Abstract: Systems and methods for loading and delivering stalk subassemblies and yarn packages are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can have at least one processor, at least one automated guided vehicle, at least one creel assembly, and an automated creel loading assembly. The at least one automated guided vehicle can be communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor can be configured to selectively direct an automated guided vehicle to engage a respective stalk subassembly. Upon engagement between the automated guided vehicle and the stalk subassembly, the processor can be configured to selectively direct the automated guided vehicle to move about and between the selected operative position within the creel assembly and a loading position proximate the automated creel loading assembly.

Abstract: A storage yarn feeder includes a body having a portion or drum onto which winds a yarn forming at least one coil, the yarn coming from a reel, being provided with a braking organ cooperating with the drum to brake the yarn leaving the drum, the braking organ including braking features capable of cooperating with the yarn when the yarn detaches from the drum as it leaves the feeder and heads towards a textile machine. The drum includes a first and a second portion, the latter being capable of supporting the yarn and being separable from the first portion to be capable of being replaced, the first portion being connected to the body of the feeder.

Abstract: A creel safety latch includes an elongated pivot-control bar defining a longitudinal slot having first and second terminal ends. The slot is adapted for receiving a latch pin of a movable bobbin creel. A first pin catch is located proximate the first terminal end of the slot, such that sliding movement of the latch pin along the slot and beyond the first catch locates the latch pin in a first holding position directly adjacent the first terminal end of the slot. A second pin catch is located proximate the second terminal end of the slot, such that sliding movement of the latch pin along the slot and beyond the second catch locates the latch pin in a second holding position directly adjacent the second terminal end of the slot.

Abstract: A yarn creel assembly includes a vertical frame, a plurality of vertically spaced package holders, and a vertically disposed arcuate yarn guide. The package holders are mounted on the frame and adapted for carrying respective yarn packages, whereby a tail end of a first yarn package is attached to a head end of a second yarn package. The arcuate yarn guide extends between adjacent package holders, and is adapted for guiding a moving end of yarn drawn from an emptying first yarn package and transitioning to a full second yarn package.

Abstract: A splicing apparatus for continuously unwinding strands of material from wound packages.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading spools into a creel of a fiber placement machine that is used to charge a mold includes a creel loader and a spool magazine carried by the creel loader. At least one loader mandrel in the spool magazine receives full spools and transfers the full spools to the creel of the fiber placement machine.

Abstract: A multi-package yarn creel adapter mounts on a creel adjacent a textile machine. The yarn creel adapter includes a base designed for being carried by the creel. A plurality of radial spacers are attached to the base. A plurality of elongated package supports extend outwardly from respective radial spacers, and are adapted for carrying respective yarn packages to supply at least one end of yarn to the textile machine.

Abstract: A portable creel for organizing yarn packages and directing yarn to a tufting machine. A portable creel provides flexibility for carpet manufactures in that operators can pre-load portable creels with yarn packages for future runs and move them into position when needed. In one aspect, the portable creel comprises an outer frame and a movable inner frame. The inner frame is configured to hold a plurality of yarn packages and the outer frame comprises a plurality of tubes configured to direct the yarn from the yarn packages to a header. The header, in turn, directs the yarn from the portable creel to specific portions of a tufting machine.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for donning and doffing, using magnetic force, yarn tubes mounted on a creel. A base frame is used to support pivoted arms on which yarn tubes are mounted for use with various textile machines. The yarn tube may be in at least one of two positions: donning position and doffing position. In the doffing position the thread may be fed to the textile machine for weaving, while in the donning position the thread spool may be replaced by another thread spool. The pivoted arms may be held in either the donning or the doffing positions with magnetic force for secure positioning of the pivoted arms. One-handed and easy operation of the donning and doffing process may be performed due to the use of magnetic force to hold the pivot arm in the predetermined positions.

Abstract: Creels having frames configured to receive one or more trays of yarn packages. The trays of yarn packages are removable from the frame and can be loaded with packages of yarn when not inserted into the frame. Separately loading trays with yarns can simplify and provide other benefits with respect to the process of loading a creel with yarn packages. Also disclosed is an assembly that is positioned with respect to a detachable header and a stationary header on a creel and that comprises an air flow unit that causes yarns to move through to an alignment mechanism that aligns the yarns for attachment to yarns already feeding into a tufting machine.

