US3696600A

US3696600A - Apparatus for producing core yarn

Info

Publication number: US3696600A
Application number: US132953A
Authority: US
Inventors: Mayer Mayer Jr; James I Kotter; Harold L Salaun Jr; Roger S Brown
Original assignee: US Department of Agriculture USDA
Current assignee: US Department of Agriculture USDA
Priority date: 1971-04-12
Filing date: 1971-04-12
Publication date: 1972-10-10
Anticipated expiration: 1989-10-10

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for the continuous formation of various types of core yarn by the use of electrostatic, physical and chemical means. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for electrostatically, peripherally surfacing or sheathing a coring yarn with individual fibers and means for treating the coring yarn with a crosslinking chemical formulation to permanently set the yarn configuration.

Description

United States Patent [151 3,696,600 Mayer, Jr. et al. [451 Oct. 10, 1972 [54] APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CORE [56] References Cited YARN UNITED STATES PATENTS [721 lnvemors= Mayer, New Orleans; 3,411,284 11/1968 Corbaz et a1. ..57/ss.91 James Harold Salallll, 3,439,491 4/1969 Scruggs ..57/6 Jr., both of Metairie; Roger S. 3,445,993 5/1969 Vorisek ..57/6 Brown, New Orleans, all of La. 3,552,112 1/1971 Chabot ..57/58.89 X

[73] Assignee: The United States of America as Primary Exammer-John Petrakes represented by the m Attorney-R. Hoffman and W. Bier Agriculture [22] Filed: April 12, 1971 ABSTRACT [21] AWL 132,953 This invention relates to a process for the continuous formation of various types of core yarn by the use of electrostatic, physical and chemical means. More [52] US. Cl. ..57/5, 57/58.89, 57/5895 specifically, the invention relates to a process for elec- [51] Int. Cl. ..D0lh 1/12 trostatically, peripherally surfacing or sheathing a cor- 58 Field of Search ..57/3, 5, 6, 58.89-58.95 ing y with individual fibers and means for treating the coring yarn with a crosslinking chemical formulation to permanently set the yarn configuration.

4 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTED B 10 I973 3.696.600

sum 1 OF 5 INVENTORS MAYER MAYER, JR-

J AMES I. KOTTER HAROLD L. SALAUNJR. ROGER 5. BROWN ATTORNEY PAIENIEMW M 3.698600 SHEET 2 (IF 5 IN VENTORS MAYER MAYER,JR. JAMES I.KOTTEF? HAROLD L.5ALAUN,JR

ROGER S. BQOW N ATTORNEY PATENTEDum 10 m2 SHEET 3 [IF 5 IN VENTORS MAYER MAYER, JR

JAMES I. KOTTER HAROLD L. SAL UN,JR. ROGER SBROWN ATTORNEY PATENTEDMI 10 m2 7 3.696600 saw u or 5 I q \|r\\\ I 2| INVENTORS MAYER MAYER R- JAMES I. KOTTER HAROLD L. SALAUN,JR-

ROGER S. BROWN BY W A ATTORNEY PATENTEDMI 1o nan 3.696, 600 SHEET 5 OF 5 INVENTORS MAYER MAYERJR. JAMES I. KOTTER HAROLD L.SALAUN,JR. ROGER SBROWN ATTORNEY APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING CORE YARN A non-exclusive, irrevocable, royatly-free license in the invention herein described, throughout the world for all purposes of the United States Government, with the power to grant sublicenses for such purposes, is hereby granted to the Government of the United States of America. I

It is well known to those skilled in the art that present methods of producing a core yarn are limited to the process of twisting a surfacing yarn around the coring yarn. Prior to the disclosure of the instant invention, it was common to the art to produce core yarns either on spinning frames or on twisters. The art also frequently makes use of texturizing means to obtain desired yarn types.

The main object of our invention is to provide a process to produce core type yarns by a unique and novel method.

