Abstract: An apparatus for weighing full yarn packages which are supported on a transport unit which moves along a trackway in the textile plant. The weighing apparatus includes a weighing station which is positioned at a fixed location along the path of travel of the transport unit, and the weighing station temporarily supports the weight of each package on the transport unit and so as to permit the weight of each package to be sensed.

Abstract: A creel for directly supplying twisted yarns to a machine (13) such as a loom or warper from a plurality of yarn bobbins (3) arranged on a creel (1) for holding non-twisted yarn (2). Two banks of bobbins (3), optionally contrarotate at a predetermined speed to respectively provide "S-twisted" and "Z-twisted" yarn streams (4) having a desired twist number. The bobbins (3) are disposed on a plurality of spindles (5) that are driven by suitable drives (6). A bobbin attachment (7) is mounted at a free end of each bobbin (3) and fixedly supported on the spindle (5). A yarn storage (8) is provided on the attachment (7) and includes a yarn adjustment ring (9) for providing yarn delivery in a stable manner under appropriate tension. Once the yarn has passed the yarn storage (8) and yarn adjustment ring (9), a desired twist is imparted to the yarn (2), and twisted yarn (4) is delivered to the machine (13).

Abstract: A yarn package adapter having an adjustable base for receiving and engaging a package of strand material wound about an elongate hollow core. The adapter includes a central shaft adapted to be mounted to the creel and having means mounted on the central shaft for engaging the inside diameter of the package core. The adapter also includes a base having an aperture for receiving the central shaft therealong and for forming a sliding abutment for engaging an end of the package core and a releasable locking mechanism attached to the base for engaging the central shaft and preventing movement of the base along the shaft.

Abstract: When forming a transfer tail, a pair of ends extending from a pair of weft packages supported through a supporting member by weft feeding means are moved to a working area of a knotter, and both the ends are knotted together by the knotter while each supporting member or a surface of the weft package holds intermediate portions of both the weft ends. There is provided a transfer tail formation apparatus comprising catching means for picking up the weft end extending from one package and the weft end of the other package, and the knotter for knotting both the weft ends picked up by the catching means together, wherein the catching means is arranged such that an operating portion thereof is positioned on or in the vicinity of a movement locus of the weft end extending from each package when both the weft packages are moved. A suction force of the catching means when forming the transfer tail is set as follows:______________________________________ (suction force at a time of drawing the weft end) .gtoreq.

Abstract: In the case of a thread braking device (B), which is intended to be used especially on the supply side of a thread feeder (F) and which comprises a thread brake (3) having a fixed passage axis (f) and having arranged thereon a shield surface (A) provided with a thread opening (22) and arranged transversely to the direction (R) in which the thread (Y) is supplied, there are provided direction adjustment means (M) for the shield surface (A), with the aid of which the transverse position of said shield surface (A) can be adjusted to supply directions (R1, R2) of the thread (Y) deviating from the passage axis (f). Even in the case of a shield surface (A) for general thread-guiding tasks, which is arranged in a stationary holding means and oriented transversely to the supply direction (R) of the thread (Y), such position adjustment means are provided so that the transverse position of the shield surface (A) can be adjusted to the respective supply direction (R1, R2) of the thread (Y).

Abstract: A circular knitting machine creel for a plurality of bobbins which are supported in tiers by a circular cylindrical frame, comprising a carrier located inside the frame, at least one blower supported by the frame, having an air outlet connection directed somewhat radially outward, the blower moving on a circular path whose axis coincides essentially with the axis of the frame.

Abstract: A weft supply system for a loom having a support frame with vertically extending support beams interconnected with substantially horizontal and vertically separated rods which form a plurality of vertically aligned creel support levels. Creel mounting means are provided on an upper surface of certain of the horizontal rods and a multi-bobbin creel is mounted by each of the creel mounting means. The weft yarn supply system includes yarn delivery apparatus associated with each creel support level. The yarn delivery apparatus includes a pneumatic threading system for threading the weft yarn through the yarn delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A bobbin exchange system applied to a ring spinning frame provided with a unique creel mechanism, wherein a pair of parallel rails is provided for supporting respective bobbin carriages. Each bobbin carriage is provided with two alignments of bobbin hangers, to a number which is identical to a number of spindles of each side of the ring spinning frame.

