Abstract: This invention is embodied in an improved yarn swift that provides integrated storage of all components; smooth and non-tipping rotation when in use; foldable appendages that are secured in their folded position for compact storage; minimized assembly and adjustments needed for use; ability to use on any flat surface as opposed to being clamped to a work-bench edge; and no screw-tightening needed to operate. In this way, the improved yarn swift enables its user to quickly and easily wind a hank of yarn.

Abstract: A wire feeding mechanism includes feeding rollers and a cushioning mechanism. The feeding rollers feed a wire, which is drawn from a wire supply source, along a predetermined feed path. The cushioning mechanism is arranged between the wire supply source and the feeding rollers. The wire has an intermediate portion that extends from the wire supply source to the feeding rollers. The cushioning mechanism applies tension to the intermediate portion while the length of the intermediate portion is changing.

Abstract: An universal mounting system for mounting a projector or other device to a surface. The mounting system comprises a base configured to operatively connect to the mounting surface. The base includes a periphery continuously disposed about the base and proximate an intermediate portion of the base. At least one arm assembly is operatively connectable at any point along the entirety of the periphery. The at least one arm assembly includes at least one connection portion selectively locatable in relation to the periphery and adapted to operatively connect to a coupling location disposed on the projector.

Abstract: A collapsible reel for storing wound items is preferably transported in a first or collapsed state and subsequently assembled or deployed into an operative, second state. First and second sidewalls having a first thickness are pulled apart to a second operative position. Arm portions form a central core around which the media is wrapped, and sidewall portions are disposed at one end of select arm portions to provide additional sidewall thickness to the final assembly.

Abstract: A yarn dispensing device has a pole. A base member is attached to a bottom section of the pole. A plurality of rod members is attached to a top section of the pole. At least one skein holder is removable coupled to one of the rod members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing one or more yarn sources are disclosed. Namely, several embodiments of containers are disclosed, in which the container can be custom-configured to dispense yarn from one or more yarn sources with reduced tangling or knotting.

Abstract: A method for winding a skein-shaped windable product onto a spool formed of two spool halves (12, 14) which converge conically towards a middle radial plane (10) with two flange discs (16, 18) at the outer ends, includes the steps of rotating the spool about its central axis during the winding process, and feeding the windable product by a guide that moves along the length of the spool. There is further step of winding the windable product in layers substantially parallel to the lower conical surface up to the top conical surface, and the winding layers end respectively in a cylindrical surface connecting the circumference of the two flange discs (16, 18).

Abstract: A yarn unwinding device is disclosed that consist of a base having a central raised portion there that has an upstanding central rod embedded therein. A hollow crochet spindle is rotatably received over the upstanding rod. The crochet needle has a pointed top and has a circular flange located at the bottom. In addition, there is a wider circular washer received over the needle and rests on the bottom flange. A skein of wound yarn is received over the top of the needle and rests on the circular washer at the bottom of the needle. The yarn is withdrawn laterally from the skein with only a limited resistance while unwinding during the process of knitting, embroidering or crocheting.

Abstract: A wire roll dispenser apparatus utilizing a base member having a surface contacting foundation. The base member also includes a platform element which extends outwardly from the foundation member. A plate of a certain in mass and engages a plurality of projections which span the plate and the surface element. The plate and surface element form space for a wire roll which is unrolled for use.

Abstract: The device for the formation of skeined sections on thin metallic wires is of the type in which the wire to be skeined extends from an inlet point (9) to an anchor point (15) and is placed under traction by a wire-tightening device (2). A branch of said wire emerging from said anchor point is sent to a wire-tightening device (8) controlled by an electronic control system which controls the skeining operation. The wire-tightener being present the following parts: a pulley (28) connected to an electromagnetic brake (29) with electromagnetic hysteresis; a second pulley (27) located above the first pulley (28) sensitive to the load bearing and sending a signal signifying the load to the control system which regulates the braking action of the brake.

Abstract: A skein support bow includes an elongated solid main section made of flexible material and has a length approximately equal to the length of a skein to be mounted thereon. Double hook members are located at each end of the elongated main section for engaging a corresponding loop end of the skein. An excrescence is integrally appending from the main section and forms a label hanger for receiving a label after the label is removed from the skein thereby making information on the label available after the skein is mounted to the bow.