Abstract: A yarn package holder including a support post, a latch block coaxially disposed on the support post and selectively rotatable thereon, a rotatable support block coaxially disposed on the support post above the latch block, a cone holder extending laterally from the support block, a collar coaxially disposed on the support post above the support block and selectively rotatable thereon and stop means extending upwardly from the support block and cooperating with a stop extension extending from the collar to stop rotation of the support block.

Abstract: An elastomeric fiber can be easily unwound from a package by way of using an OETO unwinding device which comprises a fiber package, a standby package and a static guide such that the distance from the inlet orifice of the static guide to the center of the static guide-facing side of the fiber package is in the range of 25 to 38 cm, and the distance (R) between the centers of the static guide-facing sides of the fiber package and standby package is in the range of 25 to 50 cm.

Abstract: A yarn package manipulator permits an operator to mechanically grasp and manipulate packages or spools of stranded materials, such as yarn for loading and replenishing such materials in a manufacturing process. The package manipulator is suspended from a lifting device such as a cable hoist and has a control handle coupled to its frame for the operator to maneuver the device and carried materials. Selectively extensible fingers are pivotally attached to a pivot arm extending from the manipulator frame. The fingers are operable to grip the package by its core and pivots about a horizontal axis so that the spool of stranded material may be oriented for loading onto a creel or other station in a manufacturing process.

Abstract: A creel magazine for continuously delivering packaged stranded material to a manufacturing process. A plurality of magazines linearly disposed in substantially parallel alignment are alternately supplied stranded materials fed to the manufacturing process from movable magazine cartridges supporting packages of stranded materials form either side of the magazine frame. The apparatus and method provide for sequential delivery of stranded materials from packages supported by cartridges at the sides of the magazines, intermediate replenishment of the depleted cartridges with cartridges loaded with replenished packages.

Abstract: A creel magazine for delivering packaged stranded material to a creel. The magazine includes magazine frame having guides for directing stranded materials to a creel or manufacturing process. Movable magazine cartridges rotatably support packages of stranded materials and are positioned on either side of the magazine frame. The apparatus and method provide for sequential delivery of stranded materials by alternating delivery sources between cartridges, intermediate replenishment of spent packages by rotation of a full package to a delivery position, and replenishment of spent cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention compact creel using the OETO method that accommodates an increased number of packages in a relatively small footprint while providing a straight in-line delivery path in which fiber bends and changes in direction are minimized. In addition, the present invention is a system, apparatus and method for tension control in a fiber feeding system that provides a fast and reliable method for feeding high tack elastomeric thread or fiber from a package to a manufacturing process. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for changing packages on a creel without interrupting the manufacturing process. In particular, the compact creel of the present invention provides for continuous operation of unwinding and fiber delivery by allowing a standby package to be loaded on the same mandrel as an active package that is presently being unwound.

Abstract: A portable creel for organizing yarn packages and directing yarn to a tufting machine. A portable creel provides flexibility for carpet manufactures in that operators can pre-load portable creels with yarn packages for future runs and move them into position when needed. In one aspect, the portable creel comprises an outer frame and a movable inner frame. The inner frame is configured to hold a plurality of yarn packages and the outer frame comprises a plurality of tubes configured to direct the yarn from the yarn packages to a header. The header, in turn, directs the yarn from the portable creel to specific portions of a tufting machine.

Abstract: A creel magazine for continuously delivering packaged stranded material to a manufacturing process. A plurality of magazines linearly disposed in substantially parallel alignment are alternately supplied stranded materials fed to the manufacturing process from movable magazine cartridges supporting packages of stranded materials form either side of the magazine frame. The apparatus and method provide for sequential delivery of stranded materials from packages supported by cartridges at the sides of the magazines, intermediate replenishment of the depleted cartridges with cartridges loaded with replenished packages.

Abstract: A creel magazine for delivering packaged stranded material to a creel. The magazine includes magazine frame having guides for directing stranded materials to a creel or manufacturing process. Movable magazine cartridges rotatably support packages of stranded materials and are positioned on either side of the magazine frame. The apparatus and method provide for sequential delivery of stranded materials by alternating delivery sources between cartridges, intermediate replenishment of spent packages by rotation of a full package to a delivery position, and replenishment of spent cartridges.