Abstract: A transfer tail holding device is provided to hold a transfer tail formed between one weft package and an other spare weft package. The holding device comprises a holding member having at least one notch for receiving the transfer tail. Therefore, it is possible to position the transfer tail for pick-up by another mechanism.

Abstract: The invention refers to an automatic controlled aerating and humidifying device and for a creel with yarns directed to a textile machine. The invention includes an air conditioning unit (12) in coaxial position to a frame (10) carrying yarns and which is equipped with a device (17, 17a) to receive clean and humidified air coming from a centralized generator of fresh and humidified air and to supply it from one end to another end towards or through yarn bobbins or reels, and with a device (18) defining a chimney-like passage to suck used and dirty air from the bottom and move it away towards a filtering device.

Abstract: Multipurpose device for rolls of sections which are advantageously round bars in rolls for reinforced concrete, the device comprising a rotary turret winder (25) able to bear rolls (17) of sections produced with a hot cold process and including a rotary support (11) having its axis of rotation (12) substantially vertical and supporting along a circumference at least two roll-holder reels (13) with their axes of rotation substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (12) of the rotary support (11), each roll-holder reel (13) cooperating with a specific upright (20), at least one straightening assembly (21) being comprised in cooperation with each single upright (20) of each single reel (13) and being positioned substantially on the same axis as the axis of use of the machine downstream.

Abstract: A weft stand of the present invention comprises a post, a supporting member supported on the post and rotatable about a horizontal axis, a supporting shaft for each weft package, supported on the supporting member and rotatable about an axis in parallel with said horizontal axis, and rotation controlling means for rotating the supporting member and the supporting shaft in the respective opposite directions while maintaining each in directionally constant positions. The weft stand allows the disposition of a weft package, from which a weft is released, in a predetermined direction without providing each supporting shaft with a weft package grasping mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding weft yarn stock bobbins to a loom includes a bobbin frame (3) for at least two stock bobbins (4) which may be fitted to bobbin holders (38) having longitudinal axes (L) which may be aligned on a common yarn guide member (6). The bobbin holders (38) are each formed on a bobbin carrier (10, 10') intended for receiving one of the stock bobbins (4) and able by means of a holder (30) of a charging mechanism to be fastened to the bobbin frame (3) and removed from the bobbin frame, the bobbin carrier having a yarn guide unit (45) for feeding the piece (A) at the start of the weft yarn (5) wound onto this stock bobbin (4) to the common yarn guide member (6).

Abstract: In a ring spinning frame provided with two parallel alignments of bobbin hangers, a plurality of roving guides is arranged in an alignment at an intermediate position between the two alignments of bobbin hangers, wherein a first group of roving guides is formed by roving guides alternately positioned in the roving guide arrangement and a second group of roving guides is formed by the remained roving guides thereof, an improved creel mechanism for relatively displacing the first group of roving guides and the second group of roving guides whereby a first intervening space between two adjacent roving guides and a second intervening space between two adjacent roving guides are alternately formed along the alignment of the roving guides, wherein the first intervening space ensures a free passage of a full packaged roving bobbin but the second intervening space does not permit a free passage of the full packaged roving bobbin, the above-mentioned formation of two intervening spaces being created alternately, at ea

Abstract: A method for identifying each yarn in a fabric. Bar-coded tracer tapes in yarn packages are placed on a creel, similarly the creel position associated with the package is read and transmitted to a PC memory. The computer calculates the age of each package and the difference between the oldest and youngest packages and signals the operator whenever any package exceeds a predetermined difference. Nonuniformities in carpet may then be traced back to creel position, yarn package and conditions under which the yarn was made.

Abstract: In a system for exchanging packages on a textile machine such as a rewinder, a creel loader receives empty packages from a creel for transportation to the position of a package supporter, the package supporter is rotated about a vertical axis over 180 degrees to place full packages in a position facing the creel loader, and, after receipt of the full packages, the creel loader travels to a section of the creel in need of package exchange for transfer of the full packages to the creel. Concurrently with this process, full packages from a package stocker is mounted to the package supporter by operation of an assistant device such as a robot for next exchange of packages with the creel loader. Loss in production efficiency otherwise caused by empty travel of the loader is well avoided.

