Shofner Engineering Associates, Inc.

Dennis J Roeder

Frederick M Shofner

Gas flows, whose plurality of conditions are controlled by modular environmental control apparatus, are sourced to or captured from various critical zones in materials processing machines, or in related personnel zones. A plurality of processing performance parameters, part of which may respond differently to environmental conditions in one or more process zones, and thus may be in conflict with each other, are jointly optimized to yield maximum gross profit, to produce highest quality, to operate at highest throughput, etc, (but not necessarily simultaneously). The principal embodiments herein disclosed are directed toward modular process zone and personnel zone environmental control in textile processing machines, in fiber, yarn or fabric manufacturing processes, but the method is very basic and powerful, and those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability to materials processing in general.

Modular process zone and personnel zone environmental control with

Methods for optimally processing materials in a machine, such as a weaving machine, employing modular environmental control apparatus to control the conditions of gas flows sourced to or captured from various critical zones in materials processing machines. A plurality of processing performance parameters, part of which may respond differently to environmental conditions in one or more process zones, and thus may be in conflict with each other, are jointly controlled to yield maximum gross profit, to produce highest quality, to operate at highest throughput, etc., (but not necessarily simultaneously). One method includes the step of measuring at least one processing performance parameter, and at least partially controlling the processing performance parameter in accordance with a predetermined optimal control strategy by deliberately applying a gas flow conditioned by at least one controlling parameter, the gas flow being applied by a modular control unit. The disclosed embodiments are directed toward modular process zone environmental control in textile processing machines, both in yarn and fabric manufacturing processes, including weaving machines. However, Modular Process Zone Environmental Control (MPZEC) is applicable to materials processing in general.

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Powell, TN, United States of America

Dennis J Roeder