Abstract: A welding wire dispenser for use on a spool of welding wire comprising a base which is removably secured to the top plate of the spool. A let-off arm is rotatably mounted on the base and has a guide tube mounted thereon through which the welding wire extends. A brake is provided on the base and is associated with a coil spring to tension or compress the same as the welder or wire feeder pulls the wire from the spool of wire. When the welder or wire feeder discontinues its pulling action on the wire, the tension in the spring exerts sufficient force on the wire extending from the spool to prevent the wire from shingleing.

Abstract: An unwinding assisting device for an automatic winder. The automatic winder has a winding position at which a cop of yarn is unwound from a take-up tube supported on a tray. A lifting mechanism raises the tray at the winding position as the cop of yarn is unwound from the take-up tube. A tubular member receives the take-up tube therein. The tubular member has an inside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the cop and larger than the outside diameter of the take-up tube.

Abstract: A yarn unwinding assisting device for an automatic winder comprising a first defining member having an inner diameter defining portion covered over a yarn feed bobbin to define a lower balloon, and a second defining member having a defining member located above the yarn feed bobbin to define a yarn running area and defining an upper balloon, wherein said first defining member is separated from said second defining member to enable following the unwinding of the yarn feed bobbin.

Abstract: A cop changing mechanism for a winding unit, for transferring a tray supporting a cop in an upright position from a waiting position to a winding position and removing a tray supporting an empty bobbin away from the winding position is provided with a tray holder for pressing down the tray located at the winding position.

Abstract: A coil of an interconnected chain of open bags is provided in which the coil has a center opening having a diameter at least as great as the transverse dimension of the bags. A dispenser is provided on which a coil of bags is mounted. An end of the chain is pulled from the center opening and fed around a tapered mandrel and thence over a feed control mandrel oriented in angular relationship with the tapered mandrel. The web is then fed to a bagging machine for dispensing, loading and closing of the bags. The table on which the coil is mounted is rotatable so that the orientation of a span of bags running from the coil to the tapered mandrel remains substantially constant as the web is fed.

Abstract: A retainer ring for a container of low twist welding wire which container includes a cylindrical outer wall, a lower partition and an upper opening through which the welding wire is drawn from a hollow, cylindrical spool of welding wire formed from a multitude of convolutions of wire in layers provided in the container wherein the retainer ring comprises a generally flat outer portion with an outer periphery fitting into the outer wall of the container, minimally contacting the wire surface, and comprising a number of projecting lobe portions whereby the outer periphery of the ring contains alternate areas first being closer to and then being farther from the outer walls of the container when the retainer ring is resting upon the hollow spool of welding wire in the container and an inner bell mouthed portion extending upwardly and defining an innermost wire extraction opening with a diameter substantially smaller than the spool of wire in the container.

Abstract: A flexible member winding in and pay-out device. This device is commonly used with extension cords, dog leashes, towing cables and the like. There is provided a drum to receive a flexible member. A drum flange is attached to the drum for supporting the drum either on or off its base whereon the drum and flange are mounted. A cover means is rotatably mounted on and adjacently encircling an outer circumference of the drum and can form with the drum flange an endwise confinement for the flexible member wound on the drum. A hollow crank handle is pivotably attached to the cover means to internally guide the flexible member to or from the drum as relative rotation takes place therebetween.

Abstract: A linear optical fiber waveguide dispenser (10) comprising a linear payout leader holder (15) including an optical fiber waveguide having an unjacketed portion (16) and leader (17) comprising a coiled jacketed portion disposed within a housing (11). The housing (11) has an exit aperture (14) through which the jacketed fiber waveguide protrudes. A fiber optic connector (18) is connected onto the end of the jacketed portion of the waveguide. The linear dispenser (10) accommodates the leader (17) without having to increase the size of the payout helix generated thereby. The linear payout leader holder (15) may be used with a balloon assisted dispenser that has its helix sufficiently dampened to create a linear payout. It allows a strengthened leader (17) to be coiled inside the dispenser (10), an arrangement that would not normally fit into the exit of a conventional linear payout dispenser.

