Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a continuous strand into predetermined lengths, wherein a cutting head having an array of cutting blades rotates around its axis, a strand winding device rotates around an axis intercepting the axis of the cutting head for positioning and winding continuous strand around the array of cutting blades, a toroidal strand guide member is spaced equidistant from the strand winding device to control the travel of the continuous strand to the strand winding device and cutting head, and a strand cut-off device is operative at time of tie-up of the continuous strand to the apparatus for severing the connection of the continuous strand from an air doffer used in the tie-up operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cutting a strand into predetermined lengths, wherein a cutting head having a plurality of cutting blades forming a cutting zone rotates around one axis and a strand winding device rotates around an axis intercepting the other axis and at a significantly higher rate of speed than the cutting head so that the strand is received and stored in cutting position in the cutting zone in the form of multiple crossing windings prior to cutting, and pressure is applied against the windings and toward the cutting blades to cut the strand into such predetermined lengths.