Abstract: A forming tube assembly may include an adapter tube configured to extend over at least a portion of a collet of a winder; and at least one forming tube extending around at least a portion of the adapter tube. A forming package assembly may include an adapter tube; and at least one forming package extending around the adapter tube.

Abstract: A forming tube assembly may include an adapter tube configured to extend over at least a portion of a collet of a winder; and at least one forming tube extending around at least a portion of the adapter tube. A forming package assembly may include an adapter tube; and at least one forming package extending around the adapter tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for doffing and re-tubing a fiber winder Includes: (a) an assembly support; (b) a support plate vertically movable along the assembly support; (c) a first assembly support extending from the support plate for supporting a forming package assembly having an adapter package and at least one forming package extending around the adapter tube, the first assembly support including: (i) at least one gripper movable along the first assembly support between a first position and a second position and capable of engaging the forming tube assembly; and (ii) guides to support and guide the forming package assembly an the first assembly support; (d) a second assembly support extending from the support plate for supporting a forming tube assembly having an adapter tube and at least one forming tube extending around the adapter tube, the second assembly support including: (i) at least one pusher movable along the second assembly support between a first position and a second position and capable of engaging the f

Abstract: A process for winding a fiber strand about a bobbin to form a wound package includes: (a) winding a fiber strand about a portion of a bobbin supported upon a rotatable collector of a winder to form a primary layer of a wound package. The primary layer has an overall length, an upper portion and a lower portion. Each of the upper portion and lower portion have a length which is less than the overall length. The primary layer has a plurality of sublayers, each of the plurality of sublayers having a plurality of layers. Each of the plurality of layers of the sublayers is successively wound upon a preceding layer and has a length which is less than the preceding layer. Each of the plurality of layers of the sublayers has an outer layer having a length which corresponds generally to the length of the lower portion, such that the primary layer is formed. A secondary layer is formed thereon which includes a plurality of layers upon the primary layer.