Abstract: A wire uncoiler for holding coils of wire on mandrels for uncoiling and drawing by a downstream wire drawing machine. The movable restraining arm of each mandrel is biased by a spring mechanism to control wire payoff to the downstream drawing machine. The spring mechanism can be manually adjusted by a crank handle to control the tension in the spring and therefore the amount of restraining force applied by the restraining arm. The manual adjustment can be done while the wire drawing machine is actively drawing wire from the mandrel.

Abstract: A wire spooler/distributor for dispensing electrical wire during the installation of electrical wiring at a construction site. The wire distributor of the present invention is lightweight and portable and easy to transport from one location to another. The wire spooler distributes electrical wire from a suspended location at the construction site. The wire spooler/distributor has a rotating central shaft with a plurality of retractable spokes defining a conical frame about which a coil of wire may be spooled.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing yarn from a skein for knitting and crocheting includes a base, a support, and a spool which carries the yarn. The spool includes a hollow elongated tube which is positioned over the support. In one embodiment, the support has a tapered upper end and the upper end of the elongated tube is closed. So positioned, the spool rotates about the support as yarn is drawn by the user. The spool also includes a platform near the lower end for holding a skein of yarn. The components are sized such that the spool has sufficient length to accommodate skeins of varying lengths. The overall length of the support is at least slightly longer than the overall length of the spool. In a preferred embodiment, the support is removable to allow varying support and spool combinations to be used if desired. The invention presents an apparatus which is easy and convenient to use and which provides for the tangle free delivery of yarn as needed by the user.

Abstract: Skein support bow having a length approximately identical to that of the skein, having the shape of a strip made of flexible material and including two ends, wherein each of said ends terminates in a double hook for housing a loop of the said skein, the said strip including an excrescence, in its central part, of dimensions such that it can take a label on which a reference of the said skein is indicated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a wound wire that is relatively stiff such as electrical wires, cables or similar. According to a first aspect of the invention, the device comprises a shaft; a hub rotatively mounted around the shaft, the hub comprising a central core and a plurality of arms extending radialy outwardly therefrom and at least partially around the wound wire for containing the wound wire and restraining an innermost spire thereof; and guiding means connected to the shaft for guiding the wire extending from the innermost spire as a free end of the spire is being pulled. According to another aspect of the invention, the device comprises a shaft, a body rotatively mounted on the shaft, a hub mounted around the shaft, and guiding means connected to the body.

Abstract: A yarn package holder wherein a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades are pivotally connected to a pair of axially spaced discs adapted to be connected to the creel of a textile machine. A detent assembly is provided between the blades and discs so that the blades can be pivoted and fixed at a desired radial position relative to the discs for supporting yarn package tubes of different diameters. The blades are rigidly held against the inside surface of the yarn package tube.

Abstract: A yarn storage container 10 including a generally rectangular container member 20 divided into an upper 28 and lower 29 main compartment which are further divided by permanent 30 and removable 31 partitions into enlarged sub-compartments 40 and smaller compartments 41, 42 respectively provided with spaced rows of apertures 34, 35 for dispensing strands of yarn 100 from the respective compartments 40, 41, 42.

Abstract: A strand winder has three individual component pieces joined together at right angles by cooperating metal inserts and magnet inserts. Once assembled, the strand winding apparatus provides four arms for winding skeins of yarn, in preparation for knitting. In addition, an optional carrying case stores and transports the various components of the strand winder. The strand winder transportable, easily disassembled, and convenient to use in many situations where other, more conventional yarn-winding devices are cumbersome and bulky.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a memory which enables the apparatus to return to its manufactured form following the mounting of the embroidery floss skein. The apparatus length is perfectly suited for the mounting of the embroidery floss skein in it's retail form. The apparatus contains two projections on which the looped ends of the embroidery floss skein are placed thereby eliminating the need to disassemble the embroidery floss skein for manual wrapping around the storage unit. The apparatus contains slots designed to, store the endings of the embroidery floss skeins thereby preventing unraveling of the floss. The apparatus contains slots at the top and which are designed to store the embroidery floss which has been cut and separated from the main part of the embroidery floss skein.

