Compact Machine for Unwinding Multiple Strands of Material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to machines for unwinding strands of material from wound packages. As discussed in more detail below, machines for continuously unwinding multiple strands of material from wound packages according to the present disclosure may be arranged to be relatively more compact machines, wherein open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machines.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a machine for unwinding strands of material from wound packages. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a compact machine for continuously unwinding multiple strands of material from wound packages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Take off equipment is used to unwind strands of material that have been pre-wound onto cores. The pre-wound cores are called packages. Take off equipment unwinds a strand and then feeds the unwound strand to downstream equipment. Take off equipment can unwind packages in sequence while continuously feeding the downstream equipment. Each package has a single continuous strand of material with a leading end and a trailing end. In a take off process, the trailing end of a first package can be joined to the leading end of second package.

As take off equipment finishes unwinding the first (active) package, it pulls off the trailing end, which pulls off the leading end of the second (standby) package, which begins the unwinding of the second package. The standby package becomes the new active package. The finished first package can be replaced with a new standby package. This process of connecting ends and replacing packages can be repeated indefinitely. Thus, in a take off process, there is no need to stop the downstream equipment to replace packages.

In this process, for each strand being unwound, the take off equipment typically has two package unwind stations, for the active and standby packages. The two stations are typically adjacent to each other, with each station angled toward a shared downstream infeed location. Together, the two package unwind stations and the downstream infeed location form a take off apparatus, which can unwind one strand of material.

When the downstream equipment requires multiple strands of material, multiple take off apparatuses are used. However, in many machines, the take off apparatuses are arranged in a manner that leaves large open areas, which result in inefficiently used space, and thus, an unnecessarily large footprint for the unwinding machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to machines for unwinding strands of material from wound packages. As discussed in more detail below, machines for continuously unwinding multiple strands of material from wound packages according to the present disclosure may be arranged to be relatively more compact machines, wherein open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machines.

In one form, a machine comprises: a first apparatus having first package unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location, and a first centerline, wherein the first apparatus is configured to unwind a first strand from a first package in one of the first unwind stations to the first downstream infeed location, and the first strand follows a first overall direction; and a second apparatus having second package unwind stations, a second downstream infeed location, and a second centerline, wherein the second apparatus is configured to unwind a second strand from a second package in one of the second unwind stations to the second downstream infeed location, and the second strand follows a second overall direction; and a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the first apparatus and the second apparatus, and which uses the first strand and the second strand in a machine process; wherein the first centerline and the second centerline are substantially parallel, and the first overall direction is opposite from the second overall direction.

In another form, a machine comprises: a first apparatus having first package unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location, and a first centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the first downstream infeed location, wherein the first apparatus is configured to unwind a first strand from a first package loaded into one of the first unwind stations to the first downstream infeed location, and the first strand follows a first overall direction; and a second apparatus having second package unwind stations, a second downstream infeed location, and a second centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the second downstream infeed location, wherein the second apparatus is configured to unwind a second strand from a second package loaded into one of the second unwind stations to the second downstream infeed location, and the second strand follows a second overall direction; and a third apparatus having third package unwind stations, a third downstream infeed location, and a third centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the third downstream infeed location, wherein the third apparatus is configured to unwind a third strand from a third package loaded into one of the third unwind stations to the third downstream infeed location, and the third strand follows a third overall direction; and a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the first apparatus, the second apparatus, and the third apparatus, and which uses the first strand, the second strand, and the third strand in a machine process; wherein the first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are arranged in a substantially radial array, and the first overall direction, the second overall direction, and the third overall direction are directed inward toward a center of the array.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of a prior art take off apparatus.

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of a portion of a prior art machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in staggered vertical columns.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in staggered horizontal rows.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in a horizontal row, with adjacent apparatuses having differing overall directions.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged with apparatuses in adjacent columns having differing overall directions, and with staggered vertical columns.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in horizontal rows, with adjacent apparatuses in the same row having differing overall directions, and with staggered horizontal rows.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in alternating directions, offset horizontally and vertically from each other.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with a number of take off apparatuses, arranged in a radial array.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned above, current take off apparatuses may be arranged in a manner that leaves large open areas, resulting in inefficiently used space, and thus, an unnecessarily large footprint for the unwinding machine. Such inefficient use of space is discussed in more detail below with respect the prior art arrangements are illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D.

