WO1999018271A1

WO1999018271A1 - Method and apparatus to provide an overall net zero twist in yarn

Info

Publication number: WO1999018271A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/017718
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael William Gilpatrick; Andre M. Goineau
Original assignee: Milliken Research Corp
Current assignee: Milliken Research Corp
Priority date: 1997-10-02
Filing date: 1997-10-02
Publication date: 1999-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2000-04-02
Also published as: AU4663697A

Abstract

This invention relates to an improved alternating twist yarn (25) assembly utilizing a pair of fluid jets. Two air jets (246, 250) are arranged so that the torque direction induced by one is opposite of the other, producing an alternate 's' and 'z' twists. There is a bias or backing air pressure that is applied on whichever jet (246, 250) is not being activated, the backing air pressure is a fraction of the air pressure utilized on the activated jet. This is extremely useful in preventing polymer particles, trimer, loose dyestuff, and other debris from becoming lodged in the unused air jet, preventing its subsequent normal operation. The cycling between one air jet (246, 250) to the other has a frequency equal to the speed of the yarn passing between the two air jets (246, 250) divided by the wavelength which is the distance along the yarn where the twist is of the same type, i.e., 's' or 'z' and amount.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO PROVIDE AN OVERALL NET ZERO TWIST IN YARN

Background of the Invention

This invention relates to an improved apparatus for manufacturing alternating twist yarn. There are a number of methods for producing yarn that has a net zero twist. Reversible motors are relatively expensive and complex. These motors are subject to mechanical breakdown. Another means of producing net zero twist yarn is by utilizing air jets. However, it is found that polymer particles, trimer, loose dyestuff, and other debris become lodged in the air jet when it is not utilized, preventing subsequent normal operation. This problem is significant since it can destroy the commercial viability of this process.

In addition, typical twisted yarns are consistently twisted so that when these yarns are either woven or knitted into a textile fabric, the result is a very boring and repetitive pattern. This is especially true for pile fabrics.

The present invention solves these problems in a manner not disclosed in the prior art.

Summary of the Invention This invention relates to an improved alternating twist yarn assembly utilizing a pair of fluid jets in which compressed air is supplied producing a vortex that causes the yarn passing therethrough to experience a torque about the yarn's longitudinal axis. A typical, nonlimiting example of a fluid utilized would be air. The two air jets are arranged so that the torque direction induced by one is opposite to that induced by the other. Air pressure is alternately applied to each jet to produce the alternate " s" and "z" twist. There is a bias or backing air pressure that is applied on whichever jet is not being activated. This backing air pressure is typically a fraction of the air pressure utilized on the activated jet. This is extremely useful in preventing polymer particles, trimer, loose dyestuff, and other debris from becoming lodged in the unused air jet, preventing its subsequent normal operation. The cycling between one air jet to the other has a frequency. The cycling frequency is substantially equal to the speed of the yarn passing between the two air jets divided by the wavelength. The wavelength is the distance along the yarn where the twist is of the same type, i.e., "s" or "z" and amount. By increasing the cycling frequency and air pressure, the yarn speed can be increased while still maintaining the same average number of twists per inch in the yarn and vice versa.

An advantage of this invention is to eliminate impurities from clogging an air jet, thereby thwarting its operation.

It is another advantage to create unique fabrics having varying amounts of twist.

These and other advantages will be in part apparent and in part pointed out below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above, as well as other objects of the invention, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a schematized, side view of an apparatus for manufacturing net zero twist yarn utilizing a number of yarn packages in which the yarn goes through a separating reed, then on to feed drive rolls through the alternating twist yarn assembly of the present invention, and then out through outlet drive rolls and onto a take-up roll;

FIG. 2 is a schematized, side view of net zero twisted yarn with both "z" twist portions and "s" twist portions;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, isolated view of the alternating twist yarn assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevational, front view of the alternating twist yarn assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevational, side view of the apparatus for developing net zero twist yarn of the present invention including air supplies, valves, and air jets;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on Line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken on Line 7-7 of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 8 is an elevational, partial rear view of the alternating twist yarn assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken on Line 9-9 of FIG. 8 with a second air jet on the right rotating the yarn in a clockwise direction with air under relatively high pressure;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken on Line 9-9 of FIG. 8 with a first air jet on the left rotating the yarn in a counter-clockwise direction with air under relatively high pressure; FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on Line 11-11 of FIG. 10 demonstrating the first air jet that rotates yarns in a counter-clockwise direction;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on Line 12-12 of FIG. 9 demonstrating the second air jet that rotates yarns in a clockwise direction;

FIG. 13 is an elevational, front view of an alternative apparatus for manufacturing net zero twist yarn utilizing a plurality of alternating twist yarn assemblies of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken on Line 13-13 of FIG. 13 of a single alternating twist yarn assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an isolated, front view of the alternative apparatus for manufacturing net zero twist yarn of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an alternating twist yarn assembly of the present invention with a valve spool in an "s" activated position; FIG. 17 is a schematic view of an alternating twist yarn assembly of the present invention with the valve spool in a ^wz" activated position;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along Line 14-14 of FIG. 14 of the alternative apparatus for manufacturing net zero twist yarn of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken on Line 15-15 of FIG. 15 with an upper high pressure air jet rotating the yarn in a counter-clockwise direction; FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken on Line 15-15 of FIG.

15 with a lower high pressure air jet rotating the yarn in a clockwise direction;

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken on Line 21-21 of FIG.

19 FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken on Line 22-22 of FIG. 19 FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken on Line 23-23 of FIG. 19

FIG. 24 is a graph which depicts twists in terms of turns per inch versus the distance along the yarn in yards; FIG. 25 is a three dimensional graph of 3/150/34 polyester yarn that plots average twists per inch versus wavelength versus distance along yarn at a constant speed of

109 yards per minute;

FIG. 26 is a graph of average twist per inch versus yarn speed, between air jets, in yards per minute, and a constant wavelength of 8.75 yds.;

FIG. 27 is a photomicrograph (l.lx) of the face of a textile fabric, which the right-hand side of the textile fabric has yarns treated by the instant invention, while the left-hand side of the textile fabric has yarns that are conventionally commingled;

FIG. 28 is a photomicrograph (l.lx) of the face of a textile fabric that was woven from net zero twist yarn with the apparatus of the instant invention; FIG. 29 is a photomicrograph (4.2x) of the face of a textile fabric that was woven from net zero twist yarn with the apparatus of the instant invention; FIG. 30 is a photomicrograph (4.2x) of the face of a textile fabric that was woven from commingled yarn i ^" accordance with the prior art; and

FIG. 31 is a schematic representation of a face-to-face woven velour textile fabric that is slit, having tufts of a mixed degree of twist and twist direction.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring now to the accompanying drawings, and initially to FIG. 1, which discloses an apparatus for developing alternating twist yarn with a net zero twist, generally indicated by numeral 100. A series of yarn packages, e.g. six, indicated by numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, respectively, are mounted on a creel 21. The individual yarns, indicated by numerals 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, respectively, are withdrawn from the creel 21. The yarns 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 may be dyed, undyed, filament or spun yarn, and any combination thereof. The individual yarns 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 go through a series of tensioners denoted by numerals 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, respectively, and on into a separating reed 19. The yarns 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 then pass through an upper feed drive roll 20 that is positioned over a lower feed drive roll 22 that feeds the individual yarns 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, in the form of one combined yarn sheet 23, into the alternating net zero twist yarn assembly 100 of the present invention, thereby creating a net zero twist yarn sheet, one yarn of which is depicted by numeral 25.

