JP2003516288A - Apparatus for applying soft filaments to continuous elongated articles - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 A filament applicator is a frame that defines a mechanical axis through which the elongated member can be guided at an application station where the filament is applied or twisted to the elongated member, such as an optical cable. Having. A plurality of chambers are provided, each of which defines a chamber axis substantially parallel to the machine axis and is provided on the frame for rotation about the machine axis. Each chamber is substantially closed and has an open position in which the wound package of filament material can be moved into and out of the chamber, and seals the chamber during rotation about the machine axis to release air within the chamber. A panel is provided at the axial end of the chamber that is movable between a closed position to prevent turbulence. Each panel has an opening through which the filament material can be removed from the wound package.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to machines for making cables and other conductors, and more particularly to apparatus for applying soft filaments to continuous elongated articles.

[0002]

[Prior art]

In the manufacture of conductors and cables, it is almost always necessary to apply elongated filaments to one or more continuous elongated members. In the manufacture of optical cables, for example, a plurality of filaments is typically fed before a bundle of optical fibers is conveyed to an extrusion station where an outer plastic cover or jacket is applied to shield and encase the optical fibers. It is often moved through application stations that are bundled or bundled. For example, the elongated filaments, which may be combined in a bundle, may be very soft and flexible strands or fibers. Such filaments are very soft and flexible, yet very strong in tension and, with or without an additional rigid core, are very sensitive to tension, e.g. fiber tension, and thus tension. It can be used to eliminate or minimize certain optical and electrical properties.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

One of the problems that has arisen so far is to effectively apply or guide filaments such as KEVLAR into cables. One particular example of such an optical fiber is the "tight coated" construction. In this configuration, a plastic buffer is extruded directly into the coated fiber to form a buffer fiber. Although there are various designs with such a simple construction, one or two light buffer fibers are covered with an aramid yarn reinforcing member and a plastic jacket. However, one problem with applying aramid yarn filaments in cables is that they are difficult to control and process, especially at relatively high speeds. Such filaments are typically very soft, flexible, lightweight and thin. When a cylindrical or conical mass of such filament material wrapped around a quill or tube is unwound from a cop, the unwound filament will
It is exposed to forces such as centrifugal forces, turbulence of air, which are exerted on the filaments in the machine. When the optical fiber passes through the machine axis at the application station and a wound package of filament material is rotated about the cable through which the filament is guided and the machine axis, a relatively low rotational speed threshold is achieved. Beyond, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to control the type of filament material under consideration, especially in relatively soft and thin shapes. Depending on the nature of the filament material used, such rotational speed thresholds can be varied within the range 100-150 rpm. At relatively high speeds, such a given filament material unwound from a rolled package or cup is extremely difficult to control. Also, at relatively high velocities, turbulence makes filaments extremely difficult to control, sometimes causing them to engage or entangle with machine components, or become entangled or kinked, making them difficult to use. Cause damage. These issues may require the applicator to shut down, resulting in downtime.
The effectiveness of the operation is unnecessarily reduced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filament applicator which does not have the problems found in prior art applicators in order to overcome the problems found in prior art applicators. Another object of the invention is to provide a filament applicator that is simple in construction and economical to manufacture. Another object of the invention is a filament, such as the aforementioned article, suitable for use for filaments that are extremely soft, flexible and lightweight without being unduly affected by air turbulence. It is to provide an applicator.

Yet another object of the present invention is the type under consideration that may be used to apply soft, flexible, lightweight filaments under the higher speeds achieved by current filament applicators. Of filament applicator. A further object of the invention is to provide a filament which is very soft and flexible,
It is to provide a filament applicator, such as the aforementioned articles, which can be used to provide a wide range of filaments, up to moderately soft and flexible filaments.

[0006]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects and other objects that will become apparent below, a filament applicator according to the invention for applying a plurality of filaments around a continuous elongated member at an application station is provided at the application station. It has a frame defining an axis. First guiding means are provided for guiding the elongated member along the machine axis at the application station. A plurality of chambers are provided,
Each of these chambers defines a chamber axis that is substantially parallel to the machine axis and is mounted on the frame for rotation about the machine axis. Each chamber is substantially closed and includes an open position for loading and unloading a rolled package of filament material into and out of the chamber, and substantially sealing the chamber during rotation about the machine axis. At the axial end of the chamber is a panel movable into and out of a closed position to prevent turbulence of air therein. Each panel has an opening through which the filaments of the package in the associated chamber can be removed from the chamber. A second guide means is provided for guiding each filament from its associated opening to the machine axis for winding on or introduction into the elongated member. Thus, the operation of removing the filament from the wound package in the associated chamber causes air turbulence as the chamber containing the wound package of filament rotates about the mechanical axis. Not affected by.

