Abstract: A fid is made of separate components that can be easily assembled and disassembled by the user. In this manner the fid components can be easily stored or transported and then assembled when needed to create a fid of sufficient length to splice a synthetic rope or other types of rope. The fid includes an elongate shaft or needle with a first that tapers to a point. The opposing end of the shaft may be machined to form a connection structure. A coupler may have an elongate form with two opposing ends along a center axis. One end of the coupler removable attaches to the needle at the connection structure. The second end of the coupler permanently attaches to a rope holder, which may take the form of a cylindrical, helically wound braid of thin wire cable forming a wire basket.

Abstract: A drawstring recovery and restringing device that includes a leading edge, a flexible cylindrical mid-portion and a grab scoop member. The device may be used in various methods of restringing drawstrings through articles having a drawstring channel, including securing a drawstring end within the device's grab scoop member, inserting the leading edge of the device into a drawstring channel of an article, pushing the device through the drawstring channel until the leading edge protrudes from the other end of the drawstring channel and pulling the leading edge of the device until the entire device exits the drawstring channel. The device may also be used to recover a drawstring that is fully enclosed in a drawstring channel, by feeding the grab scoop member of the device into the drawstring channel, placing the drawstring within the grab scoop member, and pulling the leading edge of the device through the drawstring channel.

Abstract: A spliced rope apparatus and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The apparatus has a first rope including a first plurality of strands and a second rope including a second plurality of strands. The apparatus also has a splice connecting the ropes and defined by the first and second pluralities of strands. The splice has a spiral section including a first pair having strands of the first plurality of strands that are positioned proximate each other. The first pair extends helically and the strands of the first pair together pass under a plurality of picks defined by the second plurality of strands and together pass over a remainder of the second plurality of strands. The splice also has a tuck section in which at least some of the first plurality of strands extend longitudinally to pass under and over sequential picks defined by the second plurality of strands.

Abstract: A fid apparatus includes a first channel formed along one side of the fid and a second channel formed along an opposite side of the fid. The fid further includes an aperture that passes completely through both the first channel and the second channel. This arrangement enables the fid to be able to grasp or clutch a segment of rope during a splicing process. The splicing process involves a method of using the fid apparatus in such a way that the segment of rope is arranged within the first channel, second channel, and aperture of the fid prior to commencing splicing processes. The segment of rope used is determined by the particular form of splicing that is implemented.

Abstract: A fid apparatus includes a first channel formed along one side of the fid and a second channel formed along an opposite side of the fid. The fid further includes an aperture that passes completely through both the first channel and the second channel. This arrangement enables the fid to be able to grasp or clutch a segment of rope during a splicing process. The splicing process involves a method of using the fid apparatus in such a way that the segment of rope is arranged within the first channel, second channel, and aperture of the fid prior to commencing splicing processes. The segment of rope used is determined by the particular form of splicing that is implemented.

Abstract: Woven products using combined materials are provided. An intermittent weaving splicer terminates and combines materials having different functional and/or aesthetic properties to create woven products that reflect the different properties of the combined material. Further, a dynamic tensioner variably adjusts tension on the combined materials based on the different properties of the combined material.

Abstract: A synthetic fiber rope with coupling element for transmitting an adjustment force to an adjustable part to be connected to the rope via the coupling element is provided. The coupling element is attached to the rope as an element separate from the rope. The coupling element at least partly engages in the interior of the rope and there engages behind rope components made of synthetic fibers, wherein the coupling element completely reaches through the rope transverse to its local direction of extension and protrudes beyond the outer surface of the rope. A base of the coupling element resting against the outer surface of the rope and extending along a portion of the outer surface of the rope. A succeeding component is attached to the coupling element in that it is press-fitted with the coupling element, such that material of the succeeding component is deformed and rope components being compacted in the region of the coupling element.

Abstract: A spliced fiber tow (40) having a uniform density along its entire length is provided. The spliced fiber tow is manufactured by rarefying the ends (22, 32) of the two fiber tow segments to be joined, aligning the rarefied regions (26, 36) and then applying pressurized gas to entangle the filaments in the rarefied regions. An apparatus (50) for forming the spliced fiber tow includes a pair of rarefying blades (86, 92) and an entanglement element (58).