The net zero twist yarn 25 passes through an upper outlet drive roll 27 that is positioned over a lower outlet drive roll 29 that feeds the net zero twist yarn 25 onto a take-up roll 30.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a net zero twist yarn 25 is depicted with "z" twist portions indicated by numeral 32 and "s" twist portions indicated by numeral 34. It is important to note that the number of "z" twist portions 32 and number of "s" twist portions 34 are the same, with the resulting net twist being zero. However, this is only for yarn that has no original or initial twist like that which comes off of yarn packages. There can still be net zero twist yarn even where the number of "s" and " z" portions are not the same, such as when the yarn has an initial twist such as that provided by a false twist or twisting mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the alternating net zero twist yarn assembly 100, has a flanged, input connector 36 that connects to a high pressure air supply (not shown) that is connected to a t-shaped, pressurized air conduit 38. This t- shaped, pressurized air conduit 38 divides the pressurized air into two components with one-half of the pressurized air flowing into a first air valve 40 and then through a first high pressure, air conduit 42 and then through a second high pressure, air conduit 43 and then into a high pressure, air supply manifold 44. The first high pressure, air conduit 42 has a flange 46 that is attached to a flange 47 of the second, high pressure, air conduit 43 by means of a series of six (6) nut and bolt combinations 48.

The remaining half of the pressurized air that is supplied to the t-shaped, pressurized air conduit 38 flows into a second air valve 50 and then through a third high pressure, air conduit 52 and then into a pressure regulator 74 to reduce the air pressure. The third high pressure, air conduit 52 has a flange 54 that is attached to flange 55 that is attached to the pressure regulator 74. Flange 54 and flange 55 are attached together by a series of six (6) nut and bolt combinations 57.

Pressure regulator 74 is attached to a first low pressure conduit 69 that is connected to a second low pressure conduit 70. The second low pressure conduit 70 is attached to a low pressure air supply manifold 72. The pressure regulator 74 has a flange 59 that is attached to a flange 60 that is attached to the first low pressure conduit 69. Flange 59 and flange 60 are attached together by a series of six (6) nut and bolt combinations 62. The first low pressure conduit 69 has a flange 64 that is attached to flange 65 that is attached to the second low pressure conduit 70. Flange 64 and flange 65 are attached together by a series of six (6) nut and bolt combinations 67.

The entire net zero twist yarn apparatus is mounted on a support 76. There are a series of eight (8) attachment bolts 80 that attach the support 76 to the floor through a floor plate 78, as shown in FIGS 3 and 4. In addition, there is a first support brace 95 and a second support brace 96 on each side of the support 76, as shown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, there is a support member 87 that is fixedly attached to the support 76. There is a first u-shaped bolt 89 that secures the high pressure, air supply manifold 44 against the support member 87 and is fixedly attached thereto. The ends of the first u-shaped bolt 89 are threadedly attached to a pair of nuts 98 and 99, respectively, for attachment to the support member 87 as shown in FIG. 5. There is a second u-shaped bolt 91 that secures the low pressure, air supply manifold 72 against the support member 87 and is fixedly attached thereto. The ends of the second u-shaped bolt 91 are threadedly attached to a pair of nuts 101 and 102, respectively, for attachment to the support member 87 as shown in FIG. 5.

There is a support brace 85 that connects between the support platform 76 having a flange member 81 and the support member 87 having a flange member 82. Flange member 81 is attached to flange member 82 by means of nut and bolt combination 84. There is also an attachment plate 83 that is connected to the support 76 by series of six (6) nut and bolt combinations 93.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the high pressure air supply manifold 44 has a high pressure hose 104 attached thereto by means of a first fitting 106. The other end of high pressure hose 104 is attached to a manifold 110 by means of a second fitting 108. Low pressure air supply manifold 72 has a low pressure hose 112 attached thereto by means of a third fitting 114. The other end of low pressure hose 112 is attached to the manifold 110 by means of a fourth fitting 116. As shown in FIG. 5, the manifold 110 has a series of two conduits enclosed therein including a low pressure conduit 118 and a high pressure conduit 120. These conduits 118 and 120 are fluidly connected to a non-limiting series of eight spool- type valves depicted by numerals 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129, respectively, as is also shown in FIG. 7. A typical non-limiting example of a spool-type valve would include Model D253KLO manufactured by Dynamco, Inc. located at 410 Industrial Blvd., McKinney, Texas 75069.