[0007]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, as well as the features and characteristics of the present invention, will become more apparent from the following detailed description, when the description is read with reference to the different figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: ,
Will be understood. Referring to the drawings, the same or similar parts are generally indicated by the same reference numerals. The apparatus for applying generally soft filaments to a continuous elongated article, shown in FIG. 1, is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. The apparatus 10 has a support frame 12 located at the application station of a cable manufacturing line. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the filament applicator of the present invention is commonly used in fiber optic cables or industrial technology and has the trade name KEVL
In the production of various types of cables, such as synthetic fibers, which are sometimes marketed as AR, and other cables which require the production of one or more soft and flexible and / or thin fiber filaments. Suitable for use. The following description touches on a particular application of the invention relating to the production of a tightly covered fiber optic cable FC (FIG. 2), but as mentioned above, the applicator is of a predetermined continuous nature. It can also be used in the manufacture of traditional elongated members or articles.

[0008]   The frame 12 is the application station where the device 10 is located or installed.
, Machine axis A_m(Fig. 2) is specified. The device 10 generally comprises a machine axis A._mSame as
, Has an axially perforated opening or channel 14. Cable or conduit
When the kneader is fed to the machine at the application station, the elongated member FC is _m Can be guided through this channel along this axis.

[0009] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, so as to rotate about the machine axis _{A m} mounting plate 12a (
A cylindrical drum or housing 16 mounted in FIG. 2) is provided. The mounting plate 12a is selectively connected to a gear 12b connected to a drive motor 12d by a belt 12c. Thus, by driving the motor 12d, the driving device described above can rotate the cylindrical drum 16 about the mechanical axis A _m . A suitable control body (not shown) selectively controls the rotation of the cylindrical drum 16 by means of a brake 12e (FIG. 1) which can engage a brake disc provided with the rotation assembly for rotation. It is provided to brake the drum. The details of the rotating assembly, the drive, and the braking mechanism, as well as the control members for controlling the rotational movement of the applicator, are important for the purposes of the present invention, but are not limited to certain conventional techniques known to those skilled in Means are also not disclosed or described as they can be used in the present invention.

As best seen in FIG. 1, a plurality of chambers 18A-18L are provided along the circumference of the cylindrical drum 16 and twelve such chambers are described. However, it will be apparent that the apparatus can be provided with any desired number of chambers and that such provided desired number of chambers can be used for any desired application.

Referring to FIG. 3, the top of the chamber 18A define a parallel and substantially horizontal axes A _c relative to the machine axis A _m, are shown to have a wall 20 of substantially cylindrical.
It will be apparent that the chamber 18 rotates about the machine axis A _m , so that the chamber axis A _c is maintained parallel to the machine axis. Chamber 1
Although eight details have been described, it is clear that the same description applies to all chambers 18A-18L.

A cylindrical wall 20 is suitably attached to the mounting plate 12 and / or the outer cylindrical drum or housing 16. In FIG. 3, the chamber 18 is
Rear upstream wall 2 closing the axial end of the chamber 18 facing the upstream end 15a of the line so that the upstream end of the chamber 18 is permanently closed for practical purposes.
It is shown as comprising 2. Since no access is required via the upstream end of chamber 18, this end may be used for attachment to mounting plate 12a, for example by bolts 24.

The bolt 24 may also be used to mount a generally horizontal hollow shaft 26 along the axis A _c within the chamber 18 having an axial length L ₁ . This length L ₁ is smaller than the axial dimension L ₂ of the cylindrical wall 20. Shaft 26 has an outer diameter selected to slidably support a rolled filament package or cup 28, having a filament package 28a wrapped over a hollow, typically paper tube 28b. Have. In FIG. 3, of the tube 28b,
A virtual outline is shown at the position normally assumed during operation of the applicator.

