Abstract: A steering assist apparatus that assists a driver when backing a vehicle in an S-shaped path or parallel parking. The apparatus displays guidance marking on a monitor screen and the driver refers to the guidance marking, which permits the driver to easily back the vehicle to a desired position. The apparatus includes a camera, a monitor, an angle sensor, obstacle sensors, an image processing unit, a controller and a monitor controller. The image processing unit computes the predicted path of the vehicle at the current wheel angle. The monitor shows an image captured by the camera. The image processing unit generates data representing a guidance marking based on the predicted path and superimposes the marking on the monitor screen. The location of the marking on the screen is determined based on the current wheel angle. The marking represents part of the predicted path. Specifically, the marking matches the width of the vehicle.

Abstract: A bobbin holding device for holding at least one bobbin includes a hollow body having a bobbin receiving opening and connected at a base portion thereof to a doffing bar of a bobbin doffing and donning apparatus, a bobbin holding member disposed in the body and movable radially relative to the bobbin receiving opening between a projected position and a retracted position, and a flexible diaphragm disposed in the body in fluid tight relation with respect to the bobbin holding member for applying a fluid pressure on the bobbin holding member to move the same into the projected position. The bobbin holding device further includes a block member disposed between the flexible diaphragm and the doffing bar, the block member being formed with a fluid passage(s) to supply a pressurized fluid to the diaphragm without passing it through the doffing bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting an erroneously inserted empty bobbin is disposed on a spinning frame which is provided with an automatic doffing and donning apparatus and a conveyor having empty bobbin supporting pegs mounted thereon. The detecting apparatus photoelectrically or electromechanically detects whether or not an empty bobbin is correctly inserted onto the corresponding empty bobbin supporting peg based on the fact that an incorrectly inserted bobbin inclines backwards and projects upwards. When the incorrectly inserted bobbin is detected, an alarm is actuated in order to notify an operator in charge of the spinning frame of the same.