Microprocessor shedding control with linear actuators

Apparatus for controlling movement of yarn carrying members in a fabric forming machine to form fabric of a selected pattern, said apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of electronically controlled electric actuators each of which has means for connecting it to at least one of said members and actuable to move said at least one member in a substantially linear movement between first and second extreme positions;
• and
• microprocessor means having a memory for storing data representing selected operating parameters for producing a preselected fabric pattern, and data transfer means for inputting said data into said memory;
• wherein said microprocessor means is operable to control actuation of said actuators in a preselectable manner in dependence on said data to cause each said actuator to selectively move said at least one member into a selected one of said first and second extreme positions;
• wherein said means for connecting each said actuator to said at least one member is flexible connection means;
• and
• wherein said first and second extreme positions are variable in response to said selected operating parameters for producing a preselected textile pattern, said first and second extreme positions being controlled by said microprocessor means in response to stored data representing said selected operating parameters.

A method of controlling movement of yarn moving members in a fabric forming machine to form fabric of a selected pattern, said method comprising:

• providing a plurality of electronically controlled electric actuators each of which is connected to at least one of said members and actuable to move said at least one member in a substantially linear movement between first and second extreme positions;
• and
• storing data representing selected operating parameters for producing a preselected fabric pattern;
• controlling actuation of said actuators in a preselectable manner in dependence on said data to cause each said actuator to selectively move said at least one member into a preselected one of said first and second extreme positions and into a preselectable third position intermediate said first and second positions.

A method of controlling movement of yarn moving members in a fabric forming machine to form fabric of a selected pattern, the method comprising:

• providing of electronically controlled electric actuators each of which is connected to at least one of said members and actuable to move said at least one member in a substantially linear movement between first and second extreme positions;
• storing data representing selected operating parameters for producing a preselected fabric pattern;
• controlling actuation of said actuators in a preselectable manner in dependence on said data to cause each said actuator to selectively move said at least one member into a preselected one of said first and second extreme positions;
• and including the steps of connecting each actuator to said at least one member of flexible connection means, said actuator being operable to move said flexible connection means along a path in a forward or reverse direction to move said member between said first and second extreme positions;
• and
• controlling locations of said first and second extreme positions in response to said stored data representing selected operating parameters for producing a preselected fabric pattern.