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a spliced yarn includes a yarn conduction member with an intermingling jet disposed forwardly thereof. The yarn conduction member has respective yarn conduction channels through which the first and second yarns are conveyed to the intermingling jet. The yarn conduction member has a first and second knife blade disposed adjacent to one of the yarn conduction channels. The first and second knives are insertable into and retractable from the channel to which they are adjacent. In the inserted position the passage in the knife aligns with the channel into which it is inserted, while in the retracted position the solid portion of the blade interdicts the passage to prevent movement of a yarn therethrough.

Abstract: Two flat fiber bundles of non-twisted filaments are arranged in an overlapped relationship or in a parallel and adjoining relationship, and held by a gripper at two points spaced apart from each other in the filament-extending direction. Compressed air is injected from a nozzle to the overlapped portion of the fiber bundles between the holding points at a plurality of positions arranged in the direction transverse to the filament-extending direction to cause the adjacent filaments to be entangled. The nozzle is moved across the fiber bundles while injecting air. Filaments are thus opened and rotated by the injected air, and thus entangled. A fiber bundle joining apparatus includes support sections and a receiving section provided in a base, a gripper cooperating with the support sections to grip overlapped ends of fiber bundles therebetween, a nozzle, and a regulating member to temporarily hold the fiber bundles and to allow the lower fiber bundle to be slackened.

Abstract: A continuous precursor fiber bundle for manufacture of carbon fibers comprising a plurality of precursor fiber bundles each of which comprises at least 30,000 filaments, having a joined portion formed by joining at the terminal end of one of the precursor fiber bundles and the starting end of another one of the fiber bundles directly or through an intervening fiber bundle comprising a plurality of filaments, wherein the individual filaments at the joined portion are substantially uniformly interlaced with each other and wherein the interlacing of filaments is in a pattern selected from the group consisting of continuous substantially uniform interlacing in the transverse direction of said fiber bundles, interlacing at many joints on the joining portion, and interlacing of the entire face of said joining portion.

Abstract: A method for the pneumatic splicing of threads or yarns containing an elastomer comprises, in sequence, at least the following phases: introduction in a splicing chamber (11), belonging to a splicing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c), of the ends of the threads (12, 15) to be spliced together; a first input of one or more jets of compressed air into the splicing chamber (11) to perform a first interlacing of the threads (12, 15); cutting of the ends of the threads (12, 15), with scissors (18, 19), after the first input of air; a second input of one or more jets of compressed air into the splicing chamber (11) to complete the splicing of the cut ends of the threads (12, 15) and release of the spliced thread with the return of all the parts of the splicing device (10, 10a, 10b, 10c) to their original position.

Abstract: A device (10, 10′) for the splicing of textile threads using compressed air and liquid, which includes a casing on which is assembled a splicing head in which is made a mixing chamber (11), at least one feed duct of air with added liquid which leads into the chamber (11), a valve which is controlled by the immission of compressed air and means to add the liquid to the compressed air before its immission into the chamber (11). The splicing head, with its chamber, is set in an isolated tank from which extends at least one channel for the discharge to the outside of the compressed air with added liquid device. The device (10, 10′) has means for creating suction in the water discharge channel or channels (15, 16, 22, 23). In addition, the object of the present invention is a process for the splicing of textile threads using compressed air and liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for splicing selected portions of sliver such as during yarn formation and processing. The apparatus preferably includes a needle carrying member having a plurality of needles to engage sliver when positioned adjacent thereto and a needle engaging member positioned to underlie the needle carrying member and to receive the plurality of needles from the first needle carrying member. The apparatus also preferably includes a hand-activated needle actuation device connected to the needle carrying member and the needle engaging member to position the needle carrying member in an open position to allow sliver to be spliced to be readily positioned therebetween and responsive to closing at least portions of the hand of a user for actuating the engaging of the needle carrying member with the sliver and the needle engaging member so that the engaging of plurality of needles of the needle carrying member with the needle engaging member thereby defines a closed position.

