PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR GUIDING A TOW

摘要

A process and apparatus for guiding a continuous moving tow in synthetic fiber manufacture. The profile (the thickness distribution and width) and the position of the tow are continuously sensed in a non-contact manner and an appropriate electrical signal is generated. This electrical signal is used to control the profile and the position of the tow in such a way that its profile and position stay within predetermined target value ranges. The tow geometry is preferably sensed using a CCD camera, while the tow geometry is controlled using tow-engaging deflecting means. In this way it is possible to optimize tow profile and position, for example for entry into a stuffer box (FIG. 1).