Abstract: A welding wire package comprising a cylindrical drum with a central axis, multiple layers of looped welding wire defining a wire stack to be paid out, said body having an upper ring shaped surface with an outer cylindrical surface generally covering or overhanging the wire stack and an inner cylindrical surface defining a central bore concentric with the drum axis and a flexible permanent magnet retainer ring on top of the upper ring shaped surface wherein the retainer ring allows welding wire to be paid from under the ring upwardly from the central bore.

Abstract: A wire consumer, such as a bale binder, draws wire from a wire coil on an unreeling device. The entire unreeling device is mounted on a wheel-supported frame, and it comprises a wire loop and an acceleration balancer which is effective when the wire consumer starts to draw wire out from the unreeling device. The wire loop comprises a wheel, which is loaded by a spring, and an air cylinder, which is coupled to the wheel for damping the acceleration of the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying a continuous source of wire includes a base supporting at least first and second sources of wire, a wire joining apparatus adjacent the base configured to weld a first wire from the first source with a second wire from the second source and a swing arm apparatus adjacent the first and second sources of wire. The swing arm apparatus may comprise a swing arm assembly configured to position a source cover over the second source of wire upon depletion of a feed wire in the first source of wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a line for processing an optical fiber having first and second ends, the line comprising a support for receiving a reel with the fiber wounded thereon; a de-winder for unwinding the fiber without substantial rotation of the reel; and a processing station for receiving the optical fiber from said de-winder to perform a processing on a portion of the optical fiber. The invention also relates to a method for writing a grating on a fiber having first and second ends, the fiber being wounded on a first reel and being capable of being wounded on a second reel, the method comprising connecting the first end of the fiber to a circulator; connecting said circulator to a source of light and to a first measurement means; de-winding the fiber from the first reel without rotation of the reel; writing a grating on the fiber with a source of radiation; and measuring reflection spectra of the grating with said first measurement means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed to prepare strand segments of predetermined length for use in a molded concrete product at an assembly facility. The strand segments are loaded into a strand reel (10) having multiple slots. The strand reel is then transported to the mold site. At the mold site, the strand segments can be simultaneously pulled out from the strand reel for placement in the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to feed strand (30) through apertures (214) in bearing plates (60) and bulkheads (202) in a mold (62). A collar (210) can be attached to a rod (208) for limited motion relative thereto, including rotation relative the rod about its elongate axis. The end (96) of the strand (30) is received in a cylindrical receptacle (232) in the collar and the strand can then be used to push the rod, collar and strand through the apertures. A strand feeder rack (56) can be used to simultaneously feed a number of strands.

Abstract: A tube holder on a creel receives a cardboard tube with a yam wound thereabout. The tube holder is preferably equipped with a tube stop at a non-feeding portion of the tube holder and a tube end protector which is preferably connected to the tube holder at a feeding end of the tube holder. The tube end protector is constructed at least partially out of a resilient material wherein the tube is placed over the tube end protector causing it to deflect until the cardboard tube is properly located on the tube holder wherein the tube end protector resumes its normal configuration and protects the line wound about the cardboard tube from any potential defects at the feeding end of the cardboard tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting, and dispensing elongate material, such as wire. The elongate dispensing system includes a reusable, stackable, storage container for having a substantially circular inner channel to contain a coil of elongate material and a dispensing guide having a plurality of interior guide mechanisms through which elongate material is dispensed without tangles or over-spooling. The storage container further includes a fastening system through which the dispensing guide removably engages said container during operation, ergonomic handles, and wire containment recesses which contain the ends of elongate material when the apparatus is not in operation.

Abstract: An over-end takeoff device (OETO) and a method for unwinding elastomeric fiber from a package are provided. The OETO includes a fiber guide spaced apart from the fiber package and disposed at an acute angle between 0° and 30° to the rotational axis of the package.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for decoiling a member disposed within a coil. The coil may be supported within a shipping/storage container.

Abstract: A ring-shaped, thin walled braking body with a circumferentially continuous and conical braking surface in a yarn brake for a yarn feeding device. The braking body is held by a first spring assembly in its outer region in a ring-shaped carrying structure. The braking body is formed as a closed circular ring with the conical braking surface positioned adjacent to the inner diameter. The braking surface is continued by a plurality of outwardly extending lamellas having an arc curvature. The lamellas define the first spring assembly. The outer ends of the spring lamellas are interconnected by a ring element which can be mounted to the carrying structure. In a yarn feeding device equipped with the yarn brake, the carrying structure is supported in an universal joint such that it can tilt relative to the support to all sides.