Abstract: A filament dispenser (18) for a missile data link has a bobbin with end flanges (24, 26) fixedly mounted to the missile (86). A shroud (30) is spaced opposite the filament pack for frictionally engaging a ballooning filament (30) during dispensing to reduce ballooning amplitude. A second version passes the dispensed filament back through an opening (38) in the bobbin for reverse dispensing. A third version is similar to the first version and, in addition, on leaving the bobbin filament (48) passes through a relatively small diameter ring (52). In a fourth version, similar to the second version, the filament (80) passes through a constraining ring (82) located within the bobbin opening (38). In a final version the filament dispensed from a pack (92) passes around a curved end flange (90) then back over a curved surface (106) and through an opening (102) forming two balloons (109, 110) and helix elimination.

Abstract: A cable-pack winding and payout system is disclosed that will provide a tue-free cable payout from a wound cable pack, such as are found in ocean-deployed buoy packages. Dual feed spools are arranged so that the two halves of the cable can be simultaneously wound onto a single main spool. At time of payout, the pack is inertly payed out from the center or both ends and the payed-out cable has no curls or twists therein.

Abstract: A strand or thread feed device, especially for circular knitting machines, is described, having a rotatable storage drum, onto which a predetermined amount of thread is wound and from which the thread is withdrawn in dependence on the thread usage. A brake ring (25) is fitted on the storage drum and consists of a base ring (29) and elastic, bristle-like elements (30) fixed thereon, preferably inclined opposite to the direction of rotation (v) and radially inwardly. In order that the storage drum may be able to accelerate abruptly to its operating speed from rest, without the brake ring (25) being retarded or even not entrained, the peripheral surface of the storage drum is provided with means, e.g. grooves with a sawtooth cross-section, which form abutment surfaces (44) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the elements (30) and with which the bristle-like elements (30) cooperate and ensure form-locking coupling between the brake ring (25) and storage drum in the direction of rotation (v).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for correcting the variation in tension of the thread as it unwinds in a spooler, which is designed to wind thread at high speed. The device comprises two elements which act as unwinding accelerators, one fixedly located above the top of the cop. The moveable element pivots between an inoperative position spaced apart from the cop and an operative position coaxial and surrounding the cop so as to place itself concentrically to the cop and in a lower position at the moment when there is a reduced minimum quantity of wound thread on the end part of the cop being gradually unwound.

Abstract: A method of making a spool wound with optical fiber where the spool has at least one payout end and providing, at the payout end of the spool, a wear-away adhesive coating or foam rubber flange. Where payout of optical fiber is from both the outer and inner layers of the wound spool, the optical fiber payout dynamics are regulated at both ends of the spool of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber (24) is removed from a wound pack (26) by applying an annular stream of pressurized air or other fluid against one or more filament loops previously taken from the pack. The annular stream is produced by passing pressurized air from a source (33) along a conduit (32) having a diverging tapered portion (35) within which a tapered plug (36) is located in spaced relation forming an annular nozzle (37). Filament (24) removed from the pack (26) is stacked on a tapered catcher (38).

Abstract: A payout control arm is angularly displaceable about a brake shaft during yout of a cable from a storage reel in response to tensioning forces transmitted through the cable from a payout load, the cable being entrained about a pulley rotatably carried on the control arm in spaced relation to the brake shaft. Gearing drivingly connects the pulley to the brake shaft to stop payout and cause the cable to frictionally grip the pulley in response to brake engagement thereby preventing continued transmittal of tensioning forces to the reel.

Abstract: A kink preventing device which is made such that a cylindrical kink preventive member having a conical part expanded downwardly is arranged over the yarn feeding bobbin in such a way it may be moved up or down.

Abstract: A missile data link filament (12) dispenser (10) is located within an enclosure (20) having a single eyelet opening (26) through which the filament feeds on launch. A quantity of a damping gas having an effective density of at least about two times that of air (28) is provided within the enclosure (20). The gas serves to damp the helical motion of the filament by absorbing its rotational energy, to inhibit ballooning of the filament (12) as it is paid out from the dispenser (10).