A second object of our invention is to provide a process to produce a core yarn with a bulk appearance.

Another object of our invention is to provide a process to produce a core yarn by the method of electrostatically surfacing fibers peripherally onto a coring yarn.

Another object of our invention is to provide a process to produce a core yarn by the method of electrostatically surfacing and mechanically attaching peripheral fibers permanently onto a coring yarn.

Still another object of our invention is to provide a process to produce a core yarn by the method of electrostatically surfacing fibers peripherally onto a coring yarn which has been treated with a crosslinking resin and subsequently curing to produce a permanent yarn configuration.

Still another object of our invention is to provide a process for producing a core yarn by the method of electrostatically plating fibers peripherally onto a corspindle 18 passes over guide roll 20 into electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus 15. Spindle 18 is rotatably mounted in any conventional friction braking system, designated generally as 19. Yarn 16 passes the axis of rotation of electrode 14 of unit 15. Conical electrode 14 and twisting element 24 of unit 15 of copending U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 132,952 is modified by relocation of drive (not shown) to permit coring yarn 16 to pass through the center of rotation of conical electrode 14 and twisting element 24. Individual fibers 21 from any conventional source (not shown) are fed from duct 22 into the electric field 23 of unit 15. These fibers 21 migrate to the region of highest field intensity which is also the region of closest proximity of

electrodes

13 and 14. Individual fibers 21 contact the twisting element 24 and because of the rotation of electrode 14 and twisting element 24, the fibers 21 twist around coring yarn 16 and completely and uniformly cover the peripheral surface of coring yarn 16 to produce a uniform core yarn 25. Core yarn 25 passes rotating

guide rolls

26 and 27 and wound on any type package common to the art such as cone 28. Cone 28 is driven by any conventional variable speed drive such as variable speed motor 29.

Another embodiment of invention uses a twisted coring yarn l6 fed to twisting element 24 such that rotation of said twisting element 24 will effect a false ing yarn of a thermosetting material and subsequently applying heat to permanently adhere the plating fibers to the core.

These and additional objects and advantages of our invention will be apparent from the following drawings, specification, and claims set forth herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of apparatus for producing a core yarn according to one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a twisting element.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a twisting element.

FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a modified apparatus for producing a core yarn according to a second embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of still another modification of apparatus for producing core yarn according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified apparatus of copending patent application Serial No. 132,952 filed April 12, 1971.

Referring to our drawings, FIG. 1 is a conventional power supply such as supply 10, capable of, for example, up to 120 kv at 2 milliamperes which is connected by leads 11 and 12 to the

electrodes

13 and 14 of electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus 15 of Ser. No. 132,952. A coring yarn 16, of any type of staple fiber or filament from supply package 17 on untwist to partially or completely untwist coring yarn 16 prior to attachment of peripheral surface fibers 21. Once the false untwist is released, the normal twist of coring yarn 16 will tightly hold said surface fibers 21 to produce a permanent core yarn 25.

Twisting element 24 of unit 15, FIG. 1, may be of any desired shape to'produce any specific core yarn configuration.

Referring to FIG. 2, the embodiment there shown comprises an essentially cylindrical member having a round outer surface 40 with a longitudinal hole 41 along the axis and any type smooth convexed surface at discharge end 42. This embodiment will produce a core yarn with a bulked appearance resembling an angora wool yarn.

In another embodiment, FIG. 3, twisting element 45 is also cylindrical in shape with an entrance hole 46 on the axis of element 45. Hole 46 follows a smooth angular path terminating on the 47 at periphery of element 45. The discharge end of element 45 follows a reverse configuration to that of the entrance. Hole 48 starts on the periphery of element 45 opposite to opening 47 and proceeds angularly toward center discharge port 49. Core yarn made with element 45 will produce a core yarn with a smooth uniform peripheral surface of fibers on the coring yarn.

