US3167901A - Methods of and apparatus for reeling strands in a multicycle operation - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 2, 1965 D. G. STETKA METHODS OF AND APPARATUS FOR RE ELING STRANDS IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION '7 Sheets-Sheet l Filed July s. 1963 Ifllllll Feb. 2, 1965 D. Gis1-Em@ 351692901 METHODS oF AND APPKRMUSmQWREELmGL- sTRANDs 1N A MULTrcmLEmQERATIoNl Filed July 3. 1963 ''shetssetz Feb. 2, 1965 D G STETKA 3,167,901

METHODS OF AD PPARATUS FOR REELING STRANDS'IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 3, A1963 /60 /ae M7 Feb. 2, 1965 D. G. sTETKA 3,167,901

METHODS oF AND APPARATUS FOR REELING STRANDS IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION Filed July 3. 1963 4 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 n 1i l A Feb. 2, 1965 D. G. s'rETKA 3,157,901

METHODS oF AND APPARATUS FOR REELING sTRANDs 1N A MULTICYCLE OPERATION Filed July s, 1963 7 sheets-sheet e Feb. 2, 1965 D G. sTETKA 3,167,901

METHODS 0F AND APPARATUS FOR REELING STRANDS IN A MULTICYCLE OPERATION '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed July 3, 1963 3,167,901 METHODS F AND AliARATUS FR REELENG STRANDS iN A MULHCYCLE @PERATEGN Daniel George Stetten, Pennington, NJ., assigner to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York, NY.,

a corporation of New York Filed . iniy 3, 1963, Ser. No. 292,519 l Claims. (Ci. 57m-3ft) This invention relates to methods of and apparatus for reeling strands and more particularly to methods of and apparatus for pairing and supplying electrical conductors to and taking up paired and twisted electrical conductors from a multicycle twister.

Efforts have been made to increase the rate of manufacture of paired and twisted strands. As a result of such efforts, centrifugal or inertial, multicycle machines have been provided for twisting paired strands. The multicycle machine disclosed in copending application Serial No. V138,854 tiled September 18, 1961, by T. T. Bunch,

now Patent No. 3,096,610, is an example of such machines. In such machines, twist is imparted to the strands in two cycles; namely, one part of the twist occurring as the strands are unwound from strand packages and deposited in a rotating receiver, and a unal part of the twist occurring as the strands are Withdrawn from the receiver and received on a take-up device.

In the operation of inertial machines, the transition between the unwinding operation and the take-up operation has been a source of delay. For example, when a strand package becomes depleted or the receiver becomes lled, the twisting operation must be interrupted :to stop the advancement of strand into the receiver and direct Vthe strand to the take-up device.

In the past, inertial machines have been used for twisting a single strand. In the single strand situation, the delay required to effect transition between the unwinding and take-up operations has been minimized by securing the end of the single strand to a supply bobbin. When the original supply of strand is unwound from the bobbin,

the take-up operation commences immediately because the strand is wound back onto the hobhin as the bobbin continues to rotate.

In the twisting of a plurality of strands, it has been found advantageous to supply the strands from separate packages. It is not practical, however, in the twisting of 'i such plurality of strands, to secure the ends of each strand to its respective package in an endeavor to minimize the time of transition in the manner used for twisting a single strand. For example, upon depletion of the strand supply of a rst package while strand remains on a second package, the strand would immediately be taken up on the first package from both the twisting machine and the second package.

Research conducted in an endeavor to minimize the time required for effecting transition between the unwinding and take-up operations during the twisting of a plurality of strands fed from separate packages, indicates that such transition time is minimized when the separate packages are mounted adjacent to each other in spaced relationship. With the packages so mounted, the strands are fed separately from the packages, are paired and are 3,167,91 Fatented Feb. 2, 1965 time of the pairing and twisting apparatus may be minimized by advancing the strands from the separate packages and directing the strands to the twisting machine in paired relationship in a path that is adjacent to an empty take-up device. With the paired strands advancing in such path and upon depletion of the strand supply of one of the packages, the paired strands may be immediately shifted toward and secured to the take-up device. Rotation of the take-up device withdraws the paired and twisted strands from the twisting machine while the packages are replaced with full packages. By replacing the packages while the take-up operation is performed, the overall operation time is minimized.

An object of this invention is to provide new and improved methods of and apparatus for twisting strands.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of methods of and apparatus for pairing and supplying electrical conductors to and taking up paired and twisted electrical conductors from a multicycle twister.