Abstract: A fiber optic bundle is wound for inside payout and is provided with a housing, with flanges, which maintains compressive force on the windings, and the payout of optical fiber is controlled by a substantially cylindrical mandrel placed in the interior of the inside payout spool. The mandrel supports a small-diameter tube through which the optical fiber pays and places drag on the optical fiber. The drag placed on the optical fiber passing through the small-diameter tube may be increased by slightly bending the tube. The combination of mandrel and small-diameter tube combine to hold the fiber coils in place and supply a certain amount of payout tension on the optical fiber.

Abstract: A debris removing apparatus for a textile winding machine is provided and includes an air stream channeling device, an air drive device, and a structure forming an opposite opening. The air stream channeling device includes an intake opening and a pair of wall members each having a generally planar portion extending substantially parallel to a lateral plane on which a linear travel path of a yarn lies as the yarn travels between a supply package to another yarn package at a winding station of the textile machine. The generally planar portions channel air drawn in through the intake opening by the air drive device into an air stream which travels parallel to the lateral plane toward the traveling yarn. The air stream flows around the yarn and entrains debris on and around the yarn for transport away from the yarn. The air drive device, in one aspect of the invention, includes a suction housing through which suction is applied.

Abstract: An improved dispensing apparatus is disclosed which is specifically adapted to provide a supply of wiping material for use in conjunction with the application of coatings to motor vehicle window glass. The dispensing apparatus of the present invention incorporates a spool carrying a substantial supply of the required wiping material and associated support apparatus for supporting the spool in close proximity to its area of use. The support apparatus enables quick and easy replacement of the spools as well as providing a controlled resistance to rotational movement of the spool during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering thread from a coiled thread supply to a thread user, is arranged and constructed to avoid twisting, snagging, and breaking of the thread, especially threads of the so-called "Lurex".RTM. type. For this purpose the supply spool is positively driven in response to a drive control which drives the spool in a direction of the original winding of the thread onto the spool, that is, opposite to the direction of the unwinding of the thread from the spool so that the take-off point where the thread separates from the winding on the spool, remains approximately stationary or even completely stationary due to the compensation of the tendency of the take-off point to travel in a direction opposite to the original winding direction. The take-off point remains able to travel axially back and forth along the spool.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for handling further processing a continuously produced, unstretched honeycomb band is disclosed. To facilitate handling and further processing of the unstretched honeycomb band, the following process steps are used:a) the honeycomb band is reeled and temporarily stored as a reel or marketed as a separate commercial product;b) for further processing, the unstretched honeycomb band is unwound from the reel and stretched into the desired final shape; andc) the desired partial lengths are cut off from the continuous, stretched honeycomb band.

Abstract: A method and device to seize the end of a roving, yarn or the like from a cop and carry it to a predetermined position envisages the use of an elongated hollow body wherein several ducts for feeding air or other gas are housed. The mouth of the hollow body is positioned near the end of the roving on the cop, the latter is detached and raised from the cop and subsequently sucked and/or pushed along said hollow body by means of one or more blowing and/or sucking jets. Finally, the hollow body opens to free the roving and is then removed.

Abstract: A missile data link filament (12) dispenser (10) is located within an enclosure (20) having a single eyelet opening (26) through which the filament feeds on launch. A quantity of a particulate material (28) located within the enclosure (20) is converted to an aerosol mixture by the filament movement on dispense. The aerosol mixture serves to act as a brake on the filament preventing dispense speed exceeding a predetermined desirable maximum.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling yarn during axial unwinding of the yarn from a yarn package at an unwinding device of a textile machine includes a device for restricting laterally outward displacement of the yarn. The restricting device is mounted to at least one of a pair of chamber portions which surround the yarn package during unwinding of yarn therefrom and preferably includes a vertically extending plate shaped to define a yarn receiving area for confining the path of the yarn being unwound. The plate guides the yarn from the inner wall of the chamber formed by the chamber portions into the yarn receiving area. According to another aspect of the invention, a device is provided for engaging a traveling yarn during unwinding of the yarn from a yarn package to eliminate loops, snarls and the like.

