Abstract: A creel assembly having an outer wall defines an interior space, a plurality of yarn package engagement locations distributed within the interior space, a gantry that is movable secured within the interior space, and at least one processor. The gantry is positioned to selectively engage yarn packages within the interior space. In use, the gantry can selectively access the plurality of yarn package engagement locations. The processor is communicatively coupled to the gantry and receives an input corresponding to a selected action by the gantry. Modular creel systems can be formed from a plurality of the disclosed creel assemblies. Methods of using and assembling the disclosed creel assemblies and modular creel systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A creel assembly having an outer wall defines an interior space, a plurality of yarn package engagement locations distributed within the interior space, a gantry that is movable secured within the interior space, and at least one processor. The gantry is positioned to selectively engage yarn packages within the interior space. In use, the gantry can selectively access the plurality of yarn package engagement locations. The processor is communicatively coupled to the gantry and receives an input corresponding to a selected action by the gantry. Modular creel systems can be formed from a plurality of the disclosed creel assemblies. Methods of using and assembling the disclosed creel assemblies and modular creel systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A doffing apparatus can be configured to couple to an automatically guided vehicle (AGV). The doffing apparatus can comprise at least one elongate arm, each elongate arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length, and at least one driver, each driver being configured to move along a respective elongate arm to move a bobbin toward the distal end of the elongate arm. The doffing apparatus can further comprise at least one alignment device. The doffing apparatus can further comprise a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive feedback from the at least one alignment device, provide a control signal to cause the AGV to align the elongate arm with a receptacle at a loader, and move the driver a select distance along the length of the elongate arm.

Abstract: A creel assembly having an outer wall defines an interior space, a plurality of yarn package engagement locations distributed within the interior space, a gantry that is movable secured within the interior space, and at least one processor. The gantry is positioned to selectively engage yarn packages within the interior space. In use, the gantry can selectively access the plurality of yarn package engagement locations. The processor is communicatively coupled to the gantry and receives an input corresponding to a selected action by the gantry. Modular creel systems can be formed from a plurality of the disclosed creel assemblies. Methods of using and assembling the disclosed creel assemblies and modular creel systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A creel assembly having an outer wall defines an interior space, a plurality of yarn package engagement locations distributed within the interior space, a gantry that is movable secured within the interior space, and at least one processor. The gantry is positioned to selectively engage yarn packages within the interior space. In use, the gantry can selectively access the plurality of yarn package engagement locations. The processor is communicatively coupled to the gantry and receives an input corresponding to a selected action by the gantry. Modular creel systems can be formed from a plurality of the disclosed creel assemblies. Methods of using and assembling the disclosed creel assemblies and modular creel systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of grinding a plurality of tufting blades of a blade assembly is disclosed. The plurality of tufting blades can be received within a blade block during grinding. The blade assembly can have a first axis, a second axis that is parallel to the first axis, and a third axis that is perpendicular to each of the first and second axes. Each tufting blade of the plurality of tufting blades can have a length that extends along the first axis, a width that extends along the second axis, and a thickness that extends along the third axis. The plurality of tufting blades can be spaced from each other along the third axis. The blade block can include at least one fastener that is configured to retain the plurality of tufting blades in respective fixed positions relative to the blade block.

Abstract: A doffing apparatus can be configured to couple to an automatically guided vehicle (AGV). The doffing apparatus can comprise at least one elongate arm, each elongate arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length, and at least one driver, each driver being configured to move along a respective elongate arm to move a bobbin toward the distal end of the elongate arm. The doffing apparatus can further comprise at least one alignment device. The doffing apparatus can further comprise a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive feedback from the at least one alignment device, provide a control signal to cause the AGV to align the elongate arm with a receptacle at a loader, and move the driver a select distance along the length of the elongate arm.

Abstract: A doffing apparatus can be configured to couple to an automatically guided vehicle (AGV). The doffing apparatus can comprise at least one elongate arm, each elongate arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length, and at least one driver, each driver being configured to move along a respective elongate arm to move a bobbin toward the distal end of the elongate arm. The doffing apparatus can further comprise at least one alignment device. The doffing apparatus can further comprise a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive feedback from the at least one alignment device, provide a control signal to cause the AGV to align the elongate arm with a receptacle at a loader, and move the driver a select distance along the length of the elongate arm.

Abstract: A doffing apparatus can be configured to couple to an automatically guided vehicle (AGV). The doffing apparatus can comprise at least one elongate arm, each elongate arm having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length, and at least one driver, each driver being configured to move along a respective elongate arm to move a bobbin toward the distal end of the elongate arm. The doffing apparatus can further comprise at least one alignment device. The doffing apparatus can further comprise a processor, wherein the processor is configured to: receive feedback from the at least one alignment device, provide a control signal to cause the AGV to align the elongate arm with a receptacle at a loader, and move the driver a select distance along the length of the elongate arm.

Abstract: A creel assembly having an outer wall defines an interior space, a plurality of yarn package engagement locations distributed within the interior space, a gantry that is movable secured within the interior space, and at least one processor. The gantry is positioned to selectively engage yarn packages within the interior space. In use, the gantry can selectively access the plurality of yarn package engagement locations. The processor is communicatively coupled to the gantry and receives an input corresponding to a selected action by the gantry. Modular creel systems can be formed from a plurality of the disclosed creel assemblies. Methods of using and assembling the disclosed creel assemblies and modular creel systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.

Abstract: An assembly, method and system for lifting a package defining an internal aperture. The lifting assembly has an elongate handle configured for attachment to a vacuum lift system, and a lifting tool. The lifting tool has a connecting end configured to attach the lifting tool to the distal end of the handle and a lifting end insertable into the aperture of the package. The lifting end can define an internal chamber. A pin or spindle of a package processing apparatus is insertable into the internal chamber so that the lifting tool can place the package on the spindle.