Other designs of twisting elements to produce specific core yarn configurations will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Another embodiment of our invention, designed to produce permanent type core yarn, is shown in FIG. 4. A coring yarn 50 from supply package 51 on spindle 52, which is rotatably mounted on any type braking means such as friction brake 53, passes guide rolls 54, 55, and 56. The coring yarn 50 there enters a treating vessel, such as tank 57, containing any desired crosslinking agent 58, such as 5 to 20 percent dimethylol ethyleneurea IDMEU) or dimethylol dehydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU), and is maintained at a relatively constant temperature and volume by conventional methods. Coring yarn 50 is held immersed in crosslinking resin 58 by rotatable immersion roll 59. Yarn 50 proceeds between squeeze rolls 60 and 61 to remove excess solution. Roll 60 is positively driven by any conventional variable speed drive such as variable speed motor 62, pulleys 63 and 64 and belt 65. Roll 61 is weighted by any conventional means such as coil spring 66. Yarn 50 with crosslinking resin enters electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus of copending US. Pat. Application Ser. No. 132,952, as also shown in FIG. 1. Individualized fibers 21 from any conventional source (not shown) are fed into unit 15 by duct 22. Deposit of fibers onto the surface of coring yarn 50 is accomplished within unit 15 in same manner as described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Core yarn 69 from unit 15 proceeds over rotatable guide roll 70 to any type of curing stage unit common to the art, such as radiant heater 71, wherein the resin-treated core yarn 69 is cured and set. This curing of the resin permanently sets the peripheral fibers to the coring yarn so that it can be knitted, woven, and otherwise handled without losing its configuration and characteristics. The core yarn 69 passes from heater 71 between rotatable guide rolls 72 and 73 and can be wound into any conventional package, such as cone 74, which is driven by known variable speed means, such as variable speed motor 75.

Motors

62 and 75 are synchronously controlled by conventional control means 76 through

leads

77 and 78.

In addition to providing the resin formulation for permanently fixing the core yarn 69, tank 57 can contain other chemicals to impart other desirable properties. For example, bath 58 can be formulated to contain dimethylol ethyleneurea (DMEU) for permanent setting, carboxymethyl cellulose for antisoiling, copper naphthenate for mildew proofing, or tetrakis (hydroxy methyl) phosphonium chloride for flame resistance. Other possibilities for multipurpose treatment will be obvious to those skilled in the art of textile finishing.

In another embodiment of our invention, as shown in FIG. 5, coring yarn 100 is constructed of any type thermo-setting material common to the art such as a nylon filament. Coring yarn 100 from supply package 101 on spindle 102, which is mounted on friction brake 103, is fed past rotatable guide roll 104 into electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus 15 of previously mentioned copending Pat. Application Ser. No. 132,952. Individualized fibers 21 from any conventional source, as previously mentioned, are fed into unit 15 from duct 22. Deposition of fibers onto the surface of coring yarn 100 is accomplished within unit 15 in the same manner as described in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Core yarn 107 from unit 15 proceeds over rotatable guide roll 108 to any type setting stage common to the art, such as radiant heater 109, wherein the surface fibers are permanently set onto the coring yarn 100. The coated and heat set core yarn 107 passes between rotatable guide rolls 110 and 111 and is conventionally wound on cone 112 which is driven by variable speed motor 1 13.

The apparatus used in this invention is basically that of the previously mentioned copending application and is depicted in detail in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 6, it

will be apparent that the apparatus comprises a rotatably mounted conical electrode 14, axially and radially supported by conical electrode 14 through

bearings

115 and 116. I-Iollow spindle 114 is independently driven by variable speed motor 117, through motor shaft 118,

pulleys

119 and 146 and nonconducting belt 120. Motor 117 is connected to and supported by support member 135. Hollow spindle 114 is also rotatably mounted, independently driven by any type driving means such as highspeed motor 121, through motor shaft 123,

pulleys

122 and 147 and nonconducting belt 133. I-Iollow spindle 114 is axially and radially supported by nonconducting support member 137 through bearing 136. Motor 121 is connected to and supported by support member 138.