Abstract: A piecing device with an evaluation arrangement for determining parameters of an automatic piecing process at a spinning station (1) of an open-end spinning frame, wherein a control device is provided which, initially in a test phase, controls the creation of at least one test piecing without a supplementary delivery of additional fiber and the subsequent removal of the created test piecing. The evaluation device is designed for determining the length of a thinner extent of the test piecing downstream of the test piecing as viewed in the direction of yarn travel, and for the determination from the detected length of the thinner extent an amount of supplementary delivery of additional fiber required for compensating the thinner extent. A reduction of the draft which is effective during the test phase assures an interference-free checking of the test piecing. The optimization phase for piecings is shortened and leads to a more accurate result when determining the supplementary delivery of additional fiber.

Abstract: A hand-held pneumatic yarn splicing device has a splicing chamber into which a pair of yarn ends to be spliced together may be placed, the chamber having at least one air inlet extending into the chamber for directing air from a high pressure source external of the device into the chamber. The chamber is interchangeable with other chambers and has a pair of projections extending from the wall of the chamber to break up the twist of highly twisted and heat set yarns which are to be spliced together by the action of the high pressure air. The chamber is cylindrical and has a center axial bore and the projections extend radially from the inner wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A device for preparing a thread end for splicing with an apparatus for the knotless pneumatic splicing of textile threads and yarns comprises a small tube for treating the thread end which is open at its opposite ends and suitable for receiving the end of the thread to be treated in correspondence with a peripheral point of its inlet end, and, at a distance from and opposite the said inlet end of the small tube, a circular nozzle for blowing a jet of pressurized fluid which is aligned with the said small tube and may be connected to a source of compressed fluid, the said nozzle having the end from which the jet of fluid emerges cut obliquely with respect to its axis so as to form an elliptical aperture and being mounted in rotatably adjustable manner about its axis with the elliptical outlet aperture of the jet of fluid facing towards the peripheral point of the inlet end of the small tube in correspondence with which the latter receives the thread end to be treated.

Abstract: A pneumatic yarn splicer comprises a splicer body which defines a splicing chamber in which yarns to be spliced are disposed. The chamber has an open side and open ends, with an enlarged section therebetween. A pad is provided for closing the open side of the chamber, and a port in the chamber wall normally substantially opposite the open side, provides for delivery of an air blast to splice yarns in the chamber. A restrictor plate is fitted at one end of the body to partially close an open end of the chamber.

Abstract: A yarn splicing device and method provides for overlapping yarn ends from different spools or packages of yarn to form a smooth, continuous splice. The device allows the operator to place the different yarn ends in a pair of clamps that are separated by a pneumatic commingling jet. After the yarn is clamped into place the yarn ends, which consist of multi-filament yarns, are pneumatically commingled and thereafter the clamps are rotated in opposite directions from the commingling jet to stretch the splice junction to reduce the diameter thereof. Thereafter the clamps release the spliced yarn so it is available for removal and further processing such as texturizing. The splicing method described provides a fast, efficient method which provides for uniform yarn diameter which does not slow or obstruct other yarn processing steps by snagging or breaking at the splice junction.

Abstract: A cabled yarn untwister untwists cabled yarn to obtain yarn components. The cabled yarn untwister includes an untwister frame that is rotated by a motorized drive unit (e.g., a hand-held electric drill). The untwister frame is preferably substantially T-shaped and includes a connector leg forming the base of the T-shape and a cross-wise extending yarn attatchment arm. The yarn components are attached to swivels disposed at opposing ends of the yarn attachment arm after which the untwister frame is rotated by the motorized drive unit while maintaining the cabled yarn under tension. Rotation of the untwister frame, in turn, causes the opposing ends of the yarn attachment arm to move in a generally circular orbital path and thereby untwist the individual yarn components of the cabled yarn.