Abstract: A desoldering wick dispenser includes a conventional wick package in the form of a bowl with a central hub and a flat cover mounted on the hub and having a gap between the edge of the cover and the outer edge of the bowl. A desoldering wick is coiled in the bowl around the hub and an end portion passes through the gap is drawn through a tube so that an end of the wick extends beyond the end of the tube. The wick is manipulated by the tube when used. In an embodiment of combined package and tube, the package has a funnel shaped housing containing a coil of desoldering wick. An end portion of the desoldering wick extends through a tube extending from the center of the housing. The coil of desoldering wick is a spiral having a conical shape approximately complementary to the end of the housing. Alternatively, the coil may be a helically wound spool of wick in a somewhat more elongated tubular housing. The end of the wick extending through the tube is drawn from the center of the coil.

Abstract: A device is provided 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 radially outwardly therefrom and at least partially around the wound wire for containing the wound wire and restraining an innermost spire thereof; and guides 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 guides connected to the body.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the dispensing of wire from a reel of wire positioned within a container. The wire is dispensed from one end of the reel with the other end of the reel sitting on the bottom of the container. The controller has a main body member in the shape of a flat ring sized to rest within the container on the one end of the reel, the ring having concentric, circular, inner and outer edges. Flexible, wire guide flaps are on the inner edge of the ring, the guide flaps extending radially inwardly. Each guide flap has the general shape of a shallow triangle with the apex of the triangle farthest from the ring and the base of the triangle adjacent and integral with the ring.

Abstract: A tensioning device used in pulling off cover films, and a component feed module including the tensioning device, includes a force sensor for measuring a pull-off force applied to the cover film. The force sensor is coupled to a control device, by which the film drive can be controlled to control the pull-off force of the cover film in such a way that the pull-off force is kept substantially constant.

Abstract: The invention provides an over-end take off device (OETO) for unwinding elastomeric fiber. The invention further provides a method for unwinding elastomeric fiber for downstream processing.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to reduce the amount of space and the technical effort required to feed the front end of a wire coil into a wire drawing installation. To achieve this, the arm of the device is formed from a base section and an end section, whereby the end of the base section can pivot around a first pivotal axis and is connected to the base of a rotationally mounted holder and the pivotal axis of the base section runs perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said holder. One end of the end section can pivot around a second pivotal axis and is connected to the other end of the base section. The first and second pivotal axes run parallel to each other. The free end of the end section of the arm supports a head unit that is rotationally mounted around two axes that are located in a normal position to each other. A hook-shaped gripping element and a clamping device which dresses the front end of the wire coil are arranged on said head unit.

Abstract: A wire tensioning device for maintaining tension on a moving wire, especially a wire that is uncoiled over the axial end of a fixed spool of wire. The tensioning device includes a disk mounted at an axial end of a spool of wire. The disk has a plurality of radially extending resistant filaments that protrude beyond the periphery of the axial end of the spool of wire. The filaments engage the wire as it is unwound from the spool over the axial end thereof to apply a resistance to the uncoiling of the wire. A drive shaft powered by a reversible electric motor connects to the disk which motor rapidly responds to changes in resistance applied to the uncoiling wire by the bending or unbending of the filaments. An arm is engaged by the uncoiling wire. The arm is connected to a rotatably mounted axle for movement in a limited arc. A rotor is formed on the axle with the rotor having a lobe. A pair of proximity switches for operating the reversible electric motor in opposite directions of rotation are provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber pay-out system utilizes over-the-end pay-out from a storage spool (34) into a module (38) adjacent the pay-out end of the spool. The module has a freely rotatable capstan (47) affixed thereto over a portion of the surface of which are endless belt (63) is in contact. A nozzle member (42) directs the paid out fiber into the region of belt and surface contact. Height adjusting members (72) are provided for imparting a twist to the fiber in the region by directing the fiber to an off-center position relative to the centerline of contact of the belt and surface of the capstan.

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: The present invention provides a hairiness suppressing device for an automatic winder that can perfectly balloon a spun yarn using a whirling current in a yarn passage. In a hairiness suppressing device (1) comprising a yarn inserting opening (9) that extends and opens in an axial direction of a yarn passage (8) in which a whirling current acts on a spun yarn, a wedge-shaped cover member (29) is provided that can open and close the yarn inserting opening (9). When a swiveling body (26) is swivellably moved to open the cover member (29), the yarn can be introduced into the yarn passage (8) through the yarn inserting opening (9). When the swiveling body (26) is swivellably moved to close the cover member (29), the whirling current in the yarn passage (8) is prevented from leaking from a side of the yarn passage (8).