Conical electrode 14 is supported by means of protruding bearing

surfaces

124 and 125 of hollow spindle 114. Electrode 14 is energized, for example, by a standard DC power supply with 10 kilovolts to 60 kilovolts at 2 milliamperes maximum current through conventional wire and slide contacting means.

Hollow spindle 114 is constructed with a conducting cylindrically shaped knife-edge ring 126, extending axially through opening 127 and terminating slightly above surface of electrode 14.

Attached to and extending axially from hollow spindle 1 14 is a hollow nonconducting twisting element 24.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6: to provide an adequate electrostatic field for complete removal of individual fibers 21, from the airstream, flat plate electrode 13 is constructed sufficiently large to extend beyond the periphery of conical electrode 14. Electrode 13 is provided with opening 29 which is axially aligned with hollow twisting element 24. Electrode 13 is adjustably mounted by means of movable clamp 142 (in partial view) and is electrically grounded.

Coring yarn 16 is guided into hollow spindle 114 by guide roll 20, which is rotatably mounted on stubshaft 143, by means of bearing 144. Stubshaft 143 is attached to support member 145. Coring yarn 16 passes through the center of rotation of hollow spindle 114 and hollow twisting element 24. As the coring yarn 16 leaves hollow twisting element 24, fibers 21, which were deposited on yarn 16 in the electrostatic field 23 (see FIG. 1), are spun around with yarn 16, mechanically bending them to yarn 16, and forming core yarn 25. Coring yarn 16, now encapsulated with spun fibers 21, emerges as core yarn 25 through opening 29 of stationary flat plate electrode 13, and is wound as previously described.

Other spindle element configuration and variations thereof may be successfully utilized, for example a conic fiber twisting component with a centrally located circular passage beginning at its base, extending therethrough and terminating axially at its apex.

Although all embodiments of this invention have been discussed in terms of producing core yarn on a coring yarn it is also understood that it is feasible to produce core yarn from other coring textile strands such as roving.

We claim:

1. An apparatus for peripherially surfacing a coring yarn with individual fibers to produce a core yarn with a bulky appearance which comprises:

means for turning the coring yarn assembly, asl sociated supporting and positioning means for the several elements and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining the electrostatic potential gradient;

b. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the coring yarn with clearance; with one end integral said second driving means and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth, centrally pierced rod-shaped fiber twisting component, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component incorporating conductive means defining an integral fiber collecting ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element;

0. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary electrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spindle element assembly, rotatably therearound in a plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle assembly and located with the circular knife edge of the ring extended beyond the electrode surface;

(1. the stationary electrode element comprising means defining a regular plate member incorporating a smooth conductive electrode surface at least equivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode surface, said plate member pierced with 'a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the twisting congruent with clearance;

e. the coring yarn assembly comprising means for storing and delivering a coring yarn at a controlled rate, feeding means to feed'said coring yarn past rotatably mounted guide rolls through axis of rotation of said pierced spindle element assembly of the electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus through rotatably mounted guide rolls and terminating on any type textile package;

f. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatable electrode element at a speed sufficient to insure uniform distribution of the fibers across the electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport adequate for yarn production;

g. the second driving means adapted to turn the spindle element assembly at a speed at least equal to the speed of the rotatable electrode element;

h. means for driving coring yarn assembly;

i. the supporting and positioning means adapted to support and maintain the electrode surface of the rotatable electrode element in a facing position adjacent the electrode surface of the stationary electrode element, spaced adjustably from the circular knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range coincident the length of the fibers being processed.