The series of spool-type valves 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129 are attached to the manifold 110. The manifold 110 is attached to the support member 87 by a dual pair of nut and bolt combinations 131 and 132, respectively, as shown in FIGS . 5 and 7. As shown in FIGS . 4 and 5 , there is an enclosure 134 for the manifold 110 and the spool-type valves 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129 and the electrical wires 149 going to the spool- type valves 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129. This enclosure 134 has a top plate 136, bottom plate 138, and cover plate 140. The cover plate 140 can pivot around the top plate 136 by means of a hinge 142 to open the enclosure 134. The hinge 142 is attached to the top plate 136 by means of a first hinge screw 143. The cover plate 140 is attached to the hinge 142 by means of a second hinge screw 144. There is an attachment screw 147 that secures the cover plate 140 from the inside through a flanged portion of the bottom plate 138. The cover plate is also secured externally by a series of four (4) attachment bolts 148, as shown in FIG. 4. As shown^" in^~FIG. 5, the top plate 136 is attached, by a series of attachment bolts 145, to a flanged end portion 146 of support member 87. There are a series of flange members 155 that attach the side plates 141, by a series of dual attachment screws, to the support member 87, as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, within the enclosure 134 are a pair of insulated wire runways 150 and 151, respectively, for securing and confining the electrical wires 149 that attach to the spool-type valves 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129. Wire runway 150 attaches to support member 87 by a first series of screws 154 and wire runway 151 attaches to support member 87 by a second series of screws 156. The electrical wires 149 are attached to a sequencing switch (not shown) that is powered by a random signal generator that has both fixed periods and variable periods of signal generation where the variable periods of signal generation are set to zero. There are series of caps 158 that can fit over wire runway 151 in select locations to provide greater electrical insulation.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the first spool-type valve 122 is connected to a first pair of air jet line fittings 160 through an opening in the support member 87. The first pair of air jet line fittings 160 are connected to a first pair of air jet hose lines 170 and 171, respectively. The second spool- type valve 123 is connected to a second pair of air jet line fittings 161 through an opening in the support member 87. The second pair of air jet line fittings 161 are connected to a second pair of air jet hose lines 172 and 173, respectively. The third spool-type valve 124 is connected to a third pair of air jet line fittings 162 through an opening in the support member 87. The third pair of air jet line fittings 162 are connected to a third pair of air jet hose lines 174 and 175, respectively. The fourth spool-type valve 125 is connected to a fourth pair of air jet line fittings 163 through an opening in the support member 87. The fourth pair of air jet line fittings 163 are connected to a fourth pair of air jet hose lines 176 and 177, respectively. The fifth spool-type valve 126 is connected to a fifth pair of air jet line fittings 164 through an opening in the support member 87. The fifth pair of air jet line fittings 164 are connected to a fifth pair of air jet hose lines 178 and 179, respectively. The sixth spool-type valve 127 is connected to a sixth pair of air jet line fittings 165 through an opening in the support member 87. The sixth pair of air jet line fittings 165 are connected to a sixth pair of air jet hose lines 180 and 181, respectively. The seventh spool-type valve 128 is connected to a seventh pair of air jet line fittings 166 through an opening in the support member 87. The seventh pair of air jet line fittings 166 are connected to a seventh pair of air jet hose lines 182 and 183, respectively. The eighth spool-type valve 129 is connected to a eighth pair of air jet line fittings 167 through an opening in the support member 87. The eighth pair of air jet line fittings 167 are connected to an eighth pair of air jet hose lines 184 and 185, respectively. The high pressure air or low pressure air is alternated between a series of first air jet hose lines 170, 172 T 174, 176, 178, 180, 182, and 184 and a series of second air jet hose lines 171, 173, 175, 177, 179, 181, 183 and 185, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, as an example, the eighth pair of air jet hose lines 184 and 185 are respectively attached to a first pair of inlet fittings 190 and 191 that are threadedly attached to a mounting bracket 194. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the seventh pair of air jet hose lines 182 and 183 are threadedly attached to a second pair of inlet fittings 282 and 283 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194. The sixth pair of air jet hose lines 180 and 181 are threadedly attached to a third pair of inlet fittings 284 and 285 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194. The fifth pair of air jet hose lines 178 and 179 are threadedly attached to a fourth pair of inlet fittings 286 and 287 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194. The fourth pair of air jet hose lines 176 and 177 are threadedly attached to a fifth pair of inlet fittings 288 and 289 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194. The third pair of air jet hose lines 174 and 175 are threadedly attached to a sixth pair of inlet fittings 290 and 291 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194. The second pair of air jet hose lines 172 and 173 are threadedly attached to a seventh pair of inlet fittings 292 and 293 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194. The first pair of air jet hose lines 170 and 171 are threadedly attached to a eighth pair of inlet fittings 294 and 295 that are attached to the mounting bracket 194.

As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting bracket 194 is attached to a vertical support member 199 by means of a hinge 200. This vertical support member 199 is attached to a vertical member 202 by a series of attachment bolts 204. The vertical member 202 is attached to a lower horizontal adjustment member 206 by means of a dual pair of bolt and nut combinations 208 and 209, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. There is an upper horizontal adjustment member 211 that is attached to the support member 87 by means of a dual pair of bolt and nut combinations 214 and 215, respectively. There is an adjustment bolt 217 that interconnects the upper horizontal attachment member 211 to the lower horizontal attachment member 206 through apertures to allow movement of the mounting bracket 194 along the vertical axis. The adjustment bolt 217 is threadedly connected to an adjustment nut 218. Movement is actually accomplished by slots (not shown) in which a pair of bolts 222 and 225 are allowed to move up and down within support member 87. There are a pair of nuts 223 and 226 that are threadedly attached to the pair of bolts 222 and 225, respectively. Between bolt 222 and support member 87 is a first washer 228 and between nut 223 and support member 87 is a second washer 229. Between bolt 225 and support member 87 is a third washer 231 and between nut 226 and support member 87 is a fourth washer 232.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, there is a first pivoting attachment member 234 that connects a turnbuckle 236 to an angled portion of vertical member 202. Vertical member 202 is attached to support member 87. The other end of the turnbuckle 236 is attached to a second pivoting attachment member 238 that is similar to the first pivoting attachment member 234. The second pivoting attachment member 238 is attached to a vertical member 240 that is attached to the mounting bracket 194 by means of a bolt 242. Turnbuckle 236 provides radial movement of the mounting bracket 194.

As shown in FIG. 5, 6, 7, and 8, on the opposite side of mounting bracket 194 is a first air jet mounting block 244 having a first series of air jets and a second air jet mounting block 248 having a second series of air jets. There is a first air jet 246 attached to the first mounting block 244 and a second air jet 250 attached to the second mounting block 248. There is a third air jet 451 attached to the first air mounting block 244 and a fourth air jet 452 attached to the second air mounting block 248. There is a fifth air jet 453 attached to the first air mounting block 244 and a sixth air jet 454 attached to the second air mounting block 248. There is a seventh air jet 455 attached to the first air mounting block 244 and an eighth air jet 456 attached to the second air mounting block 248. There is a ninth air jet 457 attached to the first air mounting block 244 and an tenth air jet 458 attached to the second air mounting block 248. There is a eleventh air jet 459 attached to the first air mounting block 244 and a twelfth air jet 460 attached to the second air mounting block 248. There is a thirteenth air jet 461 attached to the first air mounting block 244 and a fourteenth air jet 462 attached to the second air mounting block 248. There is a fifteenth air jet 463 attached to the first^" air mounting block 244 and a sixteenth air jet 464 attached to the second air mounting block 248. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first air jet 246 is held in position by a first retaining plate 252 attached to the first air jet mounting block 244 by means of a first flange member 478 and a series of first retaining screw and washer combinations 254. In a corresponding manner, the second air jet 250 is held in position by a second retaining plate 256 that is attached to the second air jet mounting block 248 by means of a second flange member 479 and a series of screw and washer combinations 258.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, high pressure air can enter the first of the eight pairs of air jet hose lines 184 which is attached to a first inlet fitting 190. The first air jet mounting block 244 is attached to mounting bracket 194 by means of a first series of attachment bolts 196. The air passes through first inlet fitting 190 through first air jet orifice 260 and past first air jet "0" ring 264 and into the first air jet 246. The first air jet 246 is held in the first air jet mounting block 244 with surrounding outer air jet support "O" rings 268 on each side thereof. There is a first retaining plate 252 that secures the first air jet 246 and surrounding, first outer air jet support "O" rings 268 within the first air jet mounting block 244 by means of a first flange member 478 and a series of first retaining screw and washer combinations 254. As shown in FIG. 11, the yarns 23, e.g., six yarns, are twisted in a counter-clockwise manner due to the fact that the first air jet orifice 260 includes a secondary, first air jet orifice 270 which is slightly off-center to the left of the top of the first air jet twisting chamber 274 which twists the six individual yarns 23. First air jet 246 also includes a first air jet chamber 278.

