Method and apparatus for removing an irregularity in a thread

An apparatus for eliminating an irregularity in a thread being supplied from a source and taken up on a take-up device,

• a thread joining device located between said source and said take-up device, said thread joining device including a thread separator, a thread suction extractor (31) associated with said separator, and a pneumatic thread store (2) disposed adjacent said thread joining device and the thread path extending between said source and said take-up device comprising:
• a pair of thread inserters means (4, 40) one being located above said pneumatic thread store (2) and the other being located below said thread store (2) for supplying said thread (1) to said thread joining device (3) and said thread suction extractor (31) associated with said separator (34,35);
• a second separator (32,33) for separating said thread extending to said thread store (2);
• an orifice (20) of said thread store (2) disposed adjacent said thread path between said source and said thread joining device (3) for receiving said thread having said irregularity and forming a loop therein;
• means operably connected to said thread store for separating and removing said loop containing said irregularity, and
• means activating said thread joining device for joining the pieces of thread which have arisen as a result of separating and removing said loop.

An apparatus for removing an irregularity in a thread extending between a source and a thread takeup device comprising:

• a tubular thread reserve positioned adjacent the path of travel of said thread, means for applying suction to said thread reserve causing a thread loop containing said irregularity to be formed in said thread reserve,
• a thread joining device provided adjacent said thread reserve on an opposite side of the normal path of said thread;
• a thread suction extractor operably associated with said thread joining device;
• means for forming a first loop in said thread between said thread reserve and said takeup device and inserting said first loop into said joining device;
• means for forming a second loop in said thread between said thread reserve and said source and for inserting said second loop in said joining device in space relation to said first loop;
• means for severing said thread loop containing said irregularity and removing said severed portion;
• and
• means for activating said joining device causing portions of said first and second loops of said thread to be joined.