A layer 30 of a soft conforming material is preferably provided on the inner surface of the chamber 18 of the back wall 22. This layer 30 is provided on the upstream face 28 of the cup 28 so that it conforms to the desired ruggedness of the cup when the device is used.
a. By abutting c and occupying a given irregular space at its axial upstream end, the filament may accidentally and undesirably be affected by any one of a plurality of different forces as described. Prevent supply to space. Applicator 1
One purpose is to unwind the wound filament package 28 in an orderly manner to remove filament F from chamber 18 while preventing the filament from engaging and / or mating with certain mechanical components, or becoming entangled or entangled. Taking out and ensuring that the filament F is taken out undamaged by a substantially small tension. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conforming layer or seal 30 has properties similar to an annular disc formed of a relatively soft plastic foam material that is attached to the back wall 22 in a suitable or conventional manner. Has. Thus, the cup 28 becomes the chamber 18
Even when removed from A, the conforming layer 30 is maintained in a position suitable for abutting the next cup to be used.

During operation of the applicator, in order to keep the tube 28b and the wound filament 28a in place over the shaft 26, the package during operation, the outline shown in broken lines in FIG. A locking mechanism 32 is provided that securely secures it in place, such as, and preferably facilitates and conveniently attaches the package 28 and removes the hollow tube 28b from the shaft 26. Lock mechanism 32
Details of are described in connection with FIG.

An important feature of the present invention is that it can optionally be opened to provide access to the chamber 18 at the axial downstream end for introduction and removal of the rolled package 28 and during operation. Is provided with a door, cover or panel 34 which can be closed to substantially seal the chamber except for a relatively small opening 34a in the door or panel 34 through which the filament F can be removed from the chamber. It is a point. In FIG. 3, the opening is shown as an eyelet 34a provided substantially along the chamber axis A _c . The door or panel 34 may be provided with an additional eyelet or opening 34b, somewhat closer to the machine axis, for reasons that will be described below. The door panel 34 is also attached to the machine by any suitable means to allow such selective opening and closing of the panel. In the embodiment shown, such means are in the form of hinges 36 attached to the rotating member by suitable fasteners such as bolts 37. Further details of hinge 36 are described in connection with FIG.

As best shown in FIG. 3, when the filament is removed from the cup or rolled package 28, the eyelet 34 of the panel or door 34 is removed.
It is guided to a and subsequently guided to the application position. The particular guide member used for such purpose is not critical, but in the embodiment shown, such guide member is a pigtail retaining member provided on a rotating member associated with the cylindrical drum 16. Four
Has 0. Such guide members may be provided if desired. FIG. 3 shows the first
Of additional pigtail holding member 42 which is located at a distance between the pigtail holding member 40 and the machine axis A _m, it is shown. These guide members are for guiding the filament F from each of the associated chambers 18A-18L to the region of the machine axis. Through this region of the mechanical axis, the fiber cable FC passes and the filament F can be applied or introduced into the cable. In addition, an appropriate tension control mechanism 4
4 and a tension sensor 46 are provided along the path of the fiber F before reaching the mechanical axis, in order to maintain the tension of all fibers applied or guided in the cable at approximately the same tension, Preferably the tension of the fiber F can be monitored or adjusted as needed. When the fiber F is adjusted to the proper tension, it goes to the closing station where it is collectively applied or guided.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, one mechanically effective configuration of the door or panel 34 is to form it into a general trapezoidal shape, which allows all doors and panels to be constructed. , The door or panel 34 may be closed for each chamber 18A-18L while forming a substantially continuous surface that is closed without space between the door panels that may create unwanted turbulence during high speed rotation of the drum 16. It will be revealed that it can be placed in. With this configuration, the door or panel 34
Opposing (mutually) straight edges 34c, coextensive with a radial line passing through the machine axis A _m ,
34d. The radially outermost edge of the door or cover 34 is an arcuate edge 34e having an arcuate shape that is generally coextensive with the circumference of the cylindrical drum 16. The door or panel 34 is provided with a substantially straight edge 34f that is orthogonal to the radial direction at the radially innermost point. Door or panel 34
Is preferably hinged along this lower edge 34f. Drum 1
It is clear that the centrifugal force acting radially outward during the high speed rotation of 6 tends to move all rotors radially outward. The door or panel 34 does not accidentally open due to the hinge assembly 36 being located along the inner edge 34f, but in fact, this door or panel 34 may be replaced by a door or panel and a cylindrical wall. It will be exposed to the forces that tend to close the seal formed between it and 20 and make it stronger. A latching mechanism 38 is advantageously provided to ensure that the door or panel is closed both during operation and when rotation of the cylindrical drum 16 is stopped. 4 and 5). One shape at this time is shown in FIG. However, it will be apparent that any suitable or conventional latch or door lock mechanism may be used for this purpose.

