Abstract: A spool for filamentary material such as optical fibers and others consists of two members which are locked together to form a drum with two opposed flanges defining a winding space. The two members may be separated to allow material wound on the drum to be removed at will. After the material is removed, the two parts may be locked again making the spool reusable.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards improvements in collapsible dye tubes, commonly referred to as dye springs. The dye springs of the present invention are characterized in that they are resiliently compressible and are further able to withstand elongation. The dye spring has a surface area of cylindrical shape with elements disposed between rings at the end of the tube. The elements insure that the dye spring surface area remains open when the dye spring is in a compressed state so that dye will be able to flow radially outwardly through the tube and thereby dye the yarn wound around the tube. The elements further insure that the degree of elongation experienced by the spring during winding operations is substantially diminished or even eliminated.

Abstract: An independent-stroke ejection system for an injection molding apparatus enables the motion of an ejector pin, or pins, to be controlled independently of the motion of the knock-out plates. The so-called independent-stroke ejector pin is mounted on an independent-stroke knock-out pin retainer rod which is alternately locked to and unlocked from the reciprocating motion of the knock-out plates. As a consequence, the independent-stroke ejector pin moves only during a portion of the reciprocating cycle of the knock-out plates, and does not advance and retract over an equivalent distance. While ejector pins are usually mounted on the knock-out plates, and reciprocate over an equivalent distance, the present invention enables one to uncouple the motion of an ejector pin from the knock-out plates for a portion of the reciprocating cycle.

Abstract: A spring dye tube for use in dyeing textile yarns has a generally open-ended, cylindrical configuration with a latticed side wall. It is resiliently compressible in a longitudinal direction, and includes longitudinal stabilizing elements to prevent growth or collapse during high-speed winding operations. In turn, these longitudinal stabilizing elements buckle and collapse when the spring dye tube as a whole is compressed in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal stabilizing elements may be disposed in pairs separated by a gap, or singly. In the latter case, a longitudinal groove may be provided along the length of the element; the element will split along this groove when the tube is compressed. In either case, this provides a means for dye to pass through that portion of the tube during use in a dyeing operation. The longitudinal stabilizing elements can resemble thin membranes in appearance, the membranes being of greater width than thickness.

Abstract: A spring dye tube has a pair of end rings and at least one support ring intermediate these rings and concentric therewith. A plurality of spaced, rigid V-shaped ribs are integrally formed with the rings and define therewith an initially rigid network or winding yarn to be dyed through which dye can flow. The ribs are arranged in separate spaced groups so as to tend to collapse axially upon the application of a predetermined force thereon. A non-collapsible rigid, torque resistant section extends from each end ring to strengthen the structure. Straight parallel members add rigidity and extend from one end ring to the other.

Abstract: A dye tube has a pair of end rings and at least one support ring intermediate these rings and concentric therewith. A plurality of alternate, rigid V-shaped and inverted V-shaped ribs are integrally formed with the rings and defined therewith an initially rigid network of winding yarn to be dyed through which dye can flow. The ribs are arranged in separate spaced groups so as to tend to collapse axially in opposite directions upon the application of a predetermined force thereon. A non-collapsible torque resistant section extends from each end ring to strengthen the structure and prevent it from buckling.

Abstract: A reel for optical fiber or cable includes a drum and a plurality of ribs positioned within said drum. The ribs are formed with notches for holding a cable end securely. The cable end may be removed from the ribs for testing purposes or connectorization without disturbing the cable wound on the reel drum.

Abstract: An improved utility reel having a barrel formed of two segments and a flexible hinge connecting the inner walls of the two portions longitudinally and the outer walls in a snap fit manner. Locking rings at each end of the barrel formed from the respective segments and engageable with a camming surface on circular flanges thereby maintained on respective ends of the barrel.