Abstract: A filament (18) dispenser for on board use in an airborne vehicle (10) in which a cylindrical bobbin (20) is rotatively mounted within the vehicle (10) with the axis of rotation normal to the vehicle longitudinal axis. A brake (48) prevents the bobbin (20) from exceeding predetermined rotational speed limits that would cause filament lift-off. A protective covering (44) is placed on a prescribed filament end portion length as reinforcement against startup tension damage to the filament (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a selected tension on ultrafine wire being uncoiled over the end of a spool of such wire. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a dish having outwardly-extending filaments which engage the wire as it is uncoiled over the end of a spool of wire. In another embodiment, the apparatus incudes a disk having an arm which engages and constrains the wire as it is uncoiled over the end of a spool of wire. A braking mechanism which slows rotation of the disk is disengaged from the disk by a coiled compression spring. A cable connected to the braking mechanism and a tension spring applies a preset compression force to the spring. This force may be adjusted by varying the expansion of the tension spring. The compression force exerted by the cable against the spring is reduced as tension increases on the uncoiling wire by an arm supported pulley which supports the uncoiling wire and moves the cable.

Abstract: A filament (36) of a material having resilient springlike characteristics is helically wound to form a hollow tubular guide (34) for an optical fiber (14) dispensed from a wound stack (37). The guide can have a constant diameter (34) or, alternatively, include portions of a different diameter (44, 50, 52). A further embodiment especially advantageous for use in a helicopter (10) positions a rigid tube (58) around the guide (56) leaving a portion of the guide extending from the rigid tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that can be connected to one of the flanges of a spool with wire for the purpose of axially taking off wire from the spool and at least comprising two spaced apart annular elements that are coaxial with the axis of the spool and that have an outside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the flange in question of the spool and a cylindrical bearing surface being provided between the two annular elements that is coaxial with the spool axis for a band of slightly stretchable material loosely fitting round it, whereby one of the two annular elements is rotatable on its axis and the other is fixedly mounted and in that the cylindrical bearing surface is fixedly connected to one of the two annular elements.

Abstract: A kink preventing device for preventing occurrence of a kink in a yarn drawn out from a yarn supply bobbin of a winder includes a pair of kink bars supported for opening and closing movement with the yarn supply bobbin interposed therebetween and each having a contacting portion which is arcuately opened along an outer peripheral portion of the bobbin, and a kink bar opening and closing means for moving the kink bars to close until the contacting portions thereof are abutted with each other to connect the kink bars in a ring-like configuration to each other.

Abstract: A fiber dispenser 10 which provides a bobbin 12 with an expansion ring 30 mounted on an end thereof. The expansion ring 30 is coaxial with the bobbin 12 and permits the use of a nontapered bobbin for high speed dispensation applications. In a specific embodiment, the invention includes a mechanism for adjusting the diameter of the expansion ring as the fiber is dispensed. A further, more specific embodiment includes a mechanism 42, 44 for adjusting the longitudinal position of the expansion ring 30 as the fiber 21 is wound thereon.

Abstract: The coil according to the invention has normal dimensions, but contains a considerable optical fiber length.It is constituted by a main cylindrical support (12) about which is wound a first part (18) of the optical fiber (16), which is to be unwound by pulling. It is constituted by a first concentric, supplementary cylindrical support (14) placed within the main cylindrical support (12), a second part (20) of the optical fiber (16) being wound around said first supplementary support (14), the inner layer of the first part (18) of the optical fiber (16) being directly connected to an outer layer of the second part (20) of the optical fiber (16).

Abstract: An automatic dispensing machine for elongated flexible elements, such as a wire, string, rope, flat steel and the like in which the element being dispensed passes through a first guide member mounted for rotation substantially about the axis of rotation of a carrier. The guide member travels on at least a portion of a circular path in a position where the element can be easily pulled or dispensed off the carrier. A second guide member is provided through which the element is threaded prior to the demand source. The two guides are positioned so that a tension in the element induces rotation of the first guide member about the axis of rotation of the carrier. Rotation of the first guide member controls the speed of a variable speed drive member for rotating the carrier whereby greater tension on the element results in faster speed of rotation and faster rate of dispensing of the elements and vice versa.

Abstract: A payoff system for an optical cable to be carried by a moving vehicle includes a spool containing an optical fiber, and rearwardly of the spool is a cone of energy-absorbing material such as foam rubber, carpeting, fabric and the like. The rearward end of of the cone is provided with a eyelet through which the cable is threaded, followed by a braking system consisting of a pair of flat blocks or plates, and downstream of the plates is an outlet cone or eyelet.