Abstract: A textile machine receives a plurality of yarn strands from a yarn supply. A header receives the yarn strands where multiple strands are combined for joint direction to the textile machine. Beams with multiple yarn strands wrapped thereon preferably function as the yarn supply and the header may direct through yarn tubes to a staging header for use by the textile machine. The textile machine is preferably a tufting machine and multiple yarn strands are received by at least one needle of the tufting machine.

Abstract: A creel loading and relieving device for a winding device of a textile machine producing crosswound bobbins adjusts the contact pressure of a take-up bobbin mounted in a creel on a driving roll. The creel loading and relieving device comprises a creel pivotally mounted via a creel shaft and a force applying means which grips the creel and is adjustable via a positioning element. The creel loading and relieving device (30) has an actuator (33) that can be positioned by an electromotive drive (40) while a force applying means (29) which impinges upon the creel (9) is disposed on said actuator (33). The force applying means is configured as a pneumatic spring (29) and is hinged to a first lever arm (25) connected to a creel yoke (24). The loading or relieving moment applied to the creel (9) by the pneumatic spring (29) can be adjusted with precision by positioning the actuator (33).

Abstract: A method for unwinding tacky elastomeric yarn from one or multiple coiled yarn packages includes the steps of (a) removing tubular cores from each yarn package to expose the beginning end of the yarn strand at the inner diameter of the yarn package; (b) forming a terminal end of the yarn strand at a position along the length of the strand between the inner diameter and outer diameter of the yarn package; (c) when unwinding multiple coiled yarn packages, attaching the terminal end of the first yarn package to a beginning end of a next yarn package; and (d) unwinding by pulling the beginning end of the first yarn package in a generally axial direction to remove yarn from the inside of the package from the inner diameter toward the outer diameter. This method provides inside-out unwinding of a single package, or continuous unwinding of multiple packages of elastomeric yarn at a reduced overall yarn tension, and minimizes unwinding tension spikes.

Abstract: An actuating valve has two relay valves connected to a compressed air source and a pneumatic cylinder with two pressure chambers. When one relay valve is actuated, one pressure chamber is pressure-loaded and the other is relieved. Two 3/2 port directional control valves are arranged upstream of the pneumatic cylinder. Two check valves are positioned in branch lines connecting the relay valves and the directional control valves. A control line connects the branch line to the other directional control valve, respectively. The directional control valves are moveable between a first position allowing compressed air to pass and a pressure relief position. When the relay valves are inactive, the directional control valves are in the first position and the relay valves are in a venting position for the branch lines. When one relay valve is actuated, it assumes a position allowing passage of air to the branch line connected to it.

Abstract: A bobbin creel is supported on a holder so as to be pivotable by a four-bar linkage arranged on the machine frame of a textile machine. The holder forms the stationary member of the four-bar linkage. The bobbin creel is pivotable from a lower loading position into an upper operating position by a pneumatic cylinder connected with one end on the holder and with the other end to one of the movable four-bar linkage members. For pivoting the bobbin creel from the upper operating position into the lower loading position, the pneumatic cylinder is a bidirectional pneumatic cylinder loadable at both ends with compressed air and a correlated actuating valve.

Abstract: A tension device is utilized for equalizing, or at least reducing differentials in tension across strands in a web. The device utilizes an overfeed roll which rotates faster than the speed of feeding the web. Strands at the desired tension, or less, slip about the exterior surface of the overfeed roll. Strands which are greater than the desired tension have sufficient friction to be rotated, at least temporarily, by the overfeed roll to thereby create slack in the higher tension strands to equalize the tension relative to the other strands. Feedback from feed rolls, support rolls, and/or the overfeed roll may be utilized to adjust the speed of the overfeed roll.

Abstract: A highly mobile, compact creel that utilizes frames for holding yarn packages (or bobbins) for feeding yarn to a tufting machine. Each frame includes holders affixed to the frame for holding yarn packages facing front and back, a header attachable to the frame for directing yarn from the yarn packages to the tufting machine, and anti-static flexible tubing for leading yarn from the holders to the header. The header provides for aligning all the yarn ends in the same plane to join them to ends already threaded into the tufting machine. An optional frame overlay upright having a ring affixed thereto and strands threaded through the ring prevents yarn from upper yarn packages from falling onto tubes holding lower yarn packages causing yarn entanglement.

Abstract: An over-end takeoff device (OETO) and a method for unwinding elastomeric fiber from a package are provided. The OETO includes a fiber guide spaced apart from the fiber package and disposed at an acute angle between 0° and 30° to the rotational axis of the package.