2. An apparatus for peripherially surfacing a coring yarn with individual fibers to produce a core yarn with a smooth appearance which comprises:

a. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode element, means adapted to establish and maintain an electrostatic potential gradient between the electrode elements, a spindle element assembly, and a coring yarn assembly, a first isolated driving means for turning the rotary electrode element, a second isolated driving means for turning the twisting element assembly, a third isolated driving means for the coring yarn assembly, associated supporting and positioning means for the several elements, and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining the electrostatic potential gradient;

b. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member pierced with a centrally located circular passage of diameter sufficient to pass a coring yarn with clearance with one end integral said second driving means, and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth rod shaped fiber twisting component, with a centrally located circular passage beginning at its base and terminating on its periphery and an upper circular passage beginning on its periphery and terminating at the axial center of its free end, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element;

c. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary electrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spindle element assembly, rotatable therearound in a plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle assembly and located with the circular knife edge of the ring extended beyond the electrode surface;

d. the stationary electrode element comprising means defining a regular plate member incorporating a smooth conductive electrode surface at least equivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode surface, said plate member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the twisting congruent with clearance;

e. the coring yarn assembly comprising means defining a coring yarn selected from the group consistially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element; c. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incoring of any type staple fiber and any type monofilaporating electrode surface of conducting material, ment on a spindle rotatably mounted on any condrive means integral said disk shaped member ventional breaking means, feeding means to feed separated encumberably from the electrode sursaid coring yarn past rotatably mounted guide rolls face, said rotary electrode element mounted with through axis of rotation of said pierced spindle eleassociated journal and bearing means on the spinment assembly of electrostatic fiber collecting and 10 die element assembly, rotatable therearound in yarn spinning apparatus through rotatably plane normal to the axis thereof in the area admounted guide rolls and terminating on any type jacent the ring defining means of the spindle astextile package; sembly and located with the circular knife edge of f. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatal 5 the ring extended beyond the conic electrode surble electrode element at a speed sufficient to inface; sure uniform distribution of the fibers across the d. the stationary electrode element comprising electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport means defining aregular plate member incorporatadequate for yarn production; ing a smooth conductive electrode surface at least g. the second driving means adapted to turn the spinequivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode dle element assembly at a speed at least equal the surface, said plate member pierced with a centrally Speed of the rotatable electrode element; located circular opening of diameter sufficient to hmeanS f ng co g y rn m y; pass the twisting congruent with clearance; i. the supporting and positioning means adapted to e. means adapted for impregnating and curing the support and maintain the electrode surface of the ri yarn; rotatable electrode element inafacing position adf, the coring yarn assembly comprising means for jacent the electrode surface Of the stationary elecstoring and delivering coring yarn at a controlled trode element, spaced adjustably from the circular rate, feeding means to feed said coring yarn knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range th h impregnating means past rotatably coincident the length of the fibers being processed. mounted guide rolls between queeze and drive An apparatus for peripherially crosslinking a rolls into axis of rotation of said pierced spindle ing y with individual fibers to Produce a bulky Core element assembly of the electrostatic fiber collectyarn durable pI'ESS, and antisoilable, flame and yarn pinning apparatus past rotatably resistant, Properties which Process Comprises: mounted guide rolls through curing means and tera. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode i i on any type il k element, means adapted to establish and maintain g. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotataan electrostatic potential gradient between the bl electrode element at a Speed ffi i t to i electrode elements, incorporating fiber collecting sure uniform distribution of the fibers across the and fiber twisting Component a Spindle element 40 electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport assembly, a coring yarn assembly and means for adequate f yam d ti impregnating and Cur ng a cor ng ya n. a first elech. the second driving means adapted to turn the spintrically isolated driving means for turning the rodl element bl t a speed at least equal to tary electrode element, a second isolated driving the eed of the rotatable electrode element; means for turning the spindle element assembly, a i. the third and fourth synchronized driving means third and fourth synchronized driving means for d pt d for feeding and driving the coring yarn asfeeding and winding the coring yarn, associated sembly; supporting and positioning means for the several j. the supporting and positioning means adapted to elements and associated electrical circuitry for support and maintain the electrode surface of the establishing and maintaining electrostatic potenrotatable electrode element in a facing position adtial gradient; jacent the electrode surface of the stationary elecb. said spindle element assembly Comprising mean trode element, spaced adjustably from the circular defining an elongated cylindrical member with a knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range centrally located circular passage of diameter sufcoincident the length of the fibers being processed. ficient to pass a coring yarn with clearance with 4. An apparatus for peripherially crosslinking a corone end integral said second driving means, and ing yarn with individual fibers to produce a smooth the other end terminating in nonconducting means core yarn with durable press, mildew and antisoilable defining a smooth centrally pierced rod shaped flame resistant, properties which process comprises: fiber twisting component, a first central portion a. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component element, means adapted to establish and maintain incorporating conductive means defining an inan electrostatic potential gradient between the tegral fiber collecting ring concentrically encomelectrode elements, incorporating fiber collecting passing and extending radially from the base of the and fiber twisting component, a spindle element fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axassembly, a coring yarn assembly and means for impregnating and curing a coring yarn, a first electrically isolated driving means for turning the rotary electrode element, a second isolated driving means for turning the spindle element assembly, a third and fourth synchronized driving means for feeding and winding the coring yarn, associated supporting and positioning means for the several elements and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining electrostatic potential gradient;

. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member pierced with a centrally located circular passage of diameter sufficient to pass coring yarn with clearance with one end integral said second driving means, and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth rod-shaped fiber twisting component with a centrally located circular passage beginning at its base and terminating on its periphery and an upper circular passage beginning on its periphery and terminating at the axial center of its face end, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component incorporating conductive means defining an integral fiber collecting ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element;

. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary electrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spindle element assembly, rotatable there around in a plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle asiii) e. means adapted for impregnating and curing the coring yarn;

f. the coring yarn assembly comprising means for storing and delivering coring yarn at a controlled rate, feeding means to feed said coring yarn through impregnating means past rotatably mounted guide rolls between squeeze and drive rolls into axis of rotation of said pierced spindle element assembly of electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus past rotatably mounted guide rolls through curing means and terminating on any type textile package;

g. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatable electrode element at a speed sufficient to insure uniform distribution of the fibers across the electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport adequate for yarn production;

h. the second driving means adapted to turn the spindle element assembly at a speed at least equal the speed of the rotatable electrode element;

e. the third and fourth synchronized driving means adapted for feeding and driving the coring yarn assembly;

j. the supporting and positioning means adapted to support and maintain the electrode surface of the rotatable electrode element in a facing position adjacent the electrode surface of the stationary electrode element, spaced adjustably from the circular knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range coincident the length of the fibers being processed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for peripherially surfacing a coring yarn with individual fibers to produce a core yarn with a bulky appearance which comprises: a. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode element, means adapted to establish and maintain an electrostatic potential gradient between the electrode elements, a spindle element assembly, and a coring yarn assembly, a first isolated driving means for turning the rotary electrode element, a second isolated driving means for turning the spindle element assembly, a third isolated driving means for turning the coring yarn assembly, associated supporting and positioning means for the several elements and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining the electrostatic potential gradient; b. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the coring yarn with clearance; with one end integral said second driving means and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth, centrally pierced rod-shaped fiber twisting component, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component incorporating conductive means defining an integral fiber collecting ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element; c. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary eleCtrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spindle element assembly, rotatably therearound in a plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle assembly and located with the circular knife edge of the ring extended beyond the electrode surface; d. the stationary electrode element comprising means defining a regular plate member incorporating a smooth conductive electrode surface at least equivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode surface, said plate member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the twisting congruent with clearance; e. the coring yarn assembly comprising means for storing and delivering a coring yarn at a controlled rate, feeding means to feed said coring yarn past rotatably mounted guide rolls through axis of rotation of said pierced spindle element assembly of the electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus through rotatably mounted guide rolls and terminating on any type textile package; f. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatable electrode element at a speed sufficient to insure uniform distribution of the fibers across the electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport adequate for yarn production; g. the second driving means adapted to turn the spindle element assembly at a speed at least equal to the speed of the rotatable electrode element; h. means for driving coring yarn assembly; i. the supporting and positioning means adapted to support and maintain the electrode surface of the rotatable electrode element in a facing position adjacent the electrode surface of the stationary electrode element, spaced adjustably from the circular knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range coincident the length of the fibers being processed.