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having the external appearance of an automobile. The dispenser includes a cavity accessible by inverting the dispenser, which cavity receives a spool of dental floss. The dental floss is then dispensed through an opening in the cavity, which opening exits in the engine compartment of the automobile. The engine compartment may be opened for accessing the dental floss, and then closed after use, so that the floss is not visible to an observer.

Abstract: A system for removing optical fiber from a spool, including a frame adapted to support the spool of optical fiber, and a head adapted to be placed in axial alignment with the spool supported by the frame. The head has an internal passage that extends therethrough which is adapted to receive a portion of the optical fiber to be removed from the spool. The head further has a supply passage that extends through the head to the internal passage. This supply passage is oriented within the head to channel pressurized gas through the supply passage and through the internal passage so as to draw the optical fiber through the head to unravel the optical fiber from the spool.

Abstract: A beaming apparatus that includes a creel and warper head, the creel being positioned adjacent to the warper head, the creel having elastomeric yarn unwinder assemblies which include a guide support that supports rotating guides and stationary wound cakes of elastomeric yarn, a thread guide for orienting the unwound yarn towards the warper head, a front guide and tension bar positioned near the end of the creel, and a pivoting reed positioned before the warper head for orienting the yarn onto a beam are provided.

Abstract: Materials are off-wound from a package by magnetically levitating the package about a centerline, such that the package remains relatively free from rotation; and removing the material from the package in a direction that is approximately parallel to the centerline.

Abstract: To dispense optical fiber, electrical wire, or the like between two desired points, a line dispenser and dispensing method for dispensing a line preliminarily housed inside to the outside of the line dispenser is provided. Particularly, the line dispenser is characterized by provision of a guide member, which is provided between a body portion of a reel and an aperture for dispensing the line to the outside of the line dispenser and which is rotatable about the center axis of the reel. This rotatable guide member enables smooth dispensing of the line.

Abstract: A wire dereeling assembly for the continuous removal of wire from adjacent reels of wire includes a frame assembly positioned above the reels and located substantially perpendicular to a centerline extending through the reel axis of each of the reels and a guide member slidably mounted to the frame member and operable between a first position substantially coaxial with the reel axis of one of the reels and a second position where the guide member is positioned substantially coaxial with the reel axis of the other adjacent reel.

Abstract: An adapter enables a conventional MIG welding machine to successfully use spoked wire wheels on which weld wire is wound. The adapter assembles over a rotatable hub that is also conventional. The adapter has a notch that mates without backlash with a post on the hub, thereby assuring that the hub and adapter rotate together. The adapter also has tabs that engage spokes of the wire wheel without backlash. Accordingly, the wire wheel and hub rotate together without backlash. A frictional drag on the hub is transmitted by the adapter to the wire wheel, so that normal operation of the welding machine does not cause wire wheel coasting and unraveling of the weld wire. The adapter allows field retrofit of existing welding machines so they can use the wire wheel in place of prior wire spools. In a modified embodiment, the adapter is made of two parts that are angularly adjustable relative to each other to enable the adapter to engage the spokes of different wire wheels.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stocking cables and other coilable elements such as, for example, hosepipes, pipes and tubes. A stocking device includes a stocking basket formed by a circular outer wall. An edge of a bottom wall serving as a winding base is disposed against the outer wall. A guide member and a fixed or rotary laying stocking device assist in coiling the element. The laying stocking device angularly leads the element to be coiled from the guide toward the stocking basket. At least one height adjustment mechanism is also provided. The height adjustment mechanism adjusts the height of the laying device in order to insure that there is ample space between a stack of the coilable elements in the stocking basket and the laying device. The height adjustment mechanism may be automatic, manual or self regulating.

Abstract: A self contained bobbin winder including at least one spool rod coupled at an end thereof to a self contained housing. Each rod is adapted to removably insert within an axially aligned aperture formed in a spool of thread. At least one bobbin rod is coupled to the housing. Each bobbin rod is adapted to removably insert within an axially aligned aperture formed in a bobbin for winding thread therearound. At least one motor is adapted to rotate the bobbin upon the activation thereof. Also included is at least one switch coupled between a power source and motor. The switch has a first actuated orientation for providing power to the motors thereby rotating the bobbin rods and a deactivated orientation for precluding power from being supplied thereto. Finally, a cutoff mechanism is included to preclude operation of the device once the bobbin is fully wound with thread.