In FIG. 5, details of the hinge mechanism 36 are shown, where a portion of the hinge is fixedly attached to the rotating member by a suitable fastener 37, and the other hinge member is It is attached to the innermost end 34f of the door or plate 34 by any suitable or conventional means. In the embodiment shown, the door or panel 34 is attached to the other hinge member by the additional bolts 48a and corresponding nuts 48b shown. Also, the same rotating portion 49 that supports the hinge 36 is provided with an axial bore hole 50 for receiving a suitable guide member, such as the pigtail holding guide 40 shown in FIG. Has been.

FIG. 6 comprises a tapered or conical head 52a in this case,
1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention of a latching mechanism 38 having a threaded bolt which is attached to a cylindrical drum or housing 16 by a corresponding or associated nut 52b. There is. The leaf spring 54 is provided near the latch mechanism 38 and has a portion 54a attached to the door or panel 34 by rivets 56. When the door or panel 34 is in the fully closed position, as in FIG. 6, a right angle portion 54b having a V-shaped notch 54c is positioned to engage the tapered screw head 52a. Thus, the leaf spring maintains the door or panel 34 in the closed position, as shown in FIGS. The high speed rotation of the cylindrical drum 16 has the effect of driving the portion 54b inward of the chamber 18 so that the door or panel closed position is maintained. However, when the machine is stopped, the tapered head 52a holds the door or panel in place.
The upper edge 34e of the panel to expose the door and by deflecting the leaf spring portion 54b downward as shown in FIG.
Can be opened.

[0021]   In FIG. 7, details of the eyelet 34a and also how this eyelet 3a
4a is attached to the panel 34 by a suitable adhesive 58 such as silicone.
It can be provided via a percha or.   In FIG. 8, a tension detection arrangement for monitoring and adjusting the tension of the filament F.
And some details of the extension mechanism are shown. Filament F is machine axis A _m When it is taken inward in the radial direction, it is spring-loaded and tension is applied to the filament.
To pass through two adjacent plates 59a, 59b provided to provide
Will be included. An adjustment knob 60 for changing the relative pressure applied between the two plates
A conventional manual extension configuration having can be used. The filaments F are adjacent to each other.
Extending between two plates and then part of a tension sensing mechanism of the type known to those skilled in the art.
Eyelet that is formed on the arm portion 70 and is supported by the rod 72
Extends through 68. Tension of filament F at the outlet of eyelet 68
, A filler to keep it substantially constant as applied to the cable
By monitoring this tension as the ment F passes through the eyelet 68,
The tension between plates 59a and 59b can be modified as needed.

In FIG. 9, details of the lock mechanism 32 are described. As shown, the shaft 26 is provided in its hollow portion with a transverse member 74 attached to the shaft. A support member 76 is provided below the chamber axis A _c of the lateral member 74. A movable member 78 is attached to one end 78a so as to be rotatable around a rotation pin 80. The other end 78b of the movable member is between an upright position, shown in solid outline in FIG. 9, for holding the tube 28b of the cup 28 and an open position, shown in phantom in FIG. Has the shape of a gripping finger that can be moved. In the open position, the gripping finger pivots about the pivot pin 80 until it rests on the inner diameter 28d of the tube 28b so that the tube can dislodge the gripping finger. The adjustment knob 84 is used to pivot the knob on the sled shaft to adjust the position between the engaged or gripped position and the disengaged or released position. The configuration shown is merely one example of a mechanism that may be used to lock or lock the position of the rolled package on the shaft 26, and that various other locking configurations may be used for this purpose. It will be obvious to the trader.

