Abstract: A yarn carrier structure upon which yarn is wound to form a yarn package includes an axially extended body having a cylindrical exterior surface formed about an axis and a through opening having at least first and second opposed surfaces for engagement by the fingers of a yarn package manipulating machine. Yarn entry ports are provided at one end of the yarn carrier structure and lead to internal passages for accepting and accommodating the leading and transfer tails of the yarn wound upon the yarn carrier structure. First and second slots are provided in the yarn carrier structure to facilitate mounting of the carrier on a utilizing machine. The position of the engagement and mounting surfaces relative to the yarn entry ports are known to provide a yarn carrier structure well suited for automatic machine manipulation.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a continuous and automated taking-off of yarn from yarn packages. A creel module having one or a plurality of yarn package receiving creel pins disposed in one or more rows is automatically loaded with yarn packages at a loading position. The loaded module is conveyed, optionally through a buffer storage system, to operative association with a stationary creel frame. The module is transferred from the conveying mechanism to the creel frame, and is mounted with respect to the creel frame so that the yarn may be taken off the packages thereof. After the yarn from the module packages has been exhausted, the module is removed from the creel frame and conveyed back to the loading position, while it is replaced with another, loaded, module.