Abstract: A utility loop includes a loop of fiber which forms the loop core. The loop of fiber is made from a thread wrapped into a plurality of loops. The two loose ends of the thread can then optionally be tied together to form the loop of fiber. The outer loop cover of the utility loop is a tube of braided material, which surrounds loop of fiber. The tube of braided material has a tube axis running along a length of the tube of braided material. The tube of braided material includes a relatively small number of relatively large-diameter monofilament fibers, which are braided together in a tubular form. All of the relatively large-diameter mono-filament fibers are oriented to form acute angles with the tube axis. The two loose ends of the tube of braided material are connected together to form the utility loop. Specifically, a first opposing end of the tube of braided material is slipped over a second opposing end of the tube of braided material to thereby form an overlap.

Abstract: Each of two risers is composed of a number of braided cords that are woven together. Each cord of one of the risers has a slit located where the two risers converge. Each slit provides communication with a concentric cavity in that cord. Each opposing cord for the other riser is inserted through the slit and has a section which lies in the cavity. When tension is applied, the braided cord enclosing the cavity radially constricts and the friction of the cavity walls holds the enclosed cord section in the cavity. The cords enclosing cavities continue on to become suspension lines connected to the parachute canopy. In one embodiment, each cord lying inside another terminates inside the cavity. Alternatively, the cord lying inside the cavity exits the cavity through a second slit and continues on to become another extension line. To connect the risers to an article to be decelerated by the parachute, the cords for both risers have slits near their ends. Each slit communicates with a concentric cavity.

Abstract: A method of using an apparatus for unwrapping tangled, high voltage subconductors. The apparatus includes sheaves that hold each subconductor. Each subconductor is disposed in a gap between an upper and lower sheave. The invention can accommodate either two parallel subconductors, three subconductors arranged in a triangular formation, or a quad or rectangular arrangement. Once installed on the subconductors, the device is moved along the line so as to unwrap the subconductors.

Abstract: A splicing apparatus and method for splicing rope, which apparatus includes a wheeled frame fitted with a splicing plate having upward-standing, spaced rope clamps for receiving and clamping rope segments to be spliced. In a preferred embodiment, a vise is also mounted on the splicing plate for removably receiving a dowel clamp which clamps one end of a dowel on the splicing plate, with the other end of the dowel supported by a cylindrical dowel keeper. A dowel is stabilized in the dowel clamp and dowel keeper and is designed to receive a length of rubber sleeve. The dowel keeper further receives a plastic cylinder or transfer tube inserted on one end of the dowel through the dowel keeper, adjacent to the rubber sleeve to facilitate rolling the rubber sleeve on the transfer tube as a rubber "donut" sleeve.

Abstract: A portable cable splicing stand comprises a longitudinally elongated base frame arranged to be supported above a ground surface as by removable leg members. A pair of adjustably spaced apart upright members extend vertically from the base frame, and each supports a chain vise arranged to receive and clamp between them a desired length of cable to be spliced. One of the chain vises is mounted on the frame for rotation about the axis of the cable so that with a cable clamped by the vises, rotation of the one vise in the direction opposite the windings of the cable untwists the cable between the vises and opens spaces between the individual strands so that the terminal ends of individual cable strands may be woven therethrough easily and without significant effort. A ratchet assembly engages the rotatable vise mount to releasably lock the assembly against reverse rotation of the vise when the cable is in tensioned condition.

Abstract: In a device for the knotless joining of threads and yarns using compressed air, a chamber is provided including central region of substantially U or V cross-section, possibly with a flat base, and two lateral regions of substantially circular cross-section. The slits of the three regions, through which the yarns to be joined are inserted, form a continuous common gap which is closable frontally by a cover. A nozzle opens into the base of the central region in a direction perpendicular to the frontal opening of the slit of said central region, and a nozzle opens into the base of each lateral region opposite the frontal opening of the relative slit in a direction substantially tangential to the circular cross-section, these latter two nozzles being in opposing positions and feedable with compressed air via a duct which is separate from the feed duct for the nozzle opening into the central region.