Abstract: A releasable cable holder assembly including pairs of pawl devices mounted on the winding wheel of a winding machine for winding a cable, and a knock-out control mechanism controlled to release the pawl devices from the finished winding of cable, wherein each pawl device includes a front holder plate and a rear holder plate fastened in an elongated slot on the winding wheel at two opposite sides, a spring-supported pawl fastened to a respective L-shaped through hole on each holder plate, and two wheels mounted in the L-shaped through holes of the holder plates at different elevations and disposed in contact with the spring-supported pawl at two opposite sides for guiding the pawl into a tilted position to release the winding of cable when the pawl devices are forced forwards by the knock-out control mechanism.

Abstract: A yarn caddy including a generally tubular body for holding a sequence of skeins, the body having an open top end and an open bottom end; a rigid end cap removably sealing the bottom end of the body and with the end cap openable for allowing access within the body for loading and unloading skeins; and a lid hingeably coupled to the body for removably sealing the top end thereof and with the lid having a bore disposed therethrough for slidably receiving a strand from a skein.

Abstract: A winding device comprised of parallel spaced supporting bodies on which an elongated flexible material is helically wound in a single layer. The bodies are interconnected by a folding mechanism, whereby the bodies can be axially displaced to reduce the distance therebetween and thereby reduce the length of one axis of the wound material while retaining the length of the other axis to permit transportation thereof in appropriately sized containers.

Abstract: A reel for winding up and paying out strands of wire comprising a frame having a central hub and four spoke-like arms extending radially from the hub and supporting a U-shaped wire strand nesting member at their outer end. At least two of the U-shaped members are pivotally connected for movement in a lateral direction, normal to the plane of the arms, for releasing and receiving a coil of wire. A pair of handles project in axial alignment from opposing sides of the hub normal to the plane of the arms.

Abstract: A differential diametrical reeling machine wherein cylindrical or conical hanks are formed from spools of yarn on a rotating reel, the yarn being guided by a rotating or reciprocating guide for distributing it on the reel, a lifting-guide being provided along the path travelled by the yarn, characterized in that the lifting-guide has an active cross-section, which is variable and disposed at the optimum distance from the thread-guide and the reel.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping a thread in a reeling machine having a reeling cage which is rotatably mounted on the machine frame and comprises bars extending parallel to the axis of rotation thereof, and a thread laying device which is displaceable on the machine frame, for changing laying of an incoming thread in rope form on the bars of the reeling cage, wherein at least one bar of the reeling cage is provided with a strip-like-first brush for clamping a thread between its bristles, and a thread receiver which is displaceable backwards and forwards on the machine frame transversely to the axis of rotation of the reeling cage supports a similar second brush, and wherein a certain thread length can be pulled out by means of an arm which is pivotally mounted on the thread receiver between the second brush advanced together with the thread receiver and the thread laying device, which thread length, after the thread has been severed, the finished rope has been removed and the thread receiver has returned, hangs in the

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus and method for preparing a continuous, hollow, and semipermeable filament for use in a dialyzer which includes a plurality of substantially-equal-length open-ended fibers.The apparatus includes a body having a supply spool of filament and a take-up reel having at least two radially-spaced support means about which the filament is wound. Drive means rotate the take-up reel and a filament guide is provided for laterally positioning the filament on the support member so as to prevent close packing of the filament windings. The take-up reel includes a winding plate for carrying the filament support means and hub-and-locking means for releasably mounting the winding plate on the machine.The method includes winding the filament from the spool onto the take-up reel; grasping each of the sections of filament between the support means; and cutting the filament adjacent the support means so as to form a plurality of bundles of open-ended fibers for use in a hollow fiber dialyzer.

Abstract: A knitting and crocheting aid is described for use when two or more strands of yarn or thread are to be knitted or crocheted together. The device includes an upwardly open container. The container is mounted to a base for rotational movement about a vertical axis. A foot treadle is included that actuates a drive mechanism in the base for rotating the container in a clockwise motion about the vertical axis. Several skeins of thread or yarn are held within the container with their loose ends protruding upwardly through a flexible fabric covering at the top of the container. When the strands become twisted together due to the knitting or crocheting action, the treadle may be operated to turn the container and the skeins held therein to untwist the yarn. The flexible covering includes a drawstring that enables opening and closing of the covering to allow access to the container interior and to enable closure of the cover against strands of the skeins protruding from the container.