Abstract: A filament guide assembly is provided with a support rod carrying a plurality of filament guides each for guiding a respective one of a plurality of filaments. A pair of support blocks mount the support rod at each end thereof to allow for (i) rotational movements between a raised position, wherein the filament guides are spaced from a respective one of the filaments, and a lowered position wherein the guides are in contact with the respective one of the filaments, and (ii) lateral shifting movements between an operative position, wherein the guides are aligned with the respective one of the filaments, and a rest position wherein the guides are laterally misaligned with the respective one of the filaments. Most preferably, the guide assembly is employed in combination with a finish oil applicator so that the guides bias the individual filaments into contact with finish oil nozzles thereof, and in so doing, ensure that positive contact between the finish oil nozzles and the filaments occurs.

Abstract: Materials are off-wound from a package by magnetically levitating the package about a centerline, such that the package remains relatively free from rotation; and removing the material from the package in a direction that is approximately parallel to the centerline.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical yarn package having multiple yarn ends is formed by converging the multiple yarn ends to form a substantially planar yarn end ribbon having the multiple yarn ends in a side-by-side untwisted contacting relationship with one another. The yarn end ribbon formed of the converged yarn ends is then wound about a continuously rotating yarn package core by reciprocally traversing the yarn end ribbon parallel to the longitudinal axis of the yarn package core while maintaining the side-by-side untwisted contacting relationship between the multiple yarn ends of the yarn end ribbon. In such a manner, a generally cylindrical yarn package is formed having multiple yarn ends which may later be separated into individual yarn ends for downstream processing by tangentially unwinding and separating the individual yarn ends from the yarn package. As a result, the present invention allows an increase in spinning capacity to be achieved (i.e.

Abstract: Apparatus including a continuously traveling conveyor belt upon which containers which have dissimilar opposed panels are carried in line singly through a zone where the containers are separated from each other a small amount and then are permitted to pass in single line through the orienting device which, in those cases where the container is properly oriented, will permit the container to travel undisturbed through the orienting area. In the event the container arrives at the orienting position with its panels in the wrong directions, the container will be turned through 180.degree.

Abstract: A floor mat retainer for securing a floor mat to mass backed carpeting of the type having an upper carpet layer bonded to a lower carpet layer. The retainer includes a self-piercing shank having a high lead tapered thread terminating at a lower partial radial shoulder. An upper radial shoulder is spaced from the lower shoulder by a distance less than the distance of the carpet layer. The retainer is self-piercingly threaded into the carpeting until the lower shoulder moves through the carpet layer to thereby press the carpet layer between both shoulders. The length of the shank is less than the distance between the vehicle floor and compressed carpet layer to avoid bulging. A headed portion extends from the upper shoulder and is received through an opening in the floor mat to retain the floor mat in place. The retainer is of one piece molded plastic construction to eliminate rust and corrosion problems.