| 摘要 |
<p>A system for sensing breakage of one or more of a plurality of strands of material (102, 104, 106, 108) that are being fed in unison along an array of separate feed paths (112, 114, 116, 118) while the array of feed paths (112, 114, 116, 118) is being rotated about an imaginary axis (110) that extends substantially centrally among the feed paths (112, 114, 116, 118). Separate indicator assemblies (200) are positioned along each of the separate feed paths (112, 114, 116, 118) and preferably are arranged in a substantially circular array that extends substantially concentrically about the axis of rotation (110). At least one optical detector (600) is positioned alongside the substantially circular path of movement (610) that is followed by the indicator assemblies (200) as they rotate, whereby, at least once during each revolution, each of the indicator assemblies (200) is caused to move past an optical detector (600). In the event that any of the indicator assemblies (200) detects breakage of its associated strand (102, 104, 106, 108), an associated indicator flag (500) is pivoted quickly under the action of an associated biasing device (475) from its normally nested position to an extended position that will be sensed as the flag-extended indicator assembly (200) moves past an optical detector (600). The indicator flags (500) preferably are carried by pivotally mounted arms (400) that are counterbalanced to prevent their being influenced either by centrifugal force or by changes in the speed of rotation. The indicator assemblies (200) preferably use adjustable torsion coil springs (475) as their biasing devices, and preferably are provided with latches (552) for releasably holding the flag-carrying arms (400) nested during re-threading of strands (102, 104, 106, 108) along the feed paths (112, 114, 116, 118). <IMAGE></p> |
