Method and apparatus for exchanging sliver cans

Abstract

Method of exchanging sliver cans of a spinning machine having individual spinning stations, the sliver cans being disposed in staggered array adjacent and behind one another, by means of a can exchanging device able to travel on a given travel path along the spinning machine which includes placing the sliver cans in groups of at least three cans on turntables installed below the respective spinning stations of the spinning machine, conducting the can-exchanging device with at least one filled sliver can carried thereby in operating readiness past the groups of at least three cans at the respective spinning stations, stopping at a respective spinning station in response to a signal "sliver missing" from the spinning station and automatically carrying out the following operating steps: (a) turning the turntable into can-exchanging position if the turntable is not already in such position; (b) removing from the turntable the sliver can to be exchanged; (c) delivering the filled sliver can from the can exchanging device to the turntable; (d) turning the turntable back into operating position thereof if necessary; (e) conducting the can-exchanging device to a loading station and surrendering thereto the removed sliver can; (f) and providing the can-exchanging device with another filled sliver can to be carried thereby.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.