Abstract: In a method for connecting two yarn ends to one another, each yarn end is held at two longitudinally spaced apart points and an axial untwisting is introduced. These two untwisted ends are then joined together head to tail by gripping the central portion. There is next induced in the untwisted portion of each end between the central gripped portion and the respective yarn holding point by means of which the untwisting was induced, an axial excess untwisting with simultaneous winding of the free fibre ends about the portion subjected to excess untwist. The twist is retransferred by releasing the central portion during this operation.

Abstract: A line splicing machine comprised of an elongate tubular fid, a removable tip and wire snare slidably disposed within the fid are disclosed. The tip has a shank which nests in the fid's forward end, the shank having a slot for receipt of the wire snare. The wire snare is biased in a rearward direction to hold either the tip, or the end of a line to be spliced, against the fid's forward end. In one embodiment, the mechanism for biasing the wire snare rearward comprises a spring-biased, over-center flop handle. In another, the biasing mechanism is a pivoting arm having a sliding collar thereon, the collar inhibiting the arm's motion when settled against a toothed protrusion. An embodiment with interchangeable sized fids, and a fid adaptor sleeve having a conical end and a concave end for increasing the size of line able to be spliced with a given fid size, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for joining textile yarns by compressed air in which the joining head comprises a longitudinal chamber divided into two parts by a transverse central fissure, at least one air nozzle opening into each of said parts, that nozzle opening into one part creating an air swirl in one direction of rotation and that nozzle opening into the other part creating an oppositely directed air swirl, the air swirls being in the direction of the original twist of the yarns to be joined. In the transverse central fissure there is disposed a separator baffle provided with a yarn positioning region, the baffle physically separating the two parts of the chamber while leaving a central air vent free. To increase the air quantity discharged through the vent, a transverse fissure can also be provided in the cover which frontally closes the chamber during the joining operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for splicing the tow ends of man-made fiber tows, including a pair of jet carriers having oppositely directed pairs of jets to which compressed air can be supplied, whereby the connection of tow ends introduced between the pair of jet carriers is effected by aerodynamic turbulence. In order to enable an automatic splicing procedure, the pair of jet carriers is disposed on a jet carrier transport device that is movable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal orientation of the fiber tows. In addition, a cutting mechanism is provided that is movable parallel to the jet carrier transport device and cuts off projecting fiber ends after completion of splicing. A holding device having holders fixes the tow ends in position.

Abstract: The invention provides a rope splicing apparatus having an elongated tool portion including a main portion, a tip portion and a transitional portion. The main portion comprises a pair of straight and parallel main rod portions which are spaced apart at a main portion width along the length thereof. The tip portion comprises a generally U-shaped rod portion having a bend portion and leg portions which are spaced apart at a width narrower than the main portion width. The transitional portion has a pair of short rod portions flaring outwardly from the tip portion to interconnect the main rod portion to form a unitary tool. The tip portion is of a size which can penetrate strands of a single or dual braid rope to draw portions of the rope therethrough. The apparatus is used to practice a method of splicing such ropes to form eye splices, and marriage splices, with less difficulty than using conventional fids.

Abstract: In order to spread optical fibers emerging from an end of cable and to firmly attach the cable end with ends of protective jackets in which the spread fibers are strung, the following steps are performed by means a spreading device including mainly a grooved hollow distributor. The distributor is fastened to a sawn off end of a grooved elongated ring in the cable by pinching a central armature emerging from the cable, by jaws housed in the distributor. A split ring is strung around a grooved revolution portion of the distributor. For each fiber, a longitudinal slot of the split ring and a respective groove of the revolution portion are superposed, the end of the jacket of the fiber is entered into the groove through the slot, and the jacket is forced into the groove by partially rotating the split ring so as to superpose the slot and another distributor groove.

Abstract: An embodiment assembly for the impregnation of a continuous length of fibers comprises a convex surface and a non-convex surface over which the length of fibers is drawn under tension. The pressure of impingement on the surfaces alternately separates and consolidates the fibers in sequence during their impregnation with the resin, to obtain a complete and homogeneous impregnation.

