Heating apparatus for false twist yarn crimping machine

Abstract

A yarn heating apparatus is provided which is adapted for use in a false twist yarn crimping machine or the like. The heating apparatus comprises an arcuately curved heater plate mounted in a generally vertical orientation within a channel in an insulated housing, and having one or more yarn receiving grooves extending along its length. A flat cover is provided which includes an insert mounted on the inside of the cover, and which is sized to fill substantially the full width of the channel. The cover is hinged to the housing by an arrangement which permits the insertion and withdrawal of the insert along a path of travel which is parallel to the side walls of the channel, to thereby avoid injurious contact between the insert and walls of the channel. The inner face of the insert may be curved in conformance with the curvature of the heater plate, such that when the door is closed, the inner face defines a yarn passage of uniform cross-sectional configuration along the length of the heater plate. During operation of the machine, air rises along the vertically disposed yarn passage as a result of the chimney effect, to carry off the fumes emanating from the heated yarn. The uniform cross-sectional configuration of the passage minimizes heat loss by permitting the laminar flow of such air.