2. An apparatus for peripherially surfacing a coring yarn with individual fibers to produce a core yarn with a smooth appearance which comprises: a. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode element, means adapted to establish and maintain an electrostatic potential gradient between the electrode elements, a spindle element assembly, and a coring yarn assembly, a first isolated driving means for turning the rotary electrode element, a second isolated driving means for turning the twisting element assembly, a third isolated driving means for the coring yarn assembly, associated supporting and positioning means for the several elements, and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining the electrostatic potential gradient; b. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member pierced with a centrally located circular passage of diameter sufficient to pass a coring yarn with clearance with one end integral said second driving means, and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth rod shaped fiber twisting component, with a centrally located circular passage beginning at its base and terminating on its periphery and an upper circular passage beginning on its periphery and terminating at the axial center of its free end, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element; c. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary electrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spindle element assembly, rotatable therearound in a plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle assembly and located with the circular knife edge of the ring extended beyond the electrode surface; d. the stationary electrode element comprising means defining a regular plate member incorporating a smooth conductive electrode surface at least equivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode surface, said plate member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the twisting congruent with clearance; e. the coring yarn assembly comprising means defining a coring yarn selected from the group consisting of any type staple fiber and any type monofilament on a spindle rotatably mounted on any conventional breaking means, feeding means to feed said coring yarn past rotatably mounted guide rolls through axis of rotation of said pierced spindle element assembly of electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus through rotatably mounted guide rolls and terminating on any type textile package; f. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatable electrode element at a speed sufficient to insure uniform distribution of the fibers across the electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport adequate for yarn production; g. the second driving means adapted to turn the spindle element assembly at a speed at least equal the speed of the rotatable electrode element; h. means for driving coring yarn assembly; i. the supporting and positioning means adapted to support and maintain the electrode surface of the rotatable electrode element in a facing position adjacent the electrode surface of the stationary electrode element, spaced adjustably from the circular knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range coincident the length of the fibers being processed.

3. An apparatus for peripherially crosslinking a coring yarn with individual fibers to produce a bulky core yarn with durable press, mildew and antisoilable, flame resistant, properties which process comprises: a. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode element, means adapted to establish and maintain an electrostatic potential gradient between the electrode elements, incorporating fiber collecting and fiber twisting component, a spindle element assembly, a coring yarn assembly and means for impregnating and curing a coring yarn, a first electrically isolated driving means for turning the rotary electrode element, a second isolated driving means for turning the spindle element assembly, a third and fourth synchronized driving means for feeding and winding the coring yarn, associated supporting and positioning means for the several elements and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining electrostatic potential gradient; b. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member with a centrally located circular passage of diameter sufficient to pass a coring yarn with clearance with one end integral said second driving means, and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth centrally pierced rod shaped fiber twisting component, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component incorporating conductive means defining an integral fiber collecting ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary electrode element; c. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary electrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spiNdle element assembly, rotatable therearound in plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle assembly and located with the circular knife edge of the ring extended beyond the conic electrode surface; d. the stationary electrode element comprising means defining a regular plate member incorporating a smooth conductive electrode surface at least equivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode surface, said plate member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the twisting congruent with clearance; e. means adapted for impregnating and curing the coring yarn; f. the coring yarn assembly comprising means for storing and delivering coring yarn at a controlled rate, feeding means to feed said coring yarn through impregnating means past rotatably mounted guide rolls between squeeze and drive rolls into axis of rotation of said pierced spindle element assembly of the electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus past rotatably mounted guide rolls through curing means and terminating on any type textile package; g. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatable electrode element at a speed sufficient to insure uniform distribution of the fibers across the electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport adequate for yarn production; h. the second driving means adapted to turn the spindle element assembly at a speed at least equal to the speed of the rotatable electrode element; i. the third and fourth synchronized driving means adapted for feeding and driving the coring yarn assembly; j. the supporting and positioning means adapted to support and maintain the electrode surface of the rotatable electrode element in a facing position adjacent the electrode surface of the stationary electrode element, spaced adjustably from the circular knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range coincident the length of the fibers being processed.