Abstract: To improve the re-piecing operation, especially in terms of its success rate, at high spinning speeds, the free thread end cut to the length of a piecable end and retained after cutting the length is exposed to a turbulent air flow which causes it to execute whiplash-like oscillations. The surface of the thread end is thereby roughened. The thread end prepared in this way is subsequently transferred to the fiber-collecting surface of the open-end spinning apparatus. The roughening of the surface of the free thread end is accelerated when the end is whipped against an edge-like projection or a rough surface.

Abstract: Separate strands of embroidery floss are separated by drawing a bundle of strands of the floss through a slot and then separating individual strands which have passed through the slot and threading them through different non-aligned, spaced-apart slots by providing a tension on the downstream strands sufficient to pull them through the various slots.

Abstract: A needle device for finishing and splicing lines or cordage consists essentially of a unitary member of substantially cylindrical configuration having a tapered front end, a tubular middle portion for receiving a strand end and a substantially tubular rear portion. The rear portion includes an elongated lateral opening and an integral hook internal thereof opposite the opening. The tip of the hook is spaced a distance from the middle portion sufficient to permit insertion of the strand into the middle portion. The strand may also be inserted laterally into the rear portion into engagement with the hook.

Abstract: A device and method are shown for splicing a rope of the type made up of multiple strands. A frame is adapted to receive a length of rope to be spliced. A flexible cable extending between sides of the frame secures the rope within the frame. A fluid actuated piston-cylinder and cable-pulley arrangement cooperate to provide an upwardly biasing force to bias a selected strand of the rope outwardly from the remaining rope strands secured within the frame. The user of the device can then pass a strand free end through the opening to effect a splice.

Abstract: A marine rigging apparatus for splicing new wire cable of the type having twisted wire strands to a portion of worn wire cable taken from a rotatable drum on a fishing vessel docked or moored adjacent a dock, said apparatus including a motor vehicle having a base mounted thereon, at least one bearing mounted on the base, at least one drum rotatably supported by the bearing, a hydraulic motor operatively connected to the drum for rotating the drum to wind the worn cable onto the drum, a rigger's vise mounted on the base for clamping portions of cables to be spliced with the cables being restrained against rotation about the axes of the cables, and a twister device mounted on the base for rotating one of the cables in a direction opposed its natural twist to relieve the tension in the strands of the cable at a desired location on the cable to permit an efficient and quick splicing of the other cable to the twisted cable.

Abstract: A splicing tool in the form of a fid structure designed primarily for splicing portions of a braided rope wherein the fid structure includes an outer casing having a substantially inner hollow portion in which a plug element is mounted. A grasping assembly in the form of a shaft and a grasp element attached thereto serves to fixedly engage one end of the rope portion being spliced wherein the grasping assembly is movable into and out of the interior of said fid in such a manner as to draw the grasp element into penetration with the connected end of the rope portion and maintain the rope portion in fixed engagement therewith due to the interior disposition of the grasp element within the fid structure.

Abstract: A device for splicing rope having a hard terminal end such as formed by melt cutting, comprising a hollow conical fid having an open slot along one face thereof, said slot decreasing in width along a major extent of such fid from the base to the apex thereof, said fid adapted to pierce and form an initial opening in a running length of said rope. A downwardly extending, generally flat tapered blade is adapted to be received in said slot for forcing said rope downwardly on the fid so as to progressively expand such opening so that a hardened end thereof may be passed therethrough and received by the slot. When the rope is upwardly removed from the fid, the narrowing taper of the slot wedges the hardened end therein, thus preventing its upward movement and thus enabling relative movement between the rope end and the running length thereof so as to result in automatic threading of the rope end through the opening to form a splice therein.

Abstract: In a device for filling the interstices of the multi-stranded core of a cable, a die freely rotatable about an axis and having a plurality of passages opening from each end of the die, the passages being arranged in a cylindrical locus about the rotational axis of the die. The device itself consists of a housing defining a chamber holding filler material through which the core passes, one end of the housing being closed by the die and the other end of the housing having an aperture axially aligned with the die.