Abstract: A flexible coupling device for mounting on axially opposed rotatable shafts comprises a pair of opposing hubs, a flexible connecting sleeve, and a pair of opposing retainers. Each of the hubs has a plurality of hub engaging elements extending there from. The flexible connecting sleeve has a plurality of internal sleeve engaging elements extending there from that mate with the hub engaging elements and a plurality of external sleeve engaging elements extending there from. The retainers are removeably attached to the hubs. Each of the retainers has an internal flange that engages the external sleeve engaging elements to restrict movement of the connecting sleeve relative to the hubs and the retainers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for step precision winding yarn into a package (P). During winding, the traverse frequency is adjusted so that a first actual winding ratio parallels adjacent a first integer winding ratio. When the rotational velocity of the package decreases sufficiently, the traverse frequency is step increased so that the first actual winding ratio step decreases to the second actual winding ratio adjacent a second integer winding ratio. A ratio between the first actual winding ratio and the first integer winding ratio defines an integer offset ratio and a ratio between the second actual winding ratio and the second integer winding ratio corresponds to the integer offset ratio.