Abstract: A circular crown shaped pressure disk (1), furnished with, on its external rim, jutting stirrup shaped, flexible elements (2) whose size makes them press on the internal surface of the drum (7) within which the disk is housed. The internal rim of the disk is equipped with winglets (3) and with flexible tabs (5) directed nearly tangentially in respect to the tubular trunk (8), placed at the center of the drum (7). The flexible tabs are for stopping the rise of the bundle of coils so as to impede their knotting and to help guiding the wire, as it is pulled to the outside of the drum and unwound from the bundle.

Abstract: An improved yarn and thread dispenser is disclosed for supplying threaded material in different wound configurations to a user in the process of knitting or crocheting. The present dispenser comprises a base member intended to rest on a level surface near to the user and a circular support plate rotatably connected to the top of the base member by means of a ball-bearing coupling. A cone-shaped member having a coarse outer surface is centrally stationed in a vertical position upon the support plate with an elongated rod coaxially extending therethrough so that the cone-shaped member and rod rotate together with the support plate. The cone-shaped member is specially adapted to engage a variety of wound spools of yarn or like threaded material and holds the spools securely upon its coarse surface while rotating.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with a spooler which is arranged to wind a reel arranged in the spooler when a fibrous or a ribbon-like material is wound off the reel for a treatment process of the fibre or the ribbon or when a fibrous or a ribbon-like material is wound on the reel, for preventing tangling. The arrangement includes a gripping and cutting mechanism that rotates along with the reel and is arranged to catch and cut the fibre or the ribbon that has broken during the process, at the side of the reel, thus preventing uncoiling and tangling of the reel during un-winding, or the whipping movement of the end of the fibre or the ribbon during winding.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispensing wire includes a shuttle system such that the wire may be rapidly and efficiently changed. In addition, improvements are made to the individual dispensing mounting plates and mandrels to facilitate the changing of the coils, and also to ensure smooth flow of the wire off of the coils.

Abstract: A sub-system for controlling the flow of cable pulled from a cable pack by an automatic cable processing machine. The sub-system may include a barrel cap for containing and controlling the outward momentum of the cable over a cable pack such as a barrel and guiding the cable through a passage in the top of the cap. The passage is positioned in line with a center line of the barrel. A variable rate braking system may be positioned over the barrel and adjacent an outer wall of the barrel to control the circular movement of the cable as the cable is unwound from the barrel. A spacer may be positioned to prevent the cable from being pulled towards the center of the barrel or toward the barrel core and so that the cable engages the variable rate braking system. The system prevents cable from overlapping, entangling, knotting and snapping during the automatic processing of the cable for use in wire harnesses.

Abstract: A variable diameter fishing reel fairlead is described The diameter may be varied by provision of a number of rings that are radially nested at a forward flange of a spinning line spool, and that include individual line engaging bearing surfaces. Successive rings can be removed from the spool to progressively expose line engaging bearing surfaces of decreasing diameter as line on the spool diminishes in length.

Abstract: A projectile or gripper shuttle loom includes a weft-yarn delivery device with an overend-unwinding delivery unit that has a stationary, brakeless drum, a withdrawal eye arranged coaxially downstream of the drum and a yarn brake controlled in accordance with the loom cycle. The thread path is enclosed by at least one hollow body extending from the circumferential face of the drum to the withdrawal eye at least in one axially limited segment. The hollow body has on its inner side coaxial to the drum axis a plurality of ballooning, disturbing and braking elements which protrude inwards without touching the drum while forming projections and deposit surfaces for the weft yarn.

Abstract: A wire container 10 includes wire control apparatus 100 mounted at the upper part of an inner core 25 and provided with a plurality of fingers 140 mounted on a ring 110 and diverter apparatus in the form of tie-down wires 120 for preventing the wire from entering into the space between the ring 110 and the core 25. The fingers 140 subtend an arc of slightly greater than 30.degree. and extend into contact with the outer drum member 20 to insure that the wire 35 is forced against the inner surface of the drum as the wire is removed. The stiffness of the fingers 140 is such that the wire cannot by itself uncoil and exit the drum, but it not so stiff that the resistance to wire movement from the drum adversely affects the wire feeding process.

Abstract: A coupled spin-draw process for making a fully-oriented nylon yarn including extruding molten nylon polymer with a selected RV through a spinneret and cooling to produce a yarn. The yarn is withdrawn from the quench zone with a feed roll rotating at a speed of at least 4500 mpm. The process further includes cold drawing followed by relaxing the yarn using a steam intermingling jet and then winding up.

Abstract: Device to control the yarn at the outlet of yarn feeders, particularly antiballoon device for weft yarn feeders of looms, of the type consisting of an element (10) having a substantially frustoconical surface. A plurality of ribs (11) project from the inner wall of said element, substantially extending along the generatrices of its surface.

