Abstract: A yarn end preparing assembly for a textile winding machine wherein yarn packages are disposed on peg tray-type tube support members and transported to winding stations along a common preliminary path to a respective one of a plurality of yarn end preparation devices which have components for sequentially handling the yarn packages to dispose their yarn ends in preferred preliminary dispositions. The yarn end preparation devices are each disposed on a respective branch path which branches the common preliminary path. The relationship of the branch path to one another can be varied and the relationship of each component of the yarn end preparation devices relative to the same respective component on the other yarn end preparation devices can be varied to optimize the production capability of the yarn end preparing assembly. Sensors and pivotable arm members are provided to selectively guide the tube support members to the branch paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling the end of a strand of textile material built into a package is provided. The strand end handling apparatus includes a tangentially engaging member for tangentially engaging the outer surface of a yarn package to dislodge a strand end therefrom and a sensing member for sensing a dislodged strand end. Additionally, the strand end handling apparatus includes a control member, for controlling subsequent handling of the yarn package following the sensing of a dislodged strand end.

Abstract: A yarn package handling assembly is provided for handling yarn packages transported on individual package support members on a textile winding machine. The yarn package handling assembly includes a yarn end disposing arrangement operable to dispose the yarn ends of yarn packages into preferred preliminary dispositions for handling at the winding stations of the machine. Another yarn end disposing arrangement is provided for more aggressively acting on yarn packages to dispose their yarn ends in a preferred preliminary disposition where the first arrangement was unsuccessful, handling yarn packages in a special manner to dispose their yarn ends in a preferred preliminary disposition and the yarn packages prepared by the more aggressive yarn end disposing arrangement are transported along a second transport path back to the path for feeding packages from the first-mentioned arrangement to the winding stations.

Abstract: A pallet for transporting cops includes a disk-like base plate. A creel spindle is disposed on the base plate for holding a cop haivng a cop tube with a tube bottom and an open interior. A base supports the tube bottom. The base is interrupted at least one point to form an air duct extending into the open interior of the cop tube for guiding an air flow through the cop tube.

Abstract: A yarn end unwinding apparatus includes a support base for supporting a yarn package in an upright disposition and a cooperating member. The cooperating member at least partially circumferentially surrounds the upright yarn package and includes a plurality of jet nozzles for directing jet streams of gas interiorly of the cooperating member. The jet streams of gas combine together to form a spiraling stream of gas which causes planetary motion of the package. The package moves in contacting relation along the inner surface of the cooperating member while simultaneously rotating about the package axis and this planetary motion of the package causes unwinding of the yarn end therefrom into position for subsequent package unwinding engagement. The support base preferably includes a pair of relatively movable semi-cylindrical portions.