For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of one prior art take off apparatus 101 with a first package unwind station 111 holding a first package 112 and a second package unwind station 114 holding a second package 115. The first package 112 can unwind a strand, where the outline 113 of the unwinding strand has a substantially conical overall shape, as it travels from the package 112 to a downstream infeed location 117. The second package 115 can also unwind a strand, where the outline 116 of the unwinding strand also has a substantially overall conical shape, as it travels from the package 115 to the downstream infeed location 117. FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of FIG. 1A. The apparatus 101 has a centerline 118 disposed halfway between the first package unwind station 111 and the second package unwind station 114, and centered on the downstream infeed location 117. The apparatus 101 also has an overall direction 119, which is oriented in the downstream direction for the unwinding strand and aligned with the centerline 118. Each take off apparatus described herein has the same overall configuration, with like-numbered elements configured in the same way.

FIG. 1C illustrates a front view of a portion of a prior art machine 100 with six take off apparatuses, arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns. All of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 1C are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus 101, a second take off apparatus 102, and a third take off apparatus 103 form a horizontally arrayed top row. A fourth take off apparatus 104, a fifth take off apparatus 105, and a sixth take off apparatus 106 form a horizontally arrayed bottom row. The first take off apparatus 101 and the fourth take off apparatus 104 form a first vertical column. The second take off apparatus 102 and the fifth take off apparatus 105 form a second vertical column. The third take off apparatus 103 and the sixth take off apparatus 106 form a third vertical column. FIG. 1D is a top view of FIG. 1C, and as such, shows the centerlines 118, 128, 138, the infeed locations 117, 127, 137, and the overall directions 119, 129, 139 for the first, second, and third take off apparatuses 101, 102, 103, respectively. For all of the apparatuses 101-106 in FIG. 1C, their centerlines are parallel, and their overall directions are oriented in the same direction (toward the viewer).

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 101-106 and the need for spacing between the package unwind stations, the machine 100 has a number of vertically oriented open spaces between the different parts of the apparatuses. Open spaces 161, 162, and 163 exist between the centers of apparatuses in the same column. Open spaces 171 and 172 exist between the outer extents of the apparatuses, at the intersection of the rows and the columns. These open areas represent inefficiently used space, and thus, an unnecessarily large footprint for the machine 100. FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of FIG. 1C. Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 101-106 and the need for spacing between the packages, the machine 100 has a number of horizontally oriented open spaces between the apparatuses. Open spaces 181 and 182 exist between the sides of adjacent apparatuses in the same row. These open areas also represent inefficiently used space, and an unnecessarily large footprint for the machine 100.

As discussed in more detail below, machines for continuously unwinding multiple strands of material from wound packages according to the present disclosure may be arranged to be relatively more compact machines, wherein open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machines. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 200 with six take off apparatuses, arranged in staggered vertical columns. All of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 2 are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus 201 and a fourth take off apparatus 204 form a first vertical column. A second take off apparatus 202 and a fifth take off apparatus 205 form a second vertical column. A third take off apparatus 203 and a sixth take off apparatus 206 form a third vertical column. In the machine 200, adjacent vertical columns are staggered with respect to each other (i.e. disposed at different elevations), such that an apparatus in one column does not form a horizontal row with the neighboring apparatus in the adjacent column. For further reference, FIG. 2 illustrates infeed locations 217, 227, 237, 247, 257 267 and centerlines 218, 228, 238, 248, 258, 268 corresponding with take off apparatuses 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, respectively. And FIG. 2 shows that each take off apparatus 201-206, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (211, 214) (221, 224) (231, 234) (241, 244) (251, 254) (261, 264), and first and second packages (212, 215) (222, 225) (232, 235) (242, 245) (252, 255) (262, 265).

In FIG. 2, the columns are vertically offset such that the centerlines of the apparatuses in each column are vertically disposed halfway between the centerlines of the apparatuses in an adjacent column, however in various embodiments, this staggered spacing can be varied to various distances. For all of the apparatuses 201-206, their centerlines are completely horizontal and thus completely parallel. However, in various embodiments, one or more of their centerlines may only be substantially horizontal and one or more of their centerlines may only be substantially parallel with the other centerlines. For all of the apparatuses 201-206, their overall directions are oriented in the same direction (toward the viewer).