Abstract: A cart for use by electricians is disclosed having a main longitudinal member supported at its ends by pairs of wheels with one pair being of the swivel type to facilitate passage through narrow doorway openings of a building. End mounted post assemblies on the longitudinal member are equipped with arms for the optional carrying of wire reels or electrical conduit. Detachable post assemblies are also carried by the longitudinal member. The post assemblies include sleeves through which may be inserted a spindle on which a large wire reel may be carried. The detachable post assemblies each include a base attachable to the longitudinal member. Removal of a fastener assembly permits partial disassembly of the cart to facilitate the removal or addition of the detachable post assemblies.

Abstract: Full roving spools are charged into and empty spools are unloaded from a spinning machine having at least one pair of parallel spaced-apart rows of roving spools by first moving spools as they become empty to a position between the two rows of active roving spools and thereby leaving the respective positions empty and then transporting them off in a predetermined direction along a path extending parallel to and between the rows. Then full spools are transported along the path in the direction to positions adjacent positions from which empty spools have been taken and are then moved laterally into the empty positions to fill same.

Abstract: A universal package support for packages of yarn having various inside diameters and lengths. The support has a movable disc slidably supported on a shaft which slides in and out to actuate a plurality of pivotally mounted levers to engage and disengage the interim surface of a yarn tube placed thereon.

Abstract: A transfer tail forming apparatus for weft feeders fed to a weaving machine, wherein a tail end of a feeder now in use and a leading end of a preliminary feeder are connected together using a knotter. The tail end and the leading end are automatically positioned and held in a predetermined position by a positioning apparatus, and the yarn ends are connected together by the knotter to form a transfer tail. Further, by the provision of a stand-by apparatus the transfer tail is held in a predetermined posture, and when the whole quantity of the weft on the feeder now in use has been consumed, the leading end of the preliminary feeder can be introduced into the weaving machine in a continuous manner. Moreover, when the supply of weft from the feeder now in use is discontinued, the introduction of the leading end from the preliminary feeder is made possible by the stand-by apparatus.

Abstract: A yarn package holder for accommodating yarn package tubes and cones of various sizes, wherein a fixed, cantilevered contact arm is provided with a separate layer of friction material providing a friction surface and has one end of a first spring member pivotally connected to the distal end thereof, and one end of a second spring member fixedly connected to the other end thereof. The friction surface engages the inner wall surface of the tube or cone on one side thereof and the free end of the first spring member engages the inner wall surface of the tube or cone on the opposite side thereof, and the free end of the second spring member engages the first spring member intermediate the ends thereof to provide a displaceable fulcrum therewith. An equal biasing force is applied to the inside surface of the tubes or cones no matter what their size might be.

Abstract: In a loom having at least two weft accumulators (10, 11) disposed lengthwise adjacent the loom, and a bobbin holder (2) to receive weft bobbins (220, 221), one of the weft bobbins (220, 221) mounted on a table (21) is moved into the operative position to deliver weft yarn (31) to a weft accumulator (10). The bobbin holder is disposed compactly in a space which is bounded by the weft accumulators (10, 11) and transversely thereto by the loom (1) and which is longitudinally adjacent the same and laterally adjacent the accumulators (10, 11). At least two tables (21) with the weft bobbins (220, 221) are received one above another in the bobbin holder (2) and the weft yarn (31) are guided substantially transversely to the loom longitudinal axis from the bobbin holder (2) to the weft accumulators. This arrangement increases the number of weft bobbins which can be stored adjacent the loom (1) without any appreciable increase in the amount of space required as compared with a bobbin holder with only one table.

Abstract: A retaining rod of a roving guide is engaged in a carrier beam and secured by a resilient support member which also prevents any transmission of vibrations. The roving guide has a deflector for rovings each associated with a groove. The grooves are offset from the vertical center-plane of the machine.

Abstract: A strand tension controller which has an elongate strand sensing lever arm having a strand guiding input end and an opposing strand guiding output end with a tension shoe positioned between the input end and the output end of the lever arm for applying tension between a range of zero and a preset maximum tension on the strand. The lever arm is pivoted adjacent the strand engaging output end pivotal movement responsive to strand tension sensed at the opposing strand engaging input end of the lever arm and for subtracting from the tension applied by the tension shoe. The tension is sensed on the strand at the input end of the lever arm. The tension shoe engages a first surface of the lever arm and the strand passes along the top surface of the lever arm from the input to the output end of the lever arm. A pressure responsive expandable fluid reservoir in the form of an air tube controls the force applied to the strand.