Abstract: Wire from a coil is drawn off generally axially thereof through a wire guide that is mounted to rotate about the periphery of the coil. Pivotal movement of the wire guide in response to demand for wire energizes a pneumatic linear motor which through a ratchet mechanism drives the spindle on which the coil is supported.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in withdrawing yarn from a wound package in an over-end direction includes a body having a circumferential surface coaxial with the yarn package that extends beyond the bobbin upon which package is wound and touches the end of the yarn package over which the yarn is withdrawn.

Abstract: In a winder, a cover is provided at a portion of the winder where fluff is very likely to occur; that is, the portion is the position of a yarn feed bobbin, and the cover operates to cover this portion, thereby enclosing the fluff therein, and a suction pipe is connected to a part of the cover to discharge the fluff by suction.

Abstract: A fishing pole with indicator means particularly useful in fishing through the ice. The pole is preferably constructed primarily of wood and includes a nose piece on the end of which is a rod above which is mounted an elongated, flexible member attached to the nose piece and extending at an angle vertically above the rod. Extending through the nose piece is an adjustable member forming an electrial contact which the flexible member engages when a pull is exerted on its end by the fish line. The adjustable contact member determines the sensitivity of the indicator means which includes a buzzer and an LED light operatively connected to the adjustable contact member and elongated flexible member. A reel mounted on top of the handle includes a groove formed between two flanges. A plurality of radially extending slots are cut into the flanges and a rubber band is inserted in two of the adjacent slots for regulating the amount of fish line that can be let out of the reel.

Abstract: This invention is a device for unwinding and guiding yarn from a feed bobbin located in a feed box. The device has an arm which is rotated by the tension of the unwinding yarn. More specifically, this invention is a device for unwinding and guiding yarn which has first unwinder arm rotating around the bobbin rotatably connected to a pivot positioned above the spindle head, and a second unwinder arm rotatably connected to the spindle for producing twisted yarn. The first unwinder arm is supported by a frame which is connected to the box containing the two superposed bobbins so as to allow the second unwinder arm to rotate within the rotatable trajectory of the first arm.

Abstract: A textile apparatus is disclosed wherein a cylindrical package of strand material is mounted on an elongated hollow spindle and the strand material is withdrawn from the package and through the hollow spindle for further processing. A flyer arm is mounted on an extremity of the spindle for rotation thereabout with the arm extending radially outwardly of the spindle to overlie the outer circumference of the package. An adjustable strand tensioning device is mounted on the flyer adjacent the longitudinal axis of the spindle and longitudinally spaced from the end of the spindle and within an envelope defined by the path of movement of the strand material as it is guided by the flyer arm from the package into the hollow spindle.

Abstract: The strip decoiler of the invention has a dancer arm in a vertical plane which sets the speed of the decoiler turntable. The lower end of the dancer arm mounts an adjustable connection which in turn supports a spool shaft carrying a support spool. The spool shaft can be swiveled about so that the spool can support the decoiling strip evenly all across its width. The shaft is quickly and easily adjustable for use with clockwise or counterclockwise uncoiling.

Abstract: Apparatus for prestressing concrete structures or the like by wrapping tensioned wire around the peripheral walls of the same includes a carriage which travels about the periphery of the structure, a device mounted on said carriage for paying off wire from a wire supply, a wire tensioning mechanism which includes at least one pair of stress wheels which the wire at least partially encircles, a tensiometer, a tensioned wire payout device which is adjustable to pay out wire at selectable heights relative to the carriage, a slip clutch linked to at least one of the stress wheels and being adjusted to slip when torque transferred from the tension in the wire is applied to the clutch and exceeds a predetermined torque value thereby allowing the tension in the wire to be controlled, and a driving motor mounted to the carriage to propel the carriage about the periphery of the structure.

