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Textile Systems: Complete Faulty Needle Sensor System, "the Needle-Master"

Client

Universal Textile Machine Corporation, Lawrence, MA.

Problem

To detect faulty needles in fast running knitting machines reliably.

Solution

The UNIVERSAL "NEEDLE MASTER", the picture below shows the complete system. The electronic control module has capacity for three sensors; only one is shown. When the unit is in operation, the green light is on. Upon detecting a faulty needle, the red light goes on and the machine is stopped. In some cases, a bell also rings to alert the operator who could be far away tending other machines.

The sensor is provided with a stainless steel crib for protection, and the sensor body is also stainless steel. Internal contacts are gold alloys, and all internal parts are permanently lubricated and sealed. Some units have been in constant use for over seven years without maintenance. The contact heads which engage the needles are hardened to Rc-63 and polished.

The complete unit sells for $900.00 with three sensors, and in most cases it pays for itself in less than three months.

Picture of the Complete Faulty Needle Sensor System, "the Needle-Master"