Abstract: A yarn package holder for accommodating yarn package tubes and cones of various sizes, wherein a contact arm has one end of a first spring member pivotally connected to the distal end thereof, and one end of a second spring member fixedly connected to the one end thereof. The free end of the first spring member engages the inner wall surface of the tube or cone, and the free end of the second spring member engages the first spring member intermediate the ends thereof to provide a displaceable fulcrum therewith. An equal biasing force is applied to the inside surface of the tubes or cones no matter what their size might be.

Abstract: Apparatus for threading yarns through yarn transport tubes in a tube-type textile yarn creel provides a plurality of valve assemblies operatively communicated to a common source of pressurized air, each valve assembly being mounted to the creel at the entrance end of a respective yarn transport tube for selectively discharging pressurized air into and through the tube when desired to thread a yarn through the tube.

Abstract: A roving bobbin creel for use in a textile ring spinning machine includes upright stanchions spaced along the length of the machine at its center, mounting elements affixed to the upright stanchions, support elements affixed to the mounting elements to extend transversely outwardly therefrom, and an elongate carrier element affixed to the underside of the support elements to extend longitudinally with respect to the spinning machine for supporting a plurality of roving bobbins in depending fashion from the elongate carrier element. Each mounting element includes a tongue portion projecting transversely outwardly with respect to the spinning machine and each support element defines an interior receiving area for insertion of the tongue portion for simple yet secure affixation of the supporting elements on the mounting elements.

Abstract: A device for supplying weft threads in weaving machines with minimal twisting includes at least one rotatable set of thread supplies and one rotatable set of thread preparation mechanisms per set of thread supplies. The sets of thread preparation mechanisms are rotatable together with corresponding sets of thread supplies forming a rotatable assembly to prevent the weft threads from becoming tangled with one another as the sets rotate, for example to bring one of the thread preparation mechanisms adjacent a repair mechanism, or to change threads. A mechanism is further included which converts the rotational motion of the rotatable assembly into a translational motion essentially in the direction of the axis around which the assembly turns. By a suitable choice of the mechanism, lengthening of the thread after rotation can be fully compensated for by the translational motion of the thread supplies and of the corresponding thread preparation mechanisms.

Abstract: A blocking device, preferably in the form of a baffle plate is provided behind the rollers of a thread tightener in a bobbin creel which can be pressed against one another, namely behind the roller pair in the direction of the through-passage. In case of a thread break, the baffle plate prevents the loose thread end from falling out of the roller tightener. Preferably, the baffle plate is latched onto a thread hoop and rotatably journalled, so that it can be swung from an operations position into a neutral position.

Abstract: An adjustable textile yarn creel of circular construction includes a plurality of yarn package supporting assemblies each of which has a frame on which a pair of yarn package supporting members are mountable in parallel at selectively variable spacings. The yarn package supporting assemblies are connected with one another in upright disposition in a circular arrangement by connector assemblies extending between laterally adjacent yarn package supporting assemblies. Yarn is withdrawn radially inwardly of the creel from the yarn packages and transported therefrom through respective guide tubes to an associated textile machine such as a circular knitting machine.

Abstract: Creel (10) for the simultaneous changing of reels (13) of metallic wire (14), cooperating with machines in the production of metallic mesh, advantageously electrically welded mesh, the machines being located downstream of the creel (10) and being fed with a plurality of metallic wires (14), the creel (10) comprising a structure (11) with a first (15) and second (16) parallel tiers of which one is superimposed on the other and on which are positioned respectively equal numbers of units (12-112) that support the reels (13), the support units (12-112) for the reels (13) consisting of a portion (17) fixed to the structure (11) and a portion (23) movable in relation to the structure (11).

Abstract: A pivotal yarn package holder allows convenience in replacing a yarn package on a creel or the like, and locks into place for use. The support can be adjusted so that the strand of yarn is precisely aimed at the eyelet, and the yarn package will always return to the preset position. A post is mounted from the creel frame, and a latch block is fixed to the post by a set screw. A support block carrying the yarn package is juxtaposed on the latch block, and a latch is easily operable to latch the support block to the latch block. A cone holder has the spring wires below the rigid stud so the stud carries the weight of the yarn to prevent sagging of the yarn package.