Abstract: A bobbin creel is supported on a holder so as to be pivotable by a four-bar linkage arranged on the machine frame of a textile machine. The holder forms the stationary member of the four-bar linkage. The bobbin creel is pivotable from a lower loading position into an upper operating position by a pneumatic cylinder connected with one end on the holder and with the other end to one of the movable four-bar linkage members. For pivoting the bobbin creel from the upper operating position into the lower loading position, the pneumatic cylinder is a bidirectional pneumatic cylinder loadable at both ends with compressed air and a correlated actuating valve.

Abstract: An actuating valve has two relay valves connected to a compressed air source and a pneumatic cylinder with two pressure chambers. When one relay valve is actuated, one pressure chamber is pressure-loaded and the other is relieved. Two 3/2 port directional control valves are arranged upstream of the pneumatic cylinder. Two check valves are positioned in branch lines connecting the relay valves and the directional control valves. A control line connects the branch line to the other directional control valve, respectively. The directional control valves are moveable between a first position allowing compressed air to pass and a pressure relief position. When the relay valves are inactive, the directional control valves are in the first position and the relay valves are in a venting position for the branch lines. When one relay valve is actuated, it assumes a position allowing passage of air to the branch line connected to it.

Abstract: A multi-spindle fiber pay-out apparatus is provided that allows for fiber tension control. A frame supports a plurality of spools of fiber, with each spool of fiber being mounted on a spindle. The spindle is in rotational supporting relation to the spool of fiber and is operatively engaged with a magnetic particle brake, which is itself in control communication with an electronic controller. A fiber take-up system is mounted upon the frame in cooperative relation to the spool of fiber and is arranged so as to compensate for changes in the fiber-pay-out rate from the spool of fiber that are caused by activation/deactivation of the magnetic particle brake. A load cell transducer is mounted on the frame adjacent to the fiber take-up system.

Abstract: The invention provides an over-end take off device (OETO) for unwinding elastomeric fiber. The invention further provides a method for unwinding elastomeric fiber for downstream processing.

Abstract: A twisting device having a pair of fiber cakes that are simultaneously hung on a transversely disposed creel, respectively unwind two fiber strands downwardly during the rotation process of the creel. Each of the two fiber strands passes through a strand-cut sensor and then enter a balloon control ring. Through the guide of an oil ring, each of the fiber strands is twisted and then wound around a bobbin driven by a spindle motor. The pair of balloon control rings and the pair of oil rings are simultaneously driven by a ring rail to move upward and downward on the bobbin.

Abstract: A multi-spindle fiber pay-out apparatus is provided that allows for fiber tension control. A frame supports a plurality of spools of fiber, with each spool of fiber being mounted on a spindle. The spindle is in rotational supporting relation to the spool of fiber and is operatively engaged with a magnetic particle brake, which is itself in control communication with an electronic controller. A fiber take-up system is mounted upon the frame in cooperative relation to the spool of fiber and is arranged so as to compensate for changes in the fiber pay-out rate from the spool of fiber that are caused by activation/deactivation of the magnetic particle brake. A load cell transducer is mounted on the frame adjacent to the fiber take-up system.

Abstract: A positioning unit for a yarn splicer mountable to a creel in a yarn winding operation includes a rolling unit attachable to the creel, a main support member secured to the rolling unit, and a slide unit supporting the yarn splicer. The slide unit is slidably mounted to the main support member. In one arrangement, the main support member includes an air cylinder, and the slide unit includes an actuator driven by the air cylinder. In another arrangement, the slide unit is secured to the main support member for manual positioning by a creel attendant and is supported by a counterweight assembly. The positioning unit enables a creel attendant to easily and readily position a mechanical splicer or the like relative to yarn packages on a creel to facilitate yarn package maintenance.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a machine with a wire selected from a plurality of wires includes wire guides for supplying wires to a receiver device, a wire distributor for selecting one of the wires and moving the selected wire through an output guide to a machine, such as an electroerosion cutting device. The distributor includes shears for cutting the selected wire.