Abstract: A crane apparatus includes an upstanding mainframe and a boom unit that is supported for rotation on the mainframe through a range of movement of about 500.degree.. The crane is provided with a plurality of fluid transmission lines having first ends fixed relative to the mainframe and second ends fixed relative to the boom unit. An elongated guide tube supports the lines relative to the boom unit and presents a lower end that is spaced radially from the axis of rotation of the boom unit for sweeping the lines along an arcuate path around the axis as the boom unit is rotated, coiling the lines beneath the guide element to inhibit kinking. This management of the lines reduces the amount of twisting per unit length of line and prevents kinking within the range of allowed movement of the boom unit.

Abstract: The thread feeding device has a supporting element for a spool of thread to be fed, and a variable-speed motor having a body connected to the supporting element and an output shaft connected to an arm that is rotatable about the axis of the spool with respect to the spool itself. The arm is provided, proximate to its end that is spaced from the spool axis, with a thread passage so as to perform, as a consequence of its own rotation, the gradual unwinding of the thread from the spool. The device also has an actuation and control element that drives the motor with a speed that can vary according to the tension required for the thread during feeding.

Abstract: A wire dispenser for dispensing coiled wire, such as welding wire, wherein the dispenser uses a wire guiding arm which rotates about the spool upper flange. The wire guide arm is mounted upon a vertical column supported by the spool end flange through a base plate concentrically located upon the spool flange. Selectively usable mounting structure defined on the base plate permits the dispenser to be used with spool end flanges having different sizes of hole dimensions and a cam type locking detent mounted upon the base plate firmly locks the base plate with respect to the spool flange. The wire guiding structure mounted upon the column includes a flexible tube permitting the wire guide to be most efficiently related to various sizes of wire coils and an adjustable arm supporting the flexible tube permits operators of ordinary skill to readily accommodate the dispenser to various sizes of spools.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing wire from a spool, such as welding wire, wherein the spool axis is vertically oriented and the spool includes end flanges confining the wire coil. A rotatable wire dispensing arm is mounted upon a base inserted in a hole within the upper spool flange and a friction brake interposed between the base and arm controls the rate of arm rotation. An extension in the form of a cam is formed upon the base to selectively increase the friction between the base and flange hole to prevent base rotation, and the dispensing arm includes a tube internally reinforced by a coiled wear sleeve while the entrance end of the wear sleeve is provided with a hard, wear resistant ceramic ring to reduce wear.

Abstract: A bobbin thread removing device includes a bobbin rotatably supported on the bobbin thread removing device; pull-out apparatus for pulling out a thread wound on the bobbin; bobbin rotation detecting device for detecting the rotation of the bobbin from which the thread is being removed; and control device receiving a signal from the bobbin rotation detecting devices, for driving the pull-out apparatus to pull the thread out again when the control device detects that the bobbin is not turning in accordance with the signal from the bobbin rotation detecting devices.

Abstract: An auxiliary yarn releasing apparatus which can control the releasing tension of a yarn of a thick yarn number count is proposed. The auxiliary yarn releasing apparatus is constructed such that a cover portion which covers over a substantially entire chase portion of a yarn supply bobbin is provided on a balloon controlling member which is put over a take-up tube as releasing of a yarn of a yarn supply bobbin proceeds.

Abstract: A reel payout system preferably for optical fiber guided tactical weapon tems to dispense a fiber data link or other strand member through a relatively small diameter exit aperture at a cone-shaped end of a housing containing the reel at relatively high velocities, the fiber dispensed from the reel generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the reel normal to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing a mono-filament strand, particularly adaptable r high speed strand dispensing, has an inner guide and an outer guide shaped so as to pay out or dispense the mono-filament strand, such as a fiber optic cable, between two objects moving relative to each other or one object moving relative to the other.The inner and outer guides define cooperating surfaces of revolution, curved surfaces, and points of inflection between straight and curved surfaces that provide for strand pay out in which the strand or fiber does not contact or slide off a bobbin or over the inner guide so as to create bending stresses or angular accelerations that exceed the known physical limits of the strand or fiber material.

Abstract: A circular crown shaped pressure disk (1), furnished with, on its external rim, jutting stirrup shaped, flexible elements (2) whose size makes them press on the internal surface of the drum (7) within which the disk is housed. The internal rim of the disk is equipped with winglets (3) and with flexible tabs (5) directed nearly tangentially in respect to the tubular trunk (8), placed at the center of the drum (7). The flexible tabs are for stopping the rise of the bundle of coils so as to impede their knotting and to help guiding the wire, as it is pulled to the outside of the drum and unwound from the bundle.