The situation is substantially replicated for the second air jet 250, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in which the second hose line of the eight pairs of air jet hose lines 185 is attached to a second inlet fitting 191 so that air enters a second air jet orifice 262, passing by a second air jet "O" ring 266, then entering the second air jet 250. The second air jet mounting block 248 is attached to mounting bracket 194 by means of a second series of attachment bolts 197. The air passes through a second inlet fitting 191 and through a second air jet orifice 262 and past a second air jet "O" ring 266 and into the second air jet 250. The second air jet 250 is held in the second air jet mounting block 248 with surrounding, second outer air jet support "O" rings 269 on each side thereof. There is a second retaining plate 256 that secures the second air jet 250 and surrounding outer air jet support "O" rings 269 within the second air jet mounting block 248 by means of a second flange member 479 and a series of screw and washer combinations 258.

As shown in FIG. 12, air enters a second air jet orifice 262 and then through a secondary second air jet orifice 272 before entering a second air jet twisting chamber 276 to rotate the, e.g., six yarns 23. There is also a second air jet chamber 280. As noted, the secondary second air jet orifice 272 is slightly to the right of the top of the second air jet twisting chamber 276, thereby circulating the yarns 23 in a clockwise rotation as opposed to counter-clockwise as with the first air jet 246.

As shown in FIG. 9, the low pressure air or bias pressure is applied to the first air jet 246 while the high pressure is applied to the second air jet 250. In FIG. 10, the situation is reversed with the high pressure being applied to the first air jet 246 and the bias or backing pressure applied to the second air jet 250.

An alternative embodiment, which is preferred, is the use of a series of individual alternative twist yarn assemblies that is generally denoted by numeral 302 in FIGS. 13 and 14. Separate or individual plies of yarn 23 that are combined together travel through an upper guide roll 320 through the alternative twist yarn assembly 302 and then the net zero twist yarn 25 passes around the lower guide roll 322. The individual alternative twist yarn assemblies are attached to a support panel 308 that is fastened to a frame (partially shown) by a first clamp 304 and a second clamp 306.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 18, an alternative alternating twist yarn assembly 302 includes an air supply tube 312 for delivering pressurized air to the alternating twist yarn assembly 302. There is an air supply outlet fitting 316 attached to the air supply tube 312. As shown in FIG. 18, this air supply tube 312 is attached to support panel 308 by a series of clamps 338 and bolts 340. This pressurized air goes from the air supply outlet fitting 316 and through an air supply tube 318 and then into an inlet fitting 324 to an on/off switch 326, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 18. The on/off switch 326 is actuated by an on/off knob 327. If the on/off knob 326 is switched to the on position, then the pressurized air will exit through an outlet block 342 that has both a first outlet block fitting 343 and second outlet block fitting 344 attached thereto. Pressurized air passes through the first outlet block fitting 343 and activates a pressure switch 334 through a pressure switch inlet hose 330 that is connected between the first outlet block fitting 343 and a pressure switch inlet fitting 332. There is no flow of air through this pressure switch 334, but merely the application of pressure. The pressure switch 334 is connected to an electric switch mechanism 346 having a first terminal 352 (normally closed) , a second terminal 354 (common) , and a grounded terminal 350 (normally open) . The grounded terminal 350 is attached to an electrical ground 360. There is a signal generator 358 that is electrically connected by a first electrical cable 353 to the first terminal 352. This allows voltage to be applied to a spool valve 314 by means of a second electrical cable 355 that connects the spool valve 314 to the first terminal 352. There is a third electrical cable 362 that connects the spool valve 314 to the second terminal 354. When the pressure switch 334 is activated by the application of pressurized air into the pressure switch inlet fitting 332, then an internal contact (not shown) goes from the normally closed position to the normally open position, within the electric switching mechanism 346, thereby allowing electricity to flow from the signal generator 358 to the first terminal 352, by means of the first electrical cable 353, through the spool valve 314 to the second terminal 354, by means of the third electrical cable 362, and then to the ground 360, by means of a fourth electrical cable 363. This then activates the spool valve 314 by completing the circuit. As previously stated, the random signal generator has both fixed periods and variable periods of signal generation where the variable periods of signal generation are set to zero. Pressurized air flows through the second outlet block fitting 344 through a manifold inlet hose 336 and into a manifold inlet fitting 364 that is connected to the manifold 310, as shown in FIGS 14, 18, 19 and 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, the manifold inlet fitting 364 is threadedly attached to the manifold 310 and located within an aperture 369 formed in support panel 308. Manifold 310 is secured to support plate 308 by bolts 368 and 371 and nuts 366 and 367. The spool valve 314 is attached to the manifold 310 by a pair of attachment bolts 373, as shown in FIG. 15. A portion of the manifold inlet includes a air jet orifice 378. Referring now to FIG. 23, pressurized air flows from the air jet orifice 378 into an air jet flow tube 380 and into the spool valve 314 by means of a high pressure air flow line 382. Air also flows from air jet flow tube 380 through a screw with a .020 inch diameter aperture 384, which forms a restrietor 386, and thereby exits the restrictor at low pressure. Please keep in mind that with this type of constraint, the air must be very clean in order for this restrictor 386 to be able to function. This low pressure air flows into a threaded chamber 388 that is sealed by a threaded plug 390. As shown in FIG. 21, the low pressure air exits the threaded chamber 388 by means of two low pressure air lines 392 and 394, respectively. Therefore, the high pressure air flow line 382 and the two low pressure air flow lines 392 and 394 all flow into the spool valve 314. There is a first outlet flow line 396 and a second outlet flow line 398 from which pressurized air exits from the spool valve 314, as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 22.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the pressurized air from the first outlet flow line 396 flows into a first air chamber 402, past a first air jet o-ring 406, into a secondary, first air jet chamber 410 and then into the first air jet 414 to either twist the yarns 23 or to merely provide enough air pressure to clear debris. The first air jet 414 is held in position by a first support structure 422 and with a pair of first, outer air jet o-rings 418 on each side of the first air jet 414 within the first support structure 422. There is a first set screw 426 that extends from an aperture in the bottom of the support structure 422 to hold the first air jet 414 in a fixed position. The pressurized air from the second outlet flow line 398 flows into a second air chamber 404, past a second air jet o- ring 408, into a secondary, second air chamber 412 and then into the second air jet 416 to either twist the yarn 23 or merely to provide enough air pressure to clear debris . The second air jet 416 is held in position by a second support structure 424 with a pair of second, outer air jet o-rings 419 on each side of the second air jet 416 within the second support structure 424. There is a second set screw 428 that extends from an aperture in the bottom of the second support structure 424 to hold the second air jet 416 in a fixed position.