Abstract: An assembly for supplying wire from a spool includes a support for holding the spool, a sensor mounted on the support and detachably secured to an end of the spool for detecting supplying of the end of the wire from the spool, and a controller for precluding supplying of wire from the spool when the sensor detects supplying of the end of the wire. The support may hold a plurality of spools and include a plurality of sensors and indicators for sensing and indicating spool depletion. Wires may follow a wire feed path to a winder including a first portion extending generally vertically from the support, a second portion extending generally vertically from the winder, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A filament applicator includes a frame which defines a machine axis through which an elongate element may be guided at an application station at which filaments are to be applied to or introduce into the elongate element, such as an optical cable. A plurality of chambers are provided, each of which defines a chamber axis substantially parallel to the machine axis and mounted on the frame for rotation about the machine axis. Each chamber is substantially closed and has a panel at an axial end of the chamber which is movable between an open position for inserting and removing a wound package of filament material within the chamber and closed position for substantially sealing the chamber and preventing air turbulence within the chamber upon rotation about the machine axis. Each panel has an opening therein through which the filament material can be removed from the wound package.

Abstract: A wire dereeling assembly for the continuous removal of wire from adjacent reels of wire includes a frame assembly positioned above the reels and located substantially perpendicular to a centerline extending through the reel axis of each of the reels and a guide member slidably mounted to the frame member and operable between a first position substantially coaxial with the reel axis of one of the reels and a second position where the guide member is positioned substantially coaxial with the reel axis of the other adjacent reel.

Abstract: A bobbin core holder for a bobbin creel. The bobbin core holder includes a sleeve body securable on a creel rod, on which sleeve body a ring socket is fitted so as to be rotatable into at least one predeterminable rotary position by a releasable spring detent mechanism. The bobbin core holder also includes a bearing block on the ring socket having a bore therein for the bobbin core and an additional threaded bore opening into the bobbin core bore for a set screw. The bobbin core bore is open at both ends and is circumferentially closed with its axis extending transversely with respect to the axis of the ring socket. The bobbin core bore has an intermediate longitudinal section which at least partly extends through the ring socket, and the length of the bobbin core bore is approximately the same as the outside diameter of the ring socket. The threaded bore extends approximately radially relative to the ring socket axis.

Abstract: An assembly for supplying wire from a spool includes a support for holding the spool, a sensor mounted on the support and detachably secured to an end of the spool for detecting supplying of the end of the wire from the spool, and a controller for precluding supplying of wire from the spool when the sensor detects supplying of the end of the wire. The support may hold a plurality of spools and include a plurality of sensors and indicators for sensing and indicating spool depletion. Wires may follow a wire feed path to a winder including a first portion extending generally vertically from the support, a second portion extending generally vertically from the winder, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A yarn package holder on a creel, with a mechanism for rapidly stopping the yarn package holder once yarn is no longer being drawn. The mechanism has a pivoted member, one end of which carries a transverse braking control arm that overlies the yarn, and the other end of which is secured to an end of a tensioning cord wrapped at least once around a pulley on the yarn package holder. When yarn is being drawn, the braking control arm is lifted, which has the effect the loosening the cord around the pulley so that the braking effect is small. When yarn is no longer drawn, the braking control arm drops, which has the effect of tightening the cord around the pulley and rapidly stopping the yarn package holder.

Abstract: A non-twisting transfer tail system for interconnecting spools of tape includes a first, currently dispensing spool having a tail with a pivot, a second spool having a tape end, and a lead having a first end with an aperture connectable to the pivot and a second end connectable to the tape end. The first and second spools may having either an integral or an attachable tail as well as either an integral or an attachable lead. The tail may extend slightly beyond an edge of a tube core or may form a handle.

Abstract: A creel 1 with twisting devices is capable of directly supplying twisted yarns from bobbins carrying non-twisted yarns to a loom or a warper, and of producing not only normal fabric but also a fabric having a low weft density woven at a higher rate or a fabric using hard-twist yarns as warps. A plurality of rotatable spindles 8, each carrying a bobbin 3 on which a non-twisted yarn 2 is wound, are arranged on a frame 18. The yarns 2 withdrawn from the bobbins 3 on the spindles 8 are twisted and arranged to form a yarn sheet 19. The spindles 8 are rotatably secured via bearings to the frame 18 of the creel 1 at the center of a rotary shaft section 8' which is arranged in a horizontal direction. On both ends of the rotary shaft section 8', a section for supporting the bobbin 3 carrying the non-twisted yarn 2 is formed, on which a two-for-one twisting device 21 is provided.

