Abstract: A self-compensating tension control device for regulating the withdrawal of filamentary material from a spool includes a fixed support that maintains an inverted cam surface and a spindle assembly rotatably carrying the spool. A tension force applied to the filamentary material, in opposition to a biasing force, moves the spindle assembly linearly in relation to the fixed support. A braking mechanism includes a brake drum rotatable with the spindle assembly, a friction band adapted to engage the brake drum and a rocker arm that engages the cam surface. When the tension force applied to the filamentary material is reduced and unable to overcome the biasing force, the cam roller engages the cam surface and causes the friction band to generate a braking force on the brake drum. Withdrawal of the filamentary material at a regular rate occurs when the biasing force is balanced with the tension force.

Abstract: A self-compensating tension control device for regulating the withdrawal of filamentary material from a spool includes a fixed support that maintains a cam surface and a spindle assembly rotatably carrying the spool. A tension force applied to the filamentary material, in opposition to a biasing force, moves the spindle assembly linearly in relation to the fixed support. A braking mechanism includes a brake drum rotatable with the spindle assembly, a brake shoe adapted to engage the brake drum and a rocker arm that engages the cam surface. When the tension force applied to the filamentary material is reduced and unable to overcome the biasing force, the cam roller engages the cam surface and causes the brake shoe to generate a braking force on the brake drum. Withdrawal of the filamentary material at a regular rate occurs when the biasing force is balanced with the tension force.

Abstract: A self-compensating tension control device for regulating the withdrawal of filamentary material from a spool includes a fixed support that maintains a cam surface and a spindle assembly rotatably carrying the spool. A tension force applied to the filamentary material, in opposition to a biasing force, moves the spindle assembly linearly in relation to the fixed support. A braking mechanism includes a brake drum rotatable with the spindle assembly, a brake shoe adapted to engage the brake drum and a rocker arm that engages the cam surface. When the tension force applied to the filamentary material is reduced and unable to overcome the biasing force, the cam roller engages the cam surface and causes the brake shoe to generate a braking force on the brake drum. Withdrawal of the filamentary material at a regular rate occurs when the biasing force is balanced with the tension force.

Abstract: A self-compensating tension control device for regulating the payout of filamentary material from a spool includes a fixed support and a spindle assembly rotatably carrying the spool. A tension force applied to the filamentary material, in opposition to a biasing force, moves the spindle assembly linearly in relation to the fixed support. An eddy current braking system includes a conductive member rotatable with the spindle assembly and a magnetic member carried by the fixed support. The spindle assembly and the conductive member move linearly toward a side-by-side relationship with the magnetic member when the tension force applied to the filamentary material is reduced and unable to overcome the biasing force. Linear movement of the spindle assembly and the associated conductive member can be obtained by either a straight line mechanism or a linear ball bushing mechanism. A supplemental brake may also be used.

Abstract: A spool handling device (10) for engaging and disengaging a spool (5) having, a base (14), a spindle (15) supported by the base and adapted to receive the spool, a latch assembly (74) pivotally mounted relative to the base and including a latch (76) for releasably securing the spool on the spindle, and an ejection arm (77) for assisting in removal of the spool from the spindle.

Abstract: A spool drive (70) for selectively retaining a spool (S) having end flanges (96) with radial ribs (97) and a central contact area (98) about a bore (99) while filamentary material (F) on the spool is payed out under tension having, a spindle (25) adapted to receive the bore in the spool, a magnetic chuck (82) surrounding and rotatable with the spindle, and a positive flange engagement mechanism (85) associated with the magnetic chuck biased into contact with an end flange of the spool and adapted to engage the radial ribs to restrain rotational slippage between the magnetic chuck and the spool.

Abstract: A self-compensating tension control device for regulating the payout of filamentary material from a spool includes a fixed support and a spindle assembly pivotably mounted to the fixed support, wherein the spindle assembly rotatably carries the spool of filamentary material. A pull-off force imparted by the filamentary material causes angular movement of the spindle assembly and rotation of the spool. A braking assembly mounted to the fixed support and coupled to the spindle assembly applies a braking force corresponding to an angular position of the spindle assembly.

Abstract: A tension control device (10 for tensioning filamentary material (F) being withdrawn from a spool (24) including, a mounting support (11), a spindle (24) receiving the spool and rotatably mounted relative to the mounting support, a control arm (13) rotatably mounted on a shaft (15) in operative relation to the spindle, a brake element (18) mounted on the control arm for selectively retarding rotation of the spindle, a guide roller (16) rotatably attached to the control arm over which the filamentary material being withdrawn from the spool is passed, and a break-away mounted (80) of the guide roller to provide tension relief when the tension in the filamentary material exceeds a predetermined value. A break-away signaling system (95) detects and signals angular movement of the guide roller relative to the control arm.

Abstract: A roller board (16) for organizing a plurality of filaments (14) from spools (28) for delivery to a collection point, includes a first plurality of rollers (40) arranged to form spaces (42) therebetween, and a second plurality of rollers (44), each pivotable at one end (80) positioned proximate the first plurality of rollers (40), the second plurality of rollers (44) oriented substantially perpendicular to the first plurality of rollers, wherein the plurality of filaments (14) are individually positioned in the spaces and the second plurality of rollers are selectively pivoted to enclose the filaments.

Abstract: A loading chuck (25) suspended by a cable (C) for grasping a spool (S), including strand material (M) disposed thereon between the flanges (14, 15) thereof, in a container, transporting the spool to a position proximate a creel and orienting the spool for positioning on a creel spindle, includes a plurality of substantially parallel arms (50), shoes (60) carried by the arms, gripping elements (61; 80, 80') on the shoes for engaging the spool, a lifting link (20) adapted for attachment to the cable, a linkage (26) interposed between the lifting link and the arms and maintaining the arms substantially parallel through the extent of travel thereof to bring the gripping elements into and out of engagement with the spool, and a pivot (55) mounting the shoes relative to the arms for selectively rotationally orienting the spool.

Abstract: A loading chuck (25) suspended by a cable (C) for grasping a spool (S), including strand material (M) disposed thereon between the flanges (14, 15) thereof, in a container, transporting the spool to a position proximate a creel and orienting the spool for positioning on a creel spindle, includes a plurality of substantially parallel arms (50), shoes (60) carried by the arms, gripping elements (61; 80, 80') on the shoes for engaging the spool, a lifting link (20) adapted for attachment to the cable, a linkage (26) interposed between the lifting link and the arms and maintaining the arms substantially parallel through the extent of travel thereof to bring the gripping elements into and out of engagement with the spool, and a pivot (55) mounting the shoes relative to the arms for selectively rotationally orienting the spool.

Abstract: A loading chuck (25) suspended by a cable (C) for grasping a spool (S), including strand material (M) disposed thereon between the flanges (14, 15) thereof, in a container, transporting the spool to a position proximate a creel and orienting the spool for positioning on a creel spindle, includes a plurality of substantially parallel arms (50), shoes (60) carried by the arms, gripping elements (61; 80, 80') on the shoes for engaging the spool, a lifting link (20) adapted for attachment to the cable, a linkage (26) interposed between the lifting link and the arms and maintaining the arms substantially parallel through the extent of travel thereof to bring the gripping elements into and out of engagement with the spool, and a pivot (55) mounting the shoes relative to the arms for selectively rotationally orienting the spool.