The secondary, first air chamber 410 and the secondary, second air chamber 412 are formed as apertures in a plate 430 that is attached to the manifold by the first series of two (2) bolts 470 in the first series of two (2) apertures 471 and the second series of two (2) bolts 473 in the second series of two (2) apertures 474. Referring now to FIG. 16, the pressurized air flows into the manifold 310 by means of the air supply tube 312 with the high pressure, unrestricted air going into the high pressure air flow line 382. This high pressure, unrestricted air goes into the spool valve 314 and is diverted directly into the second outlet flow line 398 that flows directly into the second air jet 416. This diversion with the spool valve 314 is due to the valve spool 432 being shifted to the right. Air flowing into the air supply tube 312 is also diverted into a restrictor 386 and then split into a first low pressure air line 392 and a second low pressure air line 394. The valve spool 432 prevents the low pressure air from reaching the second air jet 416. The low pressure air flowing from the first low pressure air line 392 flows into the spool valve 314 and is directly diverted into the first outlet flow line 396 that flows directly into the first air jet 414.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the pressurized air flows into the manifold 310 by means of the air supply tube 312 with the high pressure, unrestricted air going into the high pressure air flow line 382. This high pressure, unrestricted air goes into the spool valve 314 and is diverted directly into the first outlet flow line 396 that flows directly into the first air jet 414. This diversion with the spool valve 314 is due to the valve spool 432 being shifted to the left. Air flowing into the air supply tube 312 is also diverted into a restrictor 386 and then split into a first low pressure air line 392 and a second low pressure air line 394. The valve spool 432 prevents the low pressure air from reaching the first air jet 414. The low pressure air flowing from the second low pressure air line 394 flows into the spool valve 314 and is directly diverted into the second outlet flow line 398 that flows directly into the second air jet 416. Referring now to FIG. 24, which is a graph which illustrates twist versus distance along the yarn. The twist is in terms of turns per inch, while the distance is in terms of yards. It is evident that the twist goes both positive and negative with the resulting net twist being approximately zero. For the purposes of this graph, "z" twist is taken to be positive, and "s" twist is taken to be negative.

FIG. 25 is a three dimensional graph of 3/150/34 polyester yarn that plots average twist per inch versus wavelength versus distance along yarn at a constant speed of one hundred and nine (109) yards per minute that demonstrates the symmetrical nature of total average twist with twisted yarn of varying wavelengths. The wavelength of either the "s" twist portion or the "z" twist portion is equal to the speed of the yarn going through both a first air jet and a second air jet divided by the cycling frequency. This yarn speed can range between zero to five hundred (500) yards per minute. A cycle frequency is the number of times the high pressure air is being applied to a first air jet and then to a second air jet and then back to the first air jet per unit of time. Cycling frequency is defined in cycles per minute. The frequency can range from one to six hundred (600) cycles per minute .

FIG. 26 is a graph that demonstrates the fact that even though the yarn speed might vary between fifty- four (54) and four hundred and thirty-seven (437) yards per minute, the average twist remains steady at approximately two (2) twists per inch. The wavelength was kept constant at 8.75 yards by appropriate adjustment of the frequency. Referring now to FIG. 27, which is a (l.lx) photomicrograph of a piece of fabric where the fabric on the right hand side has been manufactured with yarn from the instant invention. The yarns on the left hand side of the woven fabric have been merely commingled together with air pressure. The yarns on the left hand side are much more uniform while the right hand side shows more of a cut and loop appearance, which is the desired effect. Referring now to FIG. 28, which is a (l.lx) photomicrograph of a piece of fabric that has been manufactured with yarn from the instant invention with the sharp contrast between portions of the yarn that are highly twisted and portions of the yarn that have a very low degree of twist to provide a very unique and aesthetically pleasing pattern.

Referring now to FIG. 30, which is a (4.2x) photomicrograph of pile fabric formed from 360(250) /100-726T, merge 12747, DACRON^® manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc.

This yarn is false twist textured with one half of the yarn packaged dyed a dark grey and one half of the yarn package dyed a light grey. The light grey yarn and the dark grey yarn are air commingled, in the prior art, to form yarn packages for warping. The denier for these combined yarns is approximately five hundred and twenty-eight (528) . This commingled yarn is then warped and woven on a VAN DE WEILE^® loom that is manufactured by Van De Wiele having an address at Kortrijk - Marke, Belgium. This face-to-face woven velour fabric is slit on the loom. This fabric has a very consistent look without any dramatic contrast.

Referring now to FIG. 29, which is a (4.2x) photomicrograph of pile fabric formed from 360(250) /100-726T, merge 12747, DACRON^® yarn that is identical to the yarn in

FIG. 30 with the exception that the yarn is processed by the net zero twist apparatus of the present invention instead of commingling. The yarn is woven into a velour fabric. However, as demonstrated by this Photomicrograph, this fabric presents a very unique pattern of contrasts.

FIG. 31 is a drawing of a piece of pile fabric generally depicted by numeral 440 that is created from yarn processed by the present invention in either embodiment. The fabric base is generally denoted by numeral 442 with erect yarn having a high degree of twist denoted by numeral 444 and erect yarn having a relatively low degree of twist denoted by numeral 446. This provides for a very unique structure and appearance. This is face-to- face woven velour fabric that is slit with yarns having a high degree of twist and a low degree of twist. The appearance of the pile fabric 440 where the tufts have a high degree of twist presents a marked contrast to those areas of the pile fabric 440 where tufts have a low degree of twist.