Abstract: A compact yarn distributor block mounted on the bottom of a yarn creel to direct yarn supplied from yarn packages on the creel to the point of use of a yarn processing machine, such as a texturing machine. The yarn outlet openings in the yarn distributor block are displaced vertically from one another so that the yarn from one outlet can be supplied without interference from yarn being supplied from another outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates an improved creel adaptor for use in retaining a forming tube containing formed glass fiber during the twist process. The improved creel adaptor is designed to maintain a forward outside diameter slightly smaller than the rear outside diameter, wherein the forming tube is placed on the creel adaptor and maintained in position by the variation in the outside diameter of the creel adaptor.

Abstract: An improved creel for machines processing yarn consisting of creel components mounted verically above each other. Creel components are mounted off set above each other to guide yarn between creel component and horizontal creel extension to machine processing yarn. Creel component can rotate to guide one yarn to machine processing yarn or blocked to guide two yarns to machine processing yarn. Storage feeders can be mounted on creel. Improved guidance of yarn with less friction, improved connection of yarn from package to package and holding creel component in stationary position are improved features of this creel for machines processing yarn.

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: An apparatus for securely holding tubes or cones for use in the tufting industry includes first and second support sections which are formed at an acute angle with respect to each other for engaging the inside of a tube or cone. The support sections are in the preferred embodiment formed from resilient wire elements which deflect under pressure that is applied from the inside of the tube or cone, thereby assuring a secure fit. The wire elements forming the second support element further flare outwardly to conform to the shape of a cone. An additional advantageous feature is the provision of a pair of wire loops at a distal end of the second support element to prevent a tube or cone from sliding thereover. The main feature which provides support for the package is the wire portion which connects the loops. This wire portion gives the holder its rigidity when it contacts the creel rod by restraining vertical and horizontal movement of the package.

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 creel which can deliver untwisted yarns from bobbins in a weaving machine while at a same time twisting them or else twisting some of such untwisted yarns in the S twist and the remaining untwisted yarns in the Z twist with relative low investment for equipments. The creel employs a mechanism similar to a ring twisting mechanism and includes a required number of spindles for rotating bobbins supported thereon, a ring secured in a concentrical relationship to each of the spindles, a traveler mounted for movement on each of the rings, and a driving device for driving the spindles to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction such that when the untwisted yarns are unwound from the bobbins via the travelers, a twist in the S or Z direction may be applied to the untwisted yarns at a same time.

Abstract: The invention provides a yarn creel apparatus for the control of loose fly or lint formed when yarn is drawn from packages or cones (12) for use in a textile machine. The apparatus comprises a casing (10) within which the cones (12) are arranged on bobbin pins (11), air conduction means in the form of fans (17) to draw air into the casing from the surrounding atmosphere through at least one inlet comprising a filter panel (15) and then generally downwardly over the yarn cones to at least one outlet comprising filter panel(s) (16). The casing also houses yarn guide tubes (14) to guide yarn from the cones (12) upwardly within the casing tubes continuing through the casing wall to lead the yarns away from the apparatus. A self-cleaning version of the apparatus is also disclosed in which the filter panels (15,16) are replaced by an endless band of filter material (18) which is driven by rollers (21) past suction cleaning heads (22,23).

Abstract: A one piece supporting element has a pair of elongated strips to engage within a bobbin tube with a force sufficient to prevent dropping off of the tube during conveyance through a vertically dependent position. The supporting element is mounted in cantilever fashion via a cross-piece at the proximal end which fits into a recess of a carrier on a conveyor.

Abstract: A holder (18) for receiving and frictionally securing a yarn package (12) wound onto tubes of various inner diameters. The holder comprises a base support which includes an arm (20) adapted to be attached to a textile machine. Extending at a right angle from the base arm is a cantilever contact are (24) which is rigidly connected to the base. The contact arm has a contoured support arm (28) pivotally connected to its free end and extending alongside the contact arm to a point near the base support which is biased outward by a spring (34). A second embodiment (118) has two contoured support arms, one (128) of which is pivotally connected to the contact arm (124) at a point (127) intermediate a free end portion. A resilient second contoured support arm (143) is affixed to the end of the contact arm and has a portion which extends generally transverse over the longitudinal axis of the contact arm.