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 201-206, the sizes of open spaces (such as 171 and 172 in FIG. 1C) between the outer extents of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 200. The embodiment of FIG. 2 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described above.

In another example, FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 300 with six take off apparatuses, arranged in staggered horizontal rows. All of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 3 are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus 301, a second take off apparatus 302, and a third take off apparatus 303 form a horizontally arrayed top row (all at one elevation). A fourth take off apparatus 304, a fifth take off apparatus 305, and a sixth take off apparatus 306 form a horizontally arrayed bottom row (all at another elevation). In the machine 300, adjacent horizontal rows are horizontally offset with respect to each other, such that an apparatus in one row does not form a vertical column with the neighboring apparatus in the adjacent row. For further reference, FIG. 3 illustrates infeed locations 317, 327, 337, 347, 357 367 and centerlines 318, 328, 338, 348, 358, 368 corresponding with take off apparatuses 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, respectively. And FIG. 3 shows that each take off apparatus 301-306, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (311, 314) (321, 324) (331, 334) (341, 344) (351, 354) (361, 364), and first and second packages (312, 315) (322, 325) (332, 335) (342, 345) (352, 355) (362, 365).

In FIG. 3, the rows are horizontally staggered such that the centerlines of the apparatuses in each row are disposed about a quarter of the way between the centerlines of the apparatuses in an adjacent row, however in various embodiments, this staggered spacing can be varied to various distances. For all of the apparatuses 301-306, their centerlines are completely horizontal and thus completely parallel. However, in various embodiments, one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially horizontal and one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially parallel with the other centerlines. In other embodiments, one or more or even all of their centerlines may be nonparallel with one or more, or even all of the other centerlines. For all of the apparatuses 301-306, their overall directions are oriented in the same direction (toward the viewer).

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 301-306, the sizes of open spaces (such as 161, 162, and 163 in FIG. 1C) between the centers of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 300. The embodiment of FIG. 3 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described above.

FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 400 with four take off apparatuses, arranged in a horizontal row, with adjacent apparatuses having differing overall directions. All of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 4A are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus 401, a second take off apparatus 402, a third take off apparatus 403, and a fourth take off apparatus 404 form a horizontally row (all at one elevation). Due to the differing overall directions, the first take off apparatus 401 and the third take off apparatus 403 are facing toward the viewer, while the second take off apparatus 402 and the fourth take off apparatus 404 are facing away from the viewer. For further reference, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate infeed locations 417, 427, 437, 447, and centerlines 418, 428, 438, 448 corresponding with take off apparatuses 401, 402, 403, 404, respectively. And FIGS. 4A and 4B show that each take off apparatus 401-404, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (411, 414) (421, 424) (431, 434) (441, 444), and first and second packages (412, 415) (422, 425) (432, 435) (442, 445).

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of FIG. 4A. In the embodiment of FIG. 4B, the footprints of the apparatuses (that is, the outer extents of the apparatuses, when viewed from the top) do not overlap each other. For all of the apparatuses 401-404, their centerlines are completely horizontal and thus completely parallel. However, in various embodiments, one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially horizontal and one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially parallel with the other centerlines. In other embodiments, one or more or even all of their centerlines may be nonparallel with one or more, or even all of the other centerlines.

Adjacent apparatuses 401 and 402 have opposite overall directions. Also, adjacent apparatuses 402 and 403 have opposite overall directions. Further, adjacent apparatuses 403 and 404 have opposite overall directions.

For adjacent apparatuses, portions of the substantially conical overall shapes of their strand outlines are parallel with each other. A portion of the strand outline 416 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 423, separated by distance 481. A portion of the strand outline 426 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 433, separated by distance 482. A portion of the strand outline 436 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 443, separated by distance 483.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance between adjacent unwinding strands (such as the distances 481, 482, and 483 in the embodiment of FIG. 4B) can be set to various dimensions to reduce the possibility of interference between adjacent unwinding strands. In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance can be set to a particular dimension such as: less than or equal to 50 cm, less than or equal to 45 cm, less than or equal to 40 cm, less than or equal to 35 cm, less than or equal to 30 cm, less than or equal to 25 cm, less than or equal to 20 cm, less than or equal to 15 cm, or less than or equal to 10 cm, or any integer value between any of these, or any range made from any of these values. In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance can be set to a dimension that is based on a maximum diameter size for packages to be unwound by the apparatuses. In any of the embodiments described herein, the machine can additionally or alternatively include a guard, shield, or separating panel, set in between adjacent apparatuses, to prevent interference between adjacent unwinding strands.