EXAMPLE 1 Two separate 150 denier, 50 filament package-dyed false twist textured polyester yarns are used as feed yarns into the apparatus of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus of the alternative embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 13 could also be used. The yarn colors were selected to present the most contrast in order to determine the resulting twist. Input tension is approximately forty (40) grams. The yarn is threaded through a pair of air jets 246 and 250, respectively that are separated by approximately twenty- four

(24) inches from feed drive rolls 20 and 22, respectively, and approximately six (6) inches before the outlet drive rolls 27 and 29, respectively. Speeds of the feed drive rolls and the outlet drive rolls 20, 22, 27, and 29 are geared to be the same so that no overfeed is present. The yarns 14 are run through the machine at four hundred (400) meters/minute, which is four hundred and thirty-seven (437) yards/minute and the jet pressures used were sixty (60) pounds/square inch or six (6) pounds/square inch for the high and low pressures, respectively. Cycle time of the pressure signal was two (2) seconds total, for example, the high pressure being on the first air jet 246 for one (1) second and on the second air jet 250 for one (1) second, and then repeating. The pressures were switched from one jet to the other using spool-type valves such as those depicted by numerals 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, and 129. Signals causing the valve to change were supplied with by a sequencing switch. The yarn 25 is taken up on take-up roll 30 which is preferably a Leesona Model 959 Winder. When creating multiple net zero twist yarns 25, the yarns 23 can be supplied by a number of creels such as a BENNIGER sectional warper manufactured by the Benniger Co., Ltd. located at Uzwil, Switzerland or a MCCOY warper manufactured by McCoy-Ellison, Inc. located at Monroe, North Carolina, U.S.A.. The net zero twist yarn 25 is later analyzed by counting the number of twists and the direction thereof which exists in each successive six (6) -inch length of yarn. It was found that the twist varied from zero to a maximum of about two (2) turns per inch. Total net twist in any length of yarn which contained an equal number of "z" and "s" twist cycles was found, within experimental error, to be zero. An example of fabric made with this yarn can be found in ^"FIG. 29.

EXAMPLE 2 Three plies of yarn as described in Example 1 were used, with three yarns being the same color (a light grey) . These were run with a one percent (1%) smaller outlet drive roll speed than feed drive roll speed, therefore the overfeed was one percent (1%) . The pressure used was one hundred (100) p.s.i. and zero (0) p.s.i., e.g., no bias or back pressure was utilized, and speed was three hundred (300) meters/minute and the twisting jets were located approximately twelve (12) feet after the feed drive rolls 20 and 22 and approximately one and one/half (1.5) feet prior to the outlet drive rolls 27 and 29. The other conditions were essentially the same as described in Example 1. It is observed that without the low pressure air being utilized to keep the inactive jet clean, that debris from the yarns rapidly built up in jets to a disturbing amount, requiring the frequent disassembling and cleaning of the jets. Debris is said to be composed of polyester trimer, unfixed dyestuff, foreign matter, and so forth. Yarn taken from this run was later woven as the pile yarn on a velour, double plush loom. The tufts formed from the regions of the of the yarn where the twist was high were more defined than that from the other regions of the yarn, giving a pleasing surface appearance. It is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described, rather, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents .

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns comprising of:

(a) a first air jet, having a first orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a counter-clockwise direction;

(b) a second air jet, having a second orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a clockwise direction; (c) a mechanism for moving said plurality of yarns through said first orifice and said second orifice;

(d) a means for supplying high pressure air;

(e) a means for supplying low pressure air; and

(f) a mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air from said high pressure air supply between said first air jet and said second air jet and for alternating the application of low pressure air from said low pressure air supply between said first air jet and said second air jet for creating a net zero twist in said plurality of yarns.

2. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns comprising of:

(a) a first air jet, having a first orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a counter-clockwise direction; (b) a second air jet, having a second orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a clockwise^" direction;

(c) a mechanism for moving said plurality of yarns through said first orifice and said second orifice at a rate of speed in the range of 109 to 872 yards per minute;

(d) a means for supplying high pressure air of between 20 to 120 pounds per inch; (e) a means for supplying low pressure air of between 1 to 12 pounds per square inch; and (f) a mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air from said high pressure air supply between said first air jet and said second air jet and for alternating the application of low pressure air from said low pressure air supply between said first air jet and said second air jet at a cycling frequency of between 1 to 600 cycles per minute for creating a net zero twist in said plurality of yarns.

3. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 1, further including a frame attached to said first air jet and said second air jet.

4. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 1, wherein said mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a first conduit connected between said high pressure air supply and a first inlet of a manifold, a second conduit connected between said low pressure air supply and a second inlet to said manifold, a third conduit connected between a first outlet of said manifold and said first air jet, a fourth conduit connected between a second outlet of said manifold and said second air jet, and a valve attached to said manifold for alternating the application of high pressure air from said first conduit and low pressure air from said second conduit between said third conduit that supplies air to said first air jet and said fourth conduit that supplies air to said second air jet.

5. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 4, wherein said valve is a spool-type valve.

6. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 1, wherein said mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a first conduit connected between said high pressure air supply and an inlet of a manifold, a second conduit connected between a first outlet of said manifold and said first air jet, a third conduit connected between a second outlet of said manifold and said second air jet, wherein said manifold has a means for decreasing air pressure and providing at least one internal low pressure air line that is connected to a valve and an internal high pressure gas line that is connected to said valve for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air between said first air jet and said second air jet.

7. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 6, wherein said valve is a spool-type valve.

8. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 4, wherein said frame includes a first mounting block having a first orifice that provides a fluid connection between said third conduit and said first air jet and a second mounting block having a second orifice that provides a fluid connection between said fourth conduit and said second air jet.

9. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 8, wherein said first air jet is attached to said first mounting block by means of a first retaining plate and said second air jet is attached to said second mounting block by means of a second retaining plate.

10. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 9, wherein said first air jet is surrounded by a first pair of o-rings located within said first mounting block and said second air jet is surrounded by a second pair of o-rings located within said second mounting block.

11. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 9, wherein said first air jet includes a first circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said first orifice is connected to said outer surface of said first circular chamber, a first secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said first circular chamber and said second end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a first yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said first secondary conduit into said first yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said first yarn twisting aperture and wherein said second air jet includes a second circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said second orifice is connected to said outer surface of said second circular chamber, a second secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said second circular chamber and said second end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a second yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said second secondary conduit into said second yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said second yarn twisting aperture in a direction opposite to the offset in said first yarn twisting aperture.

12. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 4, wherein said first conduit includes a first hose and a first pair of fittings on each respective end of said first hose and said second conduit includes a second hose and a second pair of fittings on each respective end of said second hose and said third conduit includes a third hose and a third pair of fittings on each respective end of said third hose and said fourth conduit includes a fourth hose and a fourth pair of fittings on each respective end of said fourth hose.

13. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 1, wherein said means for supplying high pressure air includes a first manifold and said means for supplying low pressure air is a second manifold.

14. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 1, wherein said mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a first conduit connected between said high pressure air supply and an inlet of a manifold, a second conduit connected between a first outlet of said manifold and said first air jet, a third conduit connected between a second outlet of said manifold and said second air jet, wherein said manifold has a restrictor for decreasing air pressure and providing a first internal low pressure air line and a second internal low pressure air line that are connected to a spool valve having a spool that can move between a first position and a second position and an internal high pressure air line that is connected to said spool valve, whereby when said spool of said spool valve is in said first position, said spool valve allows high pressure air to flow from said high pressure air line into said second air jet and allows low pressure air to flow from said first internal low pressure air line into said first air jet and blocks the low pressure air line of said second internal low pressure air line and when said spool of said spool valve is in said second position, said spool valve allows high pressure air to flow from said high pressure air line into said first air jet and allows low pressure air to flow from said second internal low pressure air line into said second air jet and blocks the low pressure air line of said first internal low pressure air line.

15. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 14, wherein said frame includes a first mounting block having a first orifice that provides a fluid connection between said manifold and said first air jet and a second mounting block having a second orifice that provides a fluid connection between said manifold and said second air jet.

16. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 15, wherein said first air jet is attached to said first mounting block by means of a first retaining plate and said second air jet is attached to said second mounting block by means of a second retaining plate.

17. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 16, wherein said first air jet is surrounded by a first pair of o-rings located within said first mounting block and said first retaining plate and said second air jet is surrounded by a second pair of o-rings located within said second mounting block.

18. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 17, wherein said first air jet includes a first circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said first orifice is connected to said outer surface of said first circular chamber, a first secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said first circular chamber and said second end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a first yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said first secondary conduit into said first yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said first yarn twisting aperture and wherein said second air jet includes a second circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said second orifice is connected to said outer surface of said second circular chamber, a second secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said second circular chamber and said second end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a second yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said second secondary conduit into said second yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said second yarn twisting aperture in a direction opposite to that of said first yarn twisting aperture.

19. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns comprising of:

(a) a plurality of first air jets, each having a first orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a counter-clockwise direction;

(b) a plurality of second air jets, each having a second orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a clockwise direction; (c) a mechanism for moving said plurality of yarns through said first orifice and said second orifice;

(d) a means for supplying high pressure air;

(e) a means for supplying low pressure air; and (f) a mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air from said high pressure air supply between said plurality of first air jets and said plurality of second air jets and for alternating the application of low pressure air from said low pressure air supply between said plurality of first air jets and said plurality of second air jets for creating a net zero twist in said plurality of yarns .

20. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns comprising of:

(a) a plurality of first air jets, each having a first orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a counter-clockwise direction; (b) a plurality of second air jets, each having a second orifice, for rotating a plurality of yarns in a clockwise direction;

(d) a means for supplying high pressure air of between 20 to 120 pounds per inch; (e) a means for supplying low pressure air of between 1 to 12 pounds per square inch; and

(f) a mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air from said high pressure air supply between said plurality of first air jets and said plurality of second air jets and for alternating the application of low pressure air from said low pressure air supply between said plurality of first air jets and said plurality of second air jets at a cycling frequency of between 1 to 600 cycles per minute for creating a net zero twist in said plurality of yarns.

21. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 19, further including a frame attached to said plurality of first air jets and said plurality of second air jets.

22. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 19, wherein said mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a first conduit connected between said high pressure air supply and a first inlet of a manifold, a second conduit connected between said low pressure air supply and a second inlet to said manifold, a plurality of third conduits connected between a plurality of first outlets of said manifold and said corresponding plurality of first air jets, a plurality of fourth conduits connected between a plurality of second outlets of said manifold and said corresponding second air jets, and a valve attached to said manifold for alternating the application of high pressure air from said first conduit and low pressure air from said second conduit between said plurality of third conduits that supply air to said corresponding plurality of first air jets and said plurality of fourth conduits that supply air to said corresponding plurality of second air jets.

23. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 22, wherein said valve is a spool-type valve.

24. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 19, wherein said mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a plurality of first conduits connected between said high pressure air supply and a plurality of inlets for each of a corresponding plurality of manifolds, a plurality of second conduits connected between a plurality of first outlets of each of said plurality of manifolds and said corresponding plurality of first air jets, a plurality of third conduits connected between a plurality of second outlets of each of said plurality of manifolds and said corresponding plurality of second air jets, wherein each of said plurality of manifolds has a means for decreasing air pressure and providing at least one internal low pressure air line that is connected to a corresponding valve and an internal high pressure gas line that is connected to said valve for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air to said plurality of first air jets and said plurality of second air jets.

25. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 24, wherein each said valve is a spool-type valve.

26. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 22, wherein said frame includes a first mounting block having a plurality of first orifices that each provide a fluid connection between said plurality of third conduits and said corresponding plurality of first air jets and a second mounting block having a plurality of second orifices that each provide a fluid connection between said plurality of fourth conduits and said corresponding plurality of second air jets.

27. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 26, wherein said plurality of first air jets are attached to said first mounting block by means of a first set screw and said plurality of second air jets are attached to said second mounting block by means of a second set screw.

28. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 27, wherein each of said plurality of first air jets are surrounded by a first corresponding plurality pair of o-rings located within^~said first mounting block and said plurality of second air jets are surrounded by a second corresponding plurality pair of o-rings located within said second mounting block.

29. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 28, wherein each of said plurality of first air jets include a first circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said first orifice is connected to said outer surface of said first circular chamber, a first secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said first circular chamber and said second end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a first yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said first secondary conduit into said first yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said first yarn twisting aperture and wherein said each of said plurality of second air jets include a second circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said second orifice is connected to said outer surface of said second circular chamber, a second secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said second circular chamber and said second end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a second yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said second secondary conduit into said second yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said second yarn twisting aperture in a direction opposite to that of said first yarn twisting aperture.

30. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 22, wherein said first conduit includes a first hose and a first pair of fittings on each respective end of said first hose and said second conduit includes a second hose and a second pair of fittings on each respective end of said second hose and said plurality of third conduits each include a third hose and a third pair of fittings on each respective end of each of said plurality of third hoses and said plurality of fourth conduits each include a fourth hose and a fourth pair of fittings on each respective end of said fourth hose.

31. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 19, wherein said means for supplying high pressure air includes a first manifold and said means for supplying low pressure air is a second manifold.

32. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 19, wherein said mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a plurality of first conduits connected between said high pressure air supply and a corresponding inlet for each of a plurality of manifolds, a plurality of second conduits each correspondingly connected between a plurality of first outlets of each of said plurality of manifolds and said plurality of first air jets, a plurality of third conduits each correspondingly connected between a plurality of second outlets of each of said plurality of manifolds and said plurality of second air jets, wherein each of said plurality of manifolds has a restrictor for decreasing air pressure and providing a first internal low pressure air line and a second internal low pressure air line that are connected to a spool valve having a spool that can go between a first position and a second position and an internal high pressure air line that is connected to said spool valve, whereby when said spool of said spool valve is in said first position, said spool valve allows high pressure air to flow from said high pressure air line into one of said plurality of second air jets and allows low pressure air to flow from said first internal low pressure air line into one of said plurality of first air jets and blocks the low pressure air line of said second internal low pressure air line and when said spool of said spool valve is in said second position, said spool valve allows high pressure air to flow from said high pressure air line into one of said plurality of first air jets and allows low pressure air to flow from said second internal low pressure air line into one of plurality of said second air jets and blocks the low pressure air line of said first internal low pressure air line.

33. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 32, wherein said frame includes a first mounting block having a plurality of first orifices that each provide a fluid connection between said plurality of third conduits and said corresponding plurality of first air jets and a second mounting block having a plurality of second orifices that each provide a fluid connection between said plurality of fourth conduits and said corresponding plurality of second air jets.

34. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 33, wherein said plurality of first air jets are attached to said first mounting block by means of a first retaining plate and said plurality of second air jets are attached to said second mounting block by means of a second retaining plate.

35. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 34, wherein each of said plurality of first air jets are surrounded by a first corresponding plurality pair of o-rings located within said first mounting block and said plurality of second air jets are surrounded by a second corresponding plurality pair of o-rings located within said second mounting block.

36. An apparatus for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of yarns as defined in Claim 35, wherein each of said plurality of first air jets include a first circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said first orifice is connected to said outer surface of said first circular chamber, a first secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said first circular chamber and said second end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a first yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said first secondary conduit into said first yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said first yarn twisting aperture and wherein said each of said plurality of second air jets include a second circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said second orifice is connected to said outer surface of said second circular chamber, a second secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said second circular chamber and said second end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a second yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said second secondary conduit into said second yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said second yarn twisting aperture in a direction opposite to that of said first yarn twisting aperture.

37. A process for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of moving yarns, which comprises the steps of:

(a) applying high pressure air to a first air jet having a first orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for rotation of said moving yarns in a counter-clockwise direction while simultaneously applying low pressure air to a second air jet having a second orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for removing debris from said second air jet;

(b) applying high pressure air to said second air jet having said second orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for rotation of said moving yarns in a clockwise direction while simultaneously applying low pressure air to said first air jet having said first orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for removing debris from said first air jet; and

(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in an alternating manner.

38. A process for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of moving yarns, which comprises the steps of:

(a) applying high pressure air of between 20 to 120 pounds per inch to a first air jet having an first orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for rotation of said moving yarns in a counter-clockwise direction while simultaneously applying low pressure air to a second air jet of between 1 to 12 pounds per inch having a second orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for removing debris from said second air jet;

(b) applying high pressure air of between 20 to 120 pounds to said second air jet having said second orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for rotation of said yarns in a clockwise direction while simultaneously applying low pressure air of between 1 to 12 pounds to said first air jet having said first orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for removing debris from said first air jet; and

(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in an alternating manner .

39. A process for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of moving yarns, which comprises the steps of: (a) applying high pressure air to a first air jet having an first orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for rotation of said moving yarns in a counter-clockwise direction, wherein said first air jet includes a first circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said first orifice is connected to said outer surface of said first circular chamber, a first secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said first circular chamber and said second end portion of said first secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a first yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said first secondary conduit into said first yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said first yarn twisting aperture while simultaneously applying low pressure air to a second air jet having a second orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for removing debris from said second air jet, wherein said second air jet includes a second circular chamber, having an outer surface and an inner surface, whereby said second orifice is connected to said outer surface of said second circular chamber, a second secondary conduit, having a first end portion and a second end portion, whereby said first end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly attached to said inner surface of said second circular chamber and said second end portion of said second secondary conduit is fluidly connected to a second yarn twisting aperture, having a center, wherein said plurality of yarns can be twisted, whereby pressurized air exits said second secondary conduit into said second yarn twisting aperture at a point offset from said center of said second yarn twisting aperture;

(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in an alternating manner .

40. A process for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of moving yarns, which comprises the steps of:

(a) applying high pressure air to a first air jet having an first orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for rotation of said moving yarns in a counter-clockwise direction while simultaneously applying low pressure air to a second air jet having a second orifice that can encircle said plurality of moving yarns for removing debris from said second air jet;

(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) with a mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a first conduit connected between said high pressure air supply and a first inlet of a manifold, a second conduit connected between said low pressure air supply and a second inlet to said manifold, a third conduit connected between a first outlet of said manifold and said first air jet, a fourth conduit connected between a second outlet of said manifold and said second air jet, and a valve attached to said manifold for alternating the application of high pressure air from said first conduit and low pressure air from said second conduit between said third conduit that supplies air to said first air jet and said fourth conduit that supplies air to said second air jet.

41. A process for providing an overall net zero twist in a plurality of moving yarns, which comprises the steps of:

(c) repeating steps (a) and (b) with a mechanism for alternating the application of high pressure air and low pressure air includes a first conduit connected between said high pressure air supply and an inlet of a manifold, a second conduit connected between a first outlet of said manifold and said first air jet, a third conduit connected between a second outlet of said manifold and said second air jet, wherein said manifold has a restrictor for deceasing air pressure and providing a first internal low pressure air line and a second internal low pressure air line that are connected to a spool valve^" having a spool that can go between a first position and a second position and an internal high pressure air line that is connected to said spool valve, whereby when said spool of said spool valve is in said first position, said spool valve allows high pressure air to flow from said high pressure air line into said second air jet and allows low pressure air to flow from said first internal low pressure air line into said first air jet and blocks the low pressure air line of said second internal low pressure air line and when said spool of said spool valve is in said second position, said spool valve allows high pressure air to flow from said high pressure air line into said first air jet and allows low pressure air to flow from said second internal low pressure air line into said second air jet and blocks the low pressure air line of said first internal low pressure air line.

42. A textile fabric formed of yarns treated in accordance with the process of Claim 37.

43. A textile fabric formed of yarns treated in accordance with the process of Claim 38.

44. A textile fabric formed of yarns treated in accordance with the process of Claim 39.

45. A textile fabric formed of yarns treated in accordance with the process of Claim 40.

46. A textile fabric formed of yarns treated in accordance with the process of Claim 43.