4. An apparatus for peripherially crosslinking a coring yarn with individual fibers to produce a smooth core yarn with durable press, mildew and antisoilable flame resistant, properties which process comprises: a. a stationary electrode element, a rotary electrode element, means adapted to establish and maintain an electrostatic potential gradient between the electrode elements, incorporating fiber collecting and fiber twisting component, a spindle element assembly, a coring yarn assembly and means for impregnating and curing a coring yarn, a first electrically isolated driving means for turning the rotary electrode element, a second isolated driving means for turning the spindle element assembly, a third and fourth synchronized driving means for feeding and winding the coring yarn, associated supporting and positioning means for the several elements and associated electrical circuitry for establishing and maintaining electrostatic potential gradient; b. said spindle element assembly comprising means defining an elongated cylindrical member pierced with a centrally located circular passage of diameter sufficient to pass coring yarn with clearance with one end integral said second driving means, and the other end terminating in nonconducting means defining a smooth rod-shaped fiber twisting component with a centrally located circular passage beginning at its base and terminating on its periphery and an upper circular passage beginning on its periphery and terminating at the axial center of its face end, a first central portion immediately adjacent the fiber twisting component incorporating conductive means defining an integral fiber collecting ring concentrically encompassing and extending radially from the base of the fiber twisting component, said ring terminating axially toward the free end of the fiber twisting component in a circular knife edge, a second central portion immediately adjacent said ring incorporating journal and bearing means adapted to support axially and radially the rotary eleCtrode element; c. the rotary electrode element comprising means defining a generally disk shaped member incorporating electrode surface of conducting material, drive means integral said disk shaped member separated encumberably from the electrode surface, said rotary electrode element mounted with associated journal and bearing means on the spindle element assembly, rotatable there around in a plane normal to the axis thereof in the area adjacent the ring defining means of the spindle assembly and located with the circular knife edge of the ring extended beyond the electrode surface; d. the stationary electrode element comprising means defining a regular plate member incorporating a smooth conductive electrode surface at least equivalent to the area of the rotatable electrode surface, said plate member pierced with a centrally located circular opening of diameter sufficient to pass the twisting congruent with clearance; e. means adapted for impregnating and curing the coring yarn; f. the coring yarn assembly comprising means for storing and delivering coring yarn at a controlled rate, feeding means to feed said coring yarn through impregnating means past rotatably mounted guide rolls between squeeze and drive rolls into axis of rotation of said pierced spindle element assembly of electrostatic fiber collecting and yarn spinning apparatus past rotatably mounted guide rolls through curing means and terminating on any type textile package; g. the first driving means adapted to turn the rotatable electrode element at a speed sufficient to insure uniform distribution of the fibers across the electrode and insure a rate of fiber transport adequate for yarn production; h. the second driving means adapted to turn the spindle element assembly at a speed at least equal the speed of the rotatable electrode element; e. the third and fourth synchronized driving means adapted for feeding and driving the coring yarn assembly; j. the supporting and positioning means adapted to support and maintain the electrode surface of the rotatable electrode element in a facing position adjacent the electrode surface of the stationary electrode element, spaced adjustably from the circular knife edge of the fiber collecting ring over a range coincident the length of the fibers being processed.