Abstract: A feeder device for feeding elastomer yarns in knitting machines has a housing split into two parts, on which bearing and drive rollers are rotatably supported, spaced apart from and parallel to one another. The housing encloses an internal chamber that accommodates gears for driving at least one of the bearing and drive rollers. The gears transmit force from a drive wheel, which is secured to a shaft protruding from the housing, to at least one bearing and drive roller. The bearing and drive rollers are supported via ball bearings, which are retained by corresponding bearing seats provided in the housing. The bearing seats are recessed in the respective integrally formed housing parts, which are preferably made by injection molding. The dividing line at which the housing parts border on one another extends through all the bearing seats, so that the ball bearings are retained between the housing parts.Securing the housing parts to one another fixes the ball bearings as well, simultaneously.

Abstract: A non-suspension type thread feeder including a rack post fixedly secured to a part of a sewing machine, a hollow, truncated, split cone revolvably and vertically adjustably mounted on the rack post to hold a spool of thread, the hollow, truncated, split cone being synchronously turned with the spool of thread when the thread of the spool of thread is pulled.

Abstract: A package holder for mounting a yarn package to a bracket in a creel includes an elongated body member having front and rear ends, a mounting member for attaching the holder to a bracket in the creel intermediate the front and rear ends, and a package securing arm pivotally mounted at a first end intermediate the mounting member and the rear end of the body member. The arm includes a second end and has barbs in an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The body member includes a notch adjacent the rear end. The mounting member is mounted on the bracket of a creel and the yarn package is positioned so that the body member is received within the core of the package and as the package is pushed rearwardly it engages the arm until the end of the core engages the notch and is stopped. The barbs on the arm grip the interior of the core and acting with gravitational force securely holds the package on the holder.

Abstract: An adjustable yarn creel frame for feeding yarn to an associated textile machine in a generally in-line yarn delivery path and a rear frame section; and at least one creel unit carried. The creel frame includes a plurality of creel units each having a yarn eyelet near the front frame section. A first pair of generally level yarn package holders is carried by creel in position for the yarn packages mounted thereon to have a center line extending towards the yarn eyelet. A second pair of inclined yarn package holders is carried by the frame in a vertically spaced position relative the first pair of yarn package holders but with their center line extending towards the yarn eyelet. Adjustable frame elements connect front and rear frame sections to vary a horizontal distance between the yarn eyelet and yarn package holders.

Abstract: A creel for feeding groups of yarn strands to a textile machine has a framework of interconnected frame members and vertical support members, each support member carrying a plurality of vertically spaced yarn cone holders. A group of yarn strands is supplied from cones mounted on holders on horizontally spaced apart support members. An outermost cone holder of the group has a yarn guide tube corresponding thereto mounted on a frame member with the inlet of the tube positioned for receiving a yarn from a cone mounted on the outermost holder. Each of the other yarn cone holders has an eyelet on a respective frame member for receiving a yarn strand from a cone mounted on a yarn cone holder carried by a respective horizontally spaced support member.

Abstract: A creel for feeding groups of yarn strands to a textile machine has a framework of interconnected support members and vertical posts, each post carrying a plurality of vertically spaced yarn cone holders. Each group of yarn strands is supplied from cones mounted on a group of holders on each post. The uppermost cone holder has a yarn guide tube corresponding thereto mounted on a support member with the inlet of the tube positioned for receiving a yarn from a cone mounted on the uppermost holder. Each of the other yarn cone holders has an eyelet on the frame for receiving a yarn strand from a cone mounted on the respective yarn cone holder. The yarn strand from the lowermost cone is directed by the lowermost eyelet to the next adjacent eyelet and together with the yarn from the cone on the holder associated with that eyelet directs the yarns upwardly to each subsequent eyelet and thus into the guide tube so that all of the yarns are guided by the guide tube to a header.

Abstract: An adjustable yarn package holder which can support one of a plurality of variously sized yarn packages on a creel. The yarn package holder includes a pair of longitudinally adjustable elongate support arms which define a mandrel for receiving the core of a yarn package. The elongate support arms may be selectively moved between a first closely spaced apart position and a second widely spaced apart position to define different cross-sectional sizes of mandrels for receiving yarn packages having cores of different diameters. The support arms are fixed to respective guide arms which slideably engage opposing guide edges of a base plate. The guide arms preferably include opposing gear racks, and a rotatable pinion gear is positioned between and in engagement with the opposing gear racks. For moving the pinion gear, a pair of lever arms are fixed to and extend radially from the pinion gear, and the lever arms include provision whereby they may be releasably locked in a selected rotational position.