Abstract: This device for supporting cops in circular knitting machines, particularly in fixed needle cylinder knitting machines, comprises a plurality of frames which are arranged close together around the machine axis and carry the machine feed cops. Each frame is translatable parallel to itself along a direction having a substantially parallel component to the machine axis from a first raised working position to a second depressed position away from the machine axis to enable a floor-based operator to get at the cops of one frame when the latter occupies the second position; the device also comprises hooks for locking the frames in the first position.

Abstract: A holder (18) for receiving and frictionally securing yarn package (12) wound onto tubes of various inner diameters is disclosed. The holder comprises a base support which includes an arm (20) adapted to be attached to the textile machine. Extending at a right angle from the base arm is a cantilever contact arm 24 which is rigidly connected to the base. The contact arm has a contoured support arm (28) pivotally connected to its free end and extending alongside the contact arm to a point near the base support. A spring (34) is interposed between the contact arm (24) and the contoured support arm (28) and urges them apart, and against the inner walls of a yarn tube (13) placed about the contact arm and the contoured support arm.

Abstract: A holder for a yarn package or yarn carrier including a support member to which is fixed a clamp member having a bottom jaw surface and a bell crank member pivotally supported upon the support member below the clamp member, so that the rearward and upward projecting leg of the bell crank member constitutes a pivotal clamp member for clamping the lip of the yarn carrier against the fixed clamp member and the longer, forward projecting lever arm leg of the bell crank member provides a support for the interior of the yarn carrier.

Abstract: The creel structure of the invention comprises a supporting framework 2 consisting of posts 3 and cross-pieces 4 disposed according to a parallelepiped configuration and a secondary frame 5 consisting of two cross-pieces 6 and a number of posts 7 each of them being provided with supports 8 for the bobbins 9 extending in opposite direction towards opposed parallel planes defined by the most extending surfaces of the parallelepiped framework configuration. In each of said planes an alveolus-like structure 11 formed of hexagonal meshes 12 extends and to each of said meshes is fastened a first thread tension device 13, said supports for the bobbins being distributed according to a symmetrically offset configuration. Second thread tension devices 28 are provided and they are located on support bars 29 mounted in cantilevered fashion on the posts 3 of the supporting framework 2, the second thread tension devices 28 of each support bar 29 corresponding to one horizontal row of the supports 8.

Abstract: A flat-bed knitting machine having a spool table disposed above the needle bed and carriage apparatus, in a rear area of the machine, is described. A multiplicity of yarn spool holders, which are movable into a front area above the needle bed and carriage apparatus, and a plurality of yarn supply devices are held on the spool table. To make the individual yarn spools of such a flat knitting machine more accessible, with less effort, even during machine operation, the yarn spool holders are divided into sets of a plurality of holders, and each set of holders is secured on a pull-out rail of a pull-out device. The pull-out rail is movable relative to a guide rail of the pull-out apparatus, and the guide rail is secured on the stationary spool table.

Abstract: A relatively heavy sliver creel frame is suspended from an overhead support by relatively stiff wires whose angle to the creel in combination with the weight of the creel minimize horizontal creel sway. A pair of additional stabilizing links connect the creel to and cantilever it from a support structure spaced from the floor region over which the creel is suspended.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to method and apparatus for facilitating the withdrawal of strand from the interior of a wound package a strand comprising biasing a movable manifold means against a portion of the arcuate periphery of the package, the manifold means having an apertured section in contact with the package; and drawing a vacuum in the manifold means effective to retain the strands at the periphery of the package until withdrawn to facilitate the complete withdrawal of the strand from the package.

Abstract: A creel is provided for a textile machine, the creel including a frame mounted in a C-shaped support structure so as to be pivotal about its vertical central axis. The frame defines four spaces on each of three levels. In each space are pivotally mounted a pair of mutually spaced package support arms which are movable between two operative positions offset towards each side of the space so that a larger diameter reserve package can only be accomodated on one package arm when the in-use package on the other package arm of that pair has been used sufficiently to reduce its diameter significantly. This enables large packages to be used in a creel of lower height than would otherwise be required, to reduce package handling problems.