In FIG. 10, an array of tension adjustment units 62A-62L is provided to control the tension of each filament supplied from the corresponding or associated chamber in which the wound package or cup 28 is located. Is shown. The operation of this device is described. The cup 28 is located in the desired number of chambers needed to provide the desired number of filaments applied to the cable FC. Thus, if twelve filaments are needed to make a given cable, cups 28 are located in each of the twelve chambers 18A-18L. For each cup 28, the free end of the filament F is unwound and passes through an eyelet 34a, or islet 34a, and the door or panel 34 is closed by a lock 38. Outside the door or panel 34, each filament is engaged with suitable guide components or members, such as pigtail retaining members 40, 42 and a predetermined number of additional guide members that may be required, to provide a mechanical axis _Am. Is guided substantially inward in the radial direction. The filament then proceeds through the extension and tension sensing members 44, 46 as described to a closed station (FIG. 2) where the filament is guided into the cable FC.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, note that when the door or panel 34 is closed, the chamber 18 is substantially closed apart from the very small openings in the eyelets 34a, 34b. Ah As a result, virtually no turbulence of air is created inside the chamber, substantially independent of the rotational speed of the unit. However, referring to FIG. 4, during rotation, the filament F is continuously subjected to both gravity F _g directed downward and centrifugal force F _c directed radially outward with respect to the mechanical axis A _m . Since this centrifugal force is a function of the mass of the rotating object, the angular velocity, and the radius from the axis of rotation, it will be apparent that the centrifugal force acting on the filament F increases as the rotational speed of the machine increases. . Thus, for example, the rotation speed is 500r
In pm, where apart about 28.5 inches from the machine axis A _m in the radial direction, the centrifugal force applied to the filament F is about 206 times the weight of the filament. When the filament F is removed by the cable at the closing point S, the tension in the filament acts to force it out of the package 28a, usually axially. Referring to FIG. 4, when filament F is unwound counterclockwise from the cylindrical package, it reaches a point near point M. In this regard, the filament is unwound from the package by the centrifugal force F _c applied to the filament F, is pressed against the inner surface of the wall 20 of the cylindrical chamber. This is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
Described in both. Since the cup 28 does not rotate, the filament F continues to be unwound from the package and twists to be withdrawn in the application position. Thus, the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 20 is sufficient to prevent excessive or unwanted friction on the filament F as it disengages from the package 28a and slides along the surface of the wall. It must be smooth.

Obviously, the particular patch occupied by the filament F in the chamber 18 will be a function of the filament-specific properties, its stiffness, its softness, etc.
The described units have an effect, especially when applying very thin, lightweight, soft filaments, which are susceptible to turbulence of air. In a more important example, an eyelet 34b can be used that serves to maintain a relatively long length of filament within chamber 18 prior to being removed from the chamber. Clearly, when exiting the chamber through the door or eyelet of panel 34, a portion of filament F will be exposed to turbulence of air as the structure rotates about the mechanical axis. . Thus, by moving the eyelet through which the filament F travels near the machine axis, the effects of air turbulence are reduced. However, depending on the extent to which such filaments are affected by air turbulence, a suitable and sufficient number of guide members must be provided along the passageway outside the chamber. This is to ensure that the force exerted on the filament by the turbulence of air is compensated and controlled appropriately.

One filament contemplated by the present invention is 100% KEVLAR49
Aramid yarn, but this is only one example of the type of filament or fiber that may be applied in the device of the present invention. Other suitable materials that may be suitably delivered by the applicator of the present invention will be known to those of skill in the art. Obviously, as the material stiffness, required tension, and strength increase, it becomes less sensitive to air turbulence. Above a certain threshold, doors or panels are no longer necessary because the forces experienced by the air turbulence are small compared to the stiffness of the material. Also, although thin single strands may be relatively resistant to turbulence in air, they are formed by many strands with relatively large areas, such as KEVLAR strands, and bulky fibers are relatively large. Air friction can occur.

The rotatably mounted arms for supporting the eyelet 34a equivalent can be used at very low rotational speeds. However, this leaves most of the axial downstream end of the chamber substantially open. The arm part is
It has been found that a KEVLAR filament supply can function up to about 150 rpm. However, significant force is applied to the filament, 500 rpm
In that case, the chamber must be substantially sealed and the panel or door 34 must be used so that the device can be rotated at a fairly high speed.

These applicators are operated at 500 rpm by the door or panel 34.
It has been found that it can rotate up to, or three and one half times faster than can be accomplished by eyelet support on the open arms. Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, many other modifications, improvements, and other uses will be known to those of skill in the art. It is an advantage, therefore, that the present invention is not limited by the specific disclosure of the embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims. Thus, for example, a door or panel is shown at the axial downstream end of the chamber 18, but could also be provided on the opposite side of the downstream end by appropriate modification of the filament guide.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows twelve chambers for receiving a rolled package of filament material that are rotated about a mechanical axis when a cable or conductor is moved to apply the filament. Moreover, the front view of the filament applicator concerning this invention is shown.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an applicator similar to the applicator shown in FIG.

3 is an enlarged side view of a partial cross-section of one of the chambers of the applicator taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 4, showing the wound package of filament material within the chamber. And a closure panel for preventing turbulence of air in the chamber during rotation about the mechanical axis.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged front view of one of the closure panels made of filamentary material, which is used to cover the access opening of the chamber, which allows the rolled package to be put in and out.