In a particular alternate embodiment of FIG. 4B, adjacent apparatuses can be moved closer with respect to each other, such that the footprints of the apparatuses (that is, the outer extents of the apparatuses, when viewed from the top) do partially overlap each other. For example, the first take off apparatus 401 and the second take off apparatus 402 can be moved, with respect to each other (inward sideways, or in the overall direction(s), or in a combination of these directions), such that strand outlines 416 and 423 at least partially overlap. This overlap condition can exist, without interference, in certain process conditions. For example, if the package in the left package unwind station of apparatus 401 is the active package, and the package in the left package unwind station of apparatus 402 is the active package, then the strand outline 423 will not interfere with strand outline 416, because the right hand package of apparatus 401 is not active; so the strand outline 416 will not create interference. In this way, the footprints of adjacent apparatuses can partially overlap each other so long as the package cores and the frames of closest package unwind stations do not fall within the footprint of the adjacent apparatus. This overlapping relationship can also be repeated for other adjacent apparatuses in the machine 400.

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 401-404, the sizes of open spaces (such as 181 and 182 in FIG. 1D) between the sides of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 400. The embodiment of FIG. 4A can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses in a row, and any number of rows, with the apparatuses in each row arranged as described above.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 500 with six take off apparatuses (501-506), arranged with apparatuses in adjacent columns having differing overall directions, and with staggered vertical columns. The machine 500 is configured in the same way as the machine 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, except that adjacent vertical columns are staggered with respect to each other, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 2.

For further reference, FIG. 5 illustrates infeed locations 517, 527, 537, 547, 557 567 and centerlines 518, 528, 538, 548, 558, 568 corresponding with take off apparatuses 501-506, respectively. And FIG. 5 shows that each take off apparatus 501-506, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (511, 514) (521, 524) (531, 534) (541, 544) (551, 554) (561, 564), and first and second packages (512, 515) (522, 525) (532, 535) (542, 545) (552, 555) (562, 565).

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 501-506, the sizes of open spaces between the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 500. The embodiment of FIG. 5 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described above.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with six take off apparatuses (601-606), arranged in horizontal rows, with adjacent apparatuses in the same row having differing overall directions, and with staggered horizontal rows. The machine 600 is configured in the same way as the machine 400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, except that adjacent horizontal rows are staggered with respect to each other, as described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3.

For further reference, FIG. 6 illustrates infeed locations 617, 627, 637, 647, 657 667 and centerlines 618, 628, 638, 648, 658, 668 corresponding with take off apparatuses 601-606, respectively. And FIG. 6 shows that each take off apparatus 601-606, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (611, 614) (621, 624) (631, 634) (641, 644) (651, 654) (661, 664), and first and second packages (612, 615) (622, 625) (632, 635) (642, 645) (652, 655) (662, 665).

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 601-606, the sizes of open spaces between the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 600. The embodiment of FIG. 6 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described above.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine 700 with four take off apparatuses, arranged in alternating directions, offset horizontally and vertically from each other. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a first take off apparatus 701 and a second take off apparatus form one horizontal row, and have overall directions that are commonly aligned in one direction (toward the viewer), while a third take off apparatus 703 and a fourth take off apparatus 704 form another horizontal row (vertically offset from the one row) and have overall directions that are commonly aligned in another direction (away from the viewer).

For further reference, FIG. 7 illustrates infeed locations 717, 727, 737, 747 and centerlines 718, 728, 738, 748 corresponding with take off apparatuses 701-704, respectively. And FIG. 7 shows that each take off apparatus 701-704, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (711, 714) (721, 724) (731, 734) (741, 744), and first and second packages (712, 715) (722, 725) (732, 735) (742, 745).

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 701-704, the sizes of open spaces between the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 700. The embodiment of FIG. 7 can also be varied with different numbers on apparatuses, arranged as described above.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of a machine with four take off apparatuses, arranged in a radial array. The take off apparatuses 801, 802, 803, and 804 are arranged in a circular array, such that all of their overall directions are directed inward toward the center of the array. For further reference, FIG. 8 illustrates infeed locations 817, 827, 837, 847 and centerlines 818, 828, 838, 848 corresponding with take off apparatuses 801-804, respectively. And FIG. 8 shows that each take off apparatus 801-804, respectively, includes first and second package unwind stations (811, 814) (821, 824) (831, 834) (841, 844), and first and second packages (812, 815) (822, 825) (832, 835) (842, 845).

