially parallel to the fiber orientation;   (f) a yarn withdrawal means to continuously pulling rolled up fibers in axial direction.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  whereby the rolling together of the parallel fibers is accomplished by means of a rotating needle. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  whereby the rolling together of the parallel fibers is accomplished by means of counter rotating surfaces. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  whereby the rolling together of the parallel fibers is assisted by means of counter rotating surfaces around a rotating twisting needle. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claims 2  and  3  whereby the surfaces of the rolling members are pressed together with a selectable force. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  whereby the parallel fibers are caught by rows of wire hooks mounted on said continuous surface. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  comprising stripping blades located between the rows of wire hooks to assist in releasing the parallel fibers from the wire hooks. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  whereas said continuous surface is air permeable to allow air flow through said continuous surface to assist in the control of the parallel fibers. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the said rotating needle is hollow in order to place a core yarn into the center of the spun yarn. 
     
     
         10 . A method of twisting staple fibers together into a yarn comprising the steps of:
 (a) arranging individual staple fibers parallel to each other;   (b) moving these fibers in a direction which is generally at a right angle to the fiber orientation;   (c) twisting these fibers around an axis which is substantially parallel to the fiber orientation;   (d) continuously pulling rolled up fibers in axial direction.   
     
     
         11 . A method of spinning staple fibers into a yarn according to  claim 10  comprising the step of catching the tail of hooked fibers first in order to pull out trailing fiber hooks. 
     
     
         12 . A method of spinning staple fibers into a yarn according to  claim 10  comprising the step of applying pressure to the rolling-up means in order to control the withdrawal tension while being pulled out of the twisting zone.