A still further object of this invention is to provide separate strand packages for suppiying strands wherein each package includes a reel and a strand wound on the reel, in conjunction with facilities for feeding paired strands to a multicycle twister in a path that is adjacent to the reels, wherein instrumentalities for sensing a depleted lcondition of one of the packages shift the strands from the path .to the depleted reel to withdraw twisted strands from the multicycle twister.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a pair of reels mounted in spaced,- coaXial relationship for supplying individual strands around a capstan mounted between the reels which feeds the strands .j to a multicycle twister wherein facilities responsive to an empty condition of one of the reels actuate instru- `rnentalities for shifting the strands from the capstan to the empty reel to initiate a twisted strand take-up operation.

Still another object of this invention resides in thefprovision of separate strand packages for supplying strands in paired relationship around a capstan mounted coaxially with a take-up device and to a multicycle twister, in conjunction with facilities responsive to an empty condition of one of the packages for shifting the strands from the capstan to the take-up device to initiate a take-up operation.

With these and other objects in view, the present invention contemplates a reeling unit having a separate strand package for each of a plurality of strands to be paired and twisted. In performing the method of the invention, the strands from the packages are advanced in paired relationship in a preselected path that is adjacent to the packages and are then advanced into a receiver of a multicycle twister. Facilities sense the depletion of the strand of one of the separate strand packages and, in performing the method of the present invention, operate an indexing mechanism for shifting the paired strands from the preselected path over a flange of the depleted package. A snagger wheel secured to the flange catches and holds the shifted strands so that upon continued movement of the package, twisted strands are withdrawn from the twister and are taken up on the depleted package.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent and a complete understanding of the present invention may be had by referring to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments thereof, in which:

FIG. l is an overall view of a pair of reeling units for pairing and twisting strands according to the present invention;

HG. 2 is an elevational view of one of the units shown in PEG. l illustrating separate strand packages for supplying strands to facilities for feeding paired strands to a multicycle twister in a path that is adjacent to each strand package;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 showing an'indexing mechanisrnactuated upon depletion of unit wherein paired strands are advanced in a predetermined path relative to a separate take-up reel which receives paired and twisted strands upon occurrence of a run-out condition of the strand supply of one of a plurality of separate strand packages;

' FIG. 7 is an elevational view of lthe unit shown in FIG. v6 illustrating a belt capstan for advancing the paired strands in the predetermined path from the packages to a multicycle twister;

' FIG. 8 is an elevational view of an indexing mechanism shifting the paired strands from the predetermined path toward the separate take-up reel upon occurance of the run-out condition; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of an electro-hydraulic system for controlling the reeling unit shown in FIGS.l

6 through v8. p

Referring -to FIG. 1, apparatus illustrating the principles of the present invention for reeling strands such as wire, electrical conductors, or filaments 11i, is shown including two similar reeling units 11 and 12. The reeling unit 11 is shown pairing the strands 1t) and supplying paired strands 13 to a multicycle twister 14 during a first cycle of the twister. The reeling unit 12 is shown taking up paired and finally twisted strands 16 from the twister during a second cycle of the twister.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a strand supply 21 of the unit 11.is shown including a separate strand package 22-22 for each of a plurality of the strands to be paired and twisted. Each of the supply packages 22-22 includes a reel, generally designated by the reference numeral 23,

' and one of the strands 10 having indeiinite length wound on the reel.

Accordingly, a left reel 26 and a right reel 27 are provided for supplying respectively, a left strand 28 and a right strand 29. The individual left and right strands 28 and 29, respectively, are supplied from the respective reels 26 and 27 around dancing sheaves 31-31 of a tension device 32 to a constant speed drive 33 such as a belt capstan 34 driven at constant speed for feeding :the strands 28 and 29 in paired relationship to the multicycle twister 14. The belt capstan 34 is positioned relative to the reels 26 and 27 to function as a rotatable strand guide for advancing the paired strands 13 in a 'predetermined path between the reels, through a strand guide 36 and to the multicycle twister 14.

The multicycle twister 14 of the reeling unit 11 is shown including a receiver 37 and a guide mechanism 38 which feeds the paired strands 13 into the receiver v 37.' The receiver 37 is rotated so that during a rst twisting cycle an initial twist is imparted to the paired strands 13 as they are received as the initially twisted strands in the form of spaced convolutions 41 in the receiver 37.

A run-out mechanism 43 detects a depleