Abstract: A barrel folding reel including a first flange and a second flange spaced apart from and opposing one another is disclosed. A plurality of cooperating barrel members, each having a first end portion and a second end portion that are pivotally mounted to the first flange and the second flange, respectively, longitudinally extend between the flanges so as to define an operative position of barrel folding reel. An actuator member positioned adjacent to the first flange engages the first end portion of at least one, but not all, of the barrel members. The actuator is constructed and dimensioned so that it may be rotationally displaced to collectively rotate the barrel members engaged thereto ninety degrees about their longitudinal axes. The rotated barrel members are thereby aligned with the barrel members not attached to the actuator member. After aligning the barrel members, the barrel folding reel can be moved from its operative position to a collapsed position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for starting a running length of yarn to wind at a given point on a rotating bobbin during yarn stringup of a bobbin winder with a thrustable tail forming stringup aid are provided. The method features actuating a sensor to sense the presence of a moving yarn guide to operate a solenoid for thrusting a stringup aid to an operative, tail forming position, thereby causing the yarn to start winding on the bobbin at the desired given point. The apparatus comprises a sensor, actuated by the moving yarn guide, and a solenoid, operated by the actuated sensor to thrust a stringup aid into operative position. The method and apparatus ensure consistent formation of good transfer tails.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for bringing into proximity and connecting a quench stack and monomer ring for the melt spinning of synthetic polymer fibers. These members are brought into proximity through use of a reel assembly and are connected by means of a clamping device. The clamp, which is mounted on the quench stack, features a drawpiece comprising a rod. The rod is curved into a "U" shape, the base of which engages with a keeper element and the legs of which describe a circle bend prior to terminating in a threaded shank for mounting to the clamp.

Abstract: A traverse yarn guide is provided for use with a winder which includes a cam, a cam groove and a guide slot. The guide comprises a metal guard plate, partially embedded in a body of synthetic material, the body having attached thereto a yarn guide of wear resistant material. The guard plate projects from the body on either side of the yarn guide to prevent yarn to body contact during yarn stringup. The body comprises at least one flange for retention of the body in a guide slot and a depression in which is inserted for pivotal movement a partially sheathed end of a shoe, made of synthetic material. The sheath is made of metal and rotationally attached to the shoe. The other end of the shoe is shaped to follow a cam groove and has a width of at most 0.457 cm.

Abstract: A yarn end retainer is disclosed for use in conjunction with a wound yarn package. The yarn end retainer comprises a bail, pivot means and means for urging the bail to pivot about the pivot means in a first direction. The bail comprises at least one leg terminating in an end portion, the leg being mounted for pivotal movement about the pivot means. When the bail is urged to pivot in the first direction, the end portion rides a part of the surface of the yarn package when the yarn package doffs.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for bringing into proximity and connecting a quench stack and monomer ring for the melt spinning of synthetic polymer fibers. These members are brought into proximity through use of a reel assembly and are connected by means of a clamping device. The clamp, which is mounted on the quench stack, features a drawpiece comprising a rod. The rod is curved into a "U" shape, the base of which engages with a keeper element and the legs of which describe a circle bend prior to terminating in a threaded shank for mounting to the clamp.