Abstract: In order to spread optical fibers emerging from an end of cable and to firmly attach the cable end with ends of protective jackets in which the spread fibers are strung, the following steps are performed by means a spreading device including mainly a grooved hollow distributor. The distributor is fastened to a sawn off end of a grooved elongated ring in the cable by pinching a central armature emerging from the cable, by jaws housed in the distributor. A split ring is strung around a grooved revolution portion of the distributor. For each fiber, a longitudinal slot of the split ring and a respective groove of the revolution portion are superposed, the end of the jacket of the fiber is entered into the groove through the slot, and the jacket is forced into the groove by partially rotating the split ring so as to superpose the slot and another distributor groove.

Abstract: Process for unwinding a thread from a reel in looms, wherein the thread (6) is guided through a thread guide (4) placed behind the reel, characterized thereby that the distance (L) between said thread guide (4) and said reel (3) is adjusted automatically mainly during the weaving process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the winding speed of an automatic winding machine includes successively supplying unwinding stations of the automatic winding machine with spindles each having one spindle bearing and one cop with a cop tube having a given winding direction and being ready for unwinding. The spindles are rotated opposite the given winding direction of the cops while unwinding and removing yarn from the cop from above. The spindles are removed from the unwinding station in common with the cop tubes mounted on the spindles after unwinding.

Abstract: A vertical axis coil stock feed apparatus having a turntable rotatable about an upright axis for rotatably supporting coil stock with the coil axis upright. An arm is mounted on a post alongside the turntable for vertical adjustment relative thereto and a coil cover is rotatably mounted on the arm above the turntable for engagement with the upper end of the coil. A stationary coil shroud is also mounted on the arm with coil retainers extending downwardly at spaced locations around the periphery of the coil cover to limit radial expansion of the coil windings. The arm, together with the coil cover and shroud supported thereby, is power operated between lower and raised positions, and a limit switch is operated when the coil cover engages the upper end of the coil stack to stop downward movement of the arm.

Abstract: A system (10) for supplying strip material (S) to a processing line includes a strip uncoiler assembly (11) and a strip take-out assembly (12). The uncoiler assembly (11) carries a plurality of adjacently positioned coils (C) of strip material (S) with the trailing end of the strip material (S) of each coil (C) being attached to the leading end of the strip material (S) on the serially adjacent coil (C). The uncoiler assembly (11) also includes a drive mechanism (26) to rotate the coils (C) as the strip material (S) is payed off to the take-out assembly (12) which has a take-out arm (44) movable by an indexing device (73) to always be aligned with the individual coil (C) currently paying off strip material (S). Take-out assembly (12) also includes a dancer roller (57) which moves in response to the demand of the processing line to control the speed at which strip material (S) is payed off by the uncoiler assembly (11).

Abstract: A wire payoff apparatus includes first and second wire spools, having first and second rotatable payoff caps thereon, respectively, first and second enclosure drums around the spools, respectively, first and second drive mechanisms for rotating the payoff caps, respectively, and a brake assembly. The apparatus further includes first and second diameter sensors for sensing the wound diameters of the spools, respectively, first and second line sensors for sensing the payoff of line from the first and second spools, respectively, a line speed sensor and a control. During operation of the apparatus, wire is alternatively payed off from the first spool or the second spool by passing over the respective payoff cap thereof as the payoff cap is rotated and the wire is passed outwardly through the respective enclosure drum to the brake assembly.

Abstract: The fiber spool apparatus comprising a main fiber spool mounted within an elongated housing of the fiber carrier. Fiber from the main spool is fed outwardly around a guide and through an aperture extending from the end portion to the middle portion of a take-up spool that is mounted on a cover that is removably mounted on the upper end of the housing. The longitudinal or rotational axis of the take-up spool is generally perpendicular to the lognitudinal or rotational axis of the main spool and the housing. The take-up spool is provided iwth a pre-tension spring assembly for allowing the fiber to be fed through the take-up spool to the braiding apparatus and to maintain a predetermined tension on the fiber during such feeding. The carrier housing may be provided with wheels or the like at the bottom end thereof for allowing the carrier to be easily moved during the braiding process.

Abstract: A heat-insulating jacket extends around each rotating can of a doubling machine. Half way up the height of the can envelope surface, an extraction line for extracting the air heated by friction as the can rotates extends into the interior between the jacket and the can. The end-face boundaries of the rotating can and/or top and bottom closure members of the jacket are such that the pressures of the air drawn into the jacket are at least substantially equal at the top and at the bottom.