All of the take off apparatuses in FIG. 8 are configured to provide unwound strands to a common downstream apparatus, which uses the strands in a machine process. A first take off apparatus 801, a second take off apparatus 802, a third take off apparatus 803, and a fourth take off apparatus 804 form a horizontally oriented circle (all at one elevation).

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the footprints of the apparatuses (that is, the outer extents of the apparatuses, when viewed from the top) do not overlap each other. For all of the apparatuses 801-804, their centerlines are completely horizontal. However, in various embodiments, one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially horizontal. For all of the apparatuses 801-804, their centerlines intersect at a common point, and thus are completely radial. However, in various embodiments, one or more, or even all of their centerlines may only be substantially radial.

In FIG. 8, for adjacent apparatuses, portions of the substantially conical overall shapes of their strand outlines are substantially or completely parallel with each other. However, in various embodiments, for adjacent apparatuses, portions of the substantially conical overall shapes of their strand outlines may be nonparallel with each other. A portion of the strand outline 816 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 823, separated by distance 881. A portion of the strand outline 826 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 833, separated by distance 882. A portion of the strand outline 836 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 843, separated by distance 883. A portion of the strand outline 846 is parallel with a portion of the strand outline 813, separated by distance 884.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance between adjacent unwinding strands (such as the distances 881, 882, and 883 in the embodiment of FIG. 8) can be set to various dimensions to reduce the possibility of interference between adjacent unwinding strands. In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance can be set to a particular dimension such as: less than or equal to 50 cm, less than or equal to 45 cm, less than or equal to 40 cm, less than or equal to 35 cm, less than or equal to 30 cm, less than or equal to 25 cm, less than or equal to 20 cm, less than or equal to 15 cm, or less than or equal to 10 cm, or any integer value between any of these, or any range made from any of these values. In any of the embodiments described herein, the distance can be set to a dimension that is based on a maximum diameter size for packages to be unwound by the apparatuses. In any of the embodiments described herein, the machine can additionally or alternatively include a guard, shield, or separating panel, set in between adjacent apparatuses, to prevent interference between adjacent unwinding strands.

Due to the arrangement of the apparatuses 801-804, the sizes of open spaces (such as 181 and 182 in FIG. 1D) between the sides of the apparatuses are reduced. These open areas are more efficiently used space, leading to a smaller and more compact footprint for the machine 800.

The embodiment of FIG. 8 can also be varied in a number of ways. Different numbers of apparatuses can be used in the radial array. The radial array may or may not form a complete circle. A machine can include any number of radial arrays stacked vertically on top of each other, with the apparatuses in each radial array arranged as described above. When the machine includes two or more radial arrays stacked vertically on top of each other, adjacent apparatuses may be vertically and/or radially aligned or may be vertically or radially offset from each other, as described in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A machine comprising:

a first apparatus having first package unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location, and a first centerline, wherein the first apparatus is configured to unwind a first strand from a first package in one of the first unwind stations to the first downstream infeed location, and the first strand follows a first overall direction; and

a second apparatus having second package unwind stations, a second downstream infeed location, and a second centerline, wherein the second apparatus is configured to unwind a second strand from a second package in one of the second unwind stations to the second downstream infeed location, and the second strand follows a second overall direction; and

a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the first apparatus and the second apparatus, and which uses the first strand and the second strand in a machine process;

wherein the first centerline and the second centerline are substantially parallel, and the first overall direction is opposite from the second overall direction.

2. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first centerline and the second centerline are completely parallel.

3. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first centerline and the second centerline are completely horizontal.

4. The machine of claim 1, wherein the first centerline is disposed at a first vertical elevation, the second centerline is disposed at a second vertical elevation, and the first vertical elevation is equal to the second vertical elevation.

5. The machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first centerline is disposed at a first elevation, the second centerline is disposed at a second elevation, and the first elevation is greater than the second elevation;

the first apparatus has a first footprint, the second apparatus has a second footprint, and the first footprint overlaps the second footprint; and

the first centerline is horizontally offset from the second centerline.

