Method to space dye yarn
OwnerRobert S. Brown, William M. Pascoe, Sr.inventors
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Abstract
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for space-dyeing yarns. A yarn sheet passes over a yarn-driven roll equipped with a digital sensor that tracks the position of the sheet as it then passes through a dyeing apparatus. A computer precisely controls the spray application of dyes at the desired locations on the length of the yarn sheet. Undyed areas and areas of unwanted overlap of dyes are virtually eliminated, reducing the amount of off-quality yarn produced versus conventional methods. Sprayed dye droplets are collected and reused.
Claims7
A process for applying droplets of liquid in accordance with a predetermined pattern to a moving sheet of individual yarns arranged in spaced, parallel relation, said process comprising:
- (a) guiding a moving sheet of yarns along a pre-defined path, said sheet being comprised of individual yarns arranged in parallel relationship, with spaces between adjacent yarns;
- (b) indexing the movement of said moving sheet along said pre-defined path by generating signals corresponding to the advancement of said moving sheet along said pre-defined path;
- (c) correlating said signals with pattern data;
- (d) directing a spray of liquid droplets into said pre-defined path, thereby applying a first portion of said sprayed liquid to said spaced adjacent yarns comprising said moving sheet as said moving sheet moves along said pre-defined path, and projecting a second portion of said sprayed liquid through spaces between said spaced adjacent yarns;
- (e) collecting and recirculating said second portion of said liquid spray;
- and
- (f) pneumatically interrupting said spray of liquid droplets into said pre-defined path in accordance with said correlated signals, whereby said sprayed liquid droplets are applied only to select portions of said moving sheet in accordance with said pattern data.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.