[Figure 5]   FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detailed view of part 5 of FIG.

[Figure 6]   FIG. 6 shows an enlarged detail view of part 6 of FIG.

[Figure 7]   FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detailed view of part 7 of FIG.

8 is an enlarged detail view of the tension control and tension sensor of section 8 of FIG. 2 used in connection with each filament supplied from one of the chambers shown in FIG. 1; Indicates.

[Figure 9]   FIG. 9 shows an enlarged detailed view of the portion 9 of FIG.

[Figure 10]   FIG. 10 shows an enlarged detailed front view of the extension device of section 8 of FIG.

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Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A filament applicator for applying a plurality of filaments around a continuous elongate member at an application station, the application station including a frame defining a mechanical axis. A first guide means for guiding the elongated member along the machine axis and a chamber axis substantially parallel to the machine axis, the frame for rotation about the machine axis. A plurality of chambers, each of which is substantially closed, and which has an open position allowing a rolled package of filament material to be loaded into and unloaded from the chamber and centered about the machine axis. A panel movable between a closed position to substantially seal the chamber during rotation to prevent turbulence of air in the chamber. At the axial end, each panel further has an opening through which the filament can be removed from the rolled package, and each filament is wound into or introduced into an elongated member. A second guiding means for guiding from the associated opening to the machine axis, such that the operation of removing the filament from the rolled package in the associated chamber comprises a filament. A filament applicator that is unaffected by air turbulence, even when the chamber containing the packaged package rotates about the machine axis. 2. The filament applicator of claim 1, wherein the first guide means is substantially coextensive with the mechanical axis and has perforations or channels formed in the frame. 3. A mounting plate is mounted for rotation about a mechanical axis in a frame, and the chamber is fixedly attached to the mounting plate for rotation therewith. 1 filament applicator. 4. The filament applicator of claim 3, wherein the mounting plate is substantially annular and the chambers are each attached around the periphery of the mounting plate. 5. The filament applicator of claim 4, wherein a predetermined number of chambers are provided, dimensioned such that circumferentially adjacent chambers substantially abut each other. 6. The filament applicator of claim 5, wherein twelve chambers are provided, each of which occupies an arc of about 30 ° circumferentially of the mounting plate. 7. Each panel is movably mounted on a radially innermost portion of an associated chamber, thus centrifugal forces acting on the panel during rotation secure the panel to the chamber to ensure closure. The filament applicator of claim 1, wherein the filament applicator is biased. 8. The panel of claim 7, wherein the panel is hinged to the chamber.
Filament applicator. 9. The filament applicator of claim 1, wherein each aperture in the associated panel is disposed substantially coextensive with one another along an associated chamber axis. 10. The filament applicator of claim 1, wherein an additional aperture is provided in each panel between the first aperture and the mechanical axis. 11. Each chamber has a true circular cylindrical configuration and the additional openings are each located at a distance from the associated first opening of less than half the radius of the chamber. The filament applicator of claim 10. 12. The method further comprising latching means for attaching each panel to its respective chamber, both when the chamber is rotating about the machine axis and when not rotating. 1 filament applicator. 13. The second guide means movably receives a filament. The filament applicator of claim 1, having retaining means for receiving. 14. The filament applicator of claim 13, wherein the retaining means comprises a plurality of pigtail members spaced apart from each other. 15. The filament applicator of claim 1, further comprising stretching means for controlling the tension of the filament. 16. The filament applicator of claim 15, further comprising a tension detecting means for detecting the tension of the filament. 17. The filament applicator of claim 1, wherein each chamber has a generally horizontal shaft extending from one axial end of the chamber and substantially coextensive with the chamber axis of the associated chamber. . 18. The filament applicator of claim 17, wherein the axial length of the shaft is less than the axial length of the associated chamber. 19. The filament applicator of claim 17, wherein the outer diameter of the shaft substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of a cup or rolled package of filament material introduced into the chamber. 20. A rolled package or cup of filament material introduced into the chamber to secure it against movement.
The filament applicator of claim 1, further comprising locking means for locking. 21. At least one of the cups is arranged to engage a cup of filament material introduced into the chamber to prevent the filament from becoming entangled, entangled or kinked with machine components. The filament applicator of claim 1, further comprising conforming means for closing the space around the portion.