6. The machine of claim 1, wherein:

one of the first package unwind stations is a first closest package unwind station, which is closest to the second apparatus, and which has a first strand unwind outline with a first overall shape that is substantially conical;

one of the second package unwind stations is a second closest package unwind station, which is closest to the first apparatus, and which has a second strand unwind outline with a second overall shape that is substantially conical; and

a portion of the first overall shape and a portion of the second overall shape are substantially parallel.

7. The machine of claim 6, wherein a portion of the first overall shape and a portion of the second overall shape are completely parallel.

8. The machine of claim 6, wherein the first overall shape is separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or equal to 30 centimeters.

9. The machine of claim 6, wherein:

each of the first package unwind stations is configured to hold a first package with a first maximum diameter;

the first overall shape is separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or equal to the first maximum diameter.

10. The machine of claim 6, wherein:

each of the first package unwind stations is configured to hold a first package with a first maximum diameter;

the first overall shape is separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or equal to half of the first maximum diameter.

11. The machine of claim 1, comprising:

a third apparatus having third package unwind stations, a third downstream infeed location, and a third centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the third downstream infeed location, wherein the third apparatus is configured to unwind a third strand from a third package loaded into one of the third unwind stations to the third downstream infeed location, and the third strand follows a third overall direction; and

a fourth apparatus having fourth package unwind stations, a fourth downstream infeed location, and a fourth centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the fourth downstream infeed location, wherein the fourth apparatus is configured to unwind a fourth strand from a fourth package loaded into one of the fourth unwind stations to the fourth downstream infeed location, and the fourth strand follows a fourth overall direction; and

the downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the third apparatus and the fourth apparatus, and which uses the third strand and the fourth strand in the machine process;

wherein the first, second, third, and fourth centerlines are substantially parallel, and the first and third overall directions are opposite from the second and fourth overall directions.

12. A machine comprising:

a first apparatus having first package unwind stations, a first downstream infeed location, and a first centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the first downstream infeed location, wherein the first apparatus is configured to unwind a first strand from a first package loaded into one of the first unwind stations to the first downstream infeed location, and the first strand follows a first overall direction; and

a second apparatus having second package unwind stations, a second downstream infeed location, and a second centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the second downstream infeed location, wherein the second apparatus is configured to unwind a second strand from a second package loaded into one of the second unwind stations to the second downstream infeed location, and the second strand follows a second overall direction; and

a third apparatus having third package unwind stations, a third downstream infeed location, and a third centerline that is centered on and perpendicular to the third downstream infeed location, wherein the third apparatus is configured to unwind a third strand from a third package loaded into one of the third unwind stations to the third downstream infeed location, and the third strand follows a third overall direction; and

a downstream apparatus, which is downstream from the first apparatus, the second apparatus, and the third apparatus, and which uses the first strand, the second strand, and the third strand in a machine process;

wherein the first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are arranged in a substantially radial array, and the first overall direction, the second overall direction, and the third overall direction are directed inward toward a center of the array.

13. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are arranged in a completely radial array.

14. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first centerline, the second centerline, and the third centerline are completely horizontal.

15. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first centerline is disposed at a first elevation, the second centerline is disposed at a second elevation, the third centerline is disposed at a third elevation, and the first, second, and third elevations are substantially equal.

16. The machine of claim 12, wherein the first apparatus has a first footprint, the second apparatus has a second footprint, the third apparatus has a third footprint, and the first, second, and third footprints do not overlap.

17. The machine of claim 12, wherein:

one of the first package unwind stations is a first closest package unwind station, which is closest to the second apparatus, and which has a first strand unwind outline with a first overall shape that is substantially conical;

one of the second package unwind stations is a second closest package unwind station, which is closest to the first apparatus, and which has a second strand unwind outline with a second overall shape that is substantially conical; and

a portion of the first overall shape and a portion of the second overall shape are substantially parallel.

18. The machine of claim 17, wherein a portion of the first overall shape and a portion of the second overall shape are completely parallel.

19. The machine of claim 17, wherein the first overall shape is separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or equal to 30 centimeters.

20. The machine of claim 17, wherein:

each of the first package unwind stations is configured to hold a first package with a first maximum diameter;

the first overall shape is separated from the second overall shape by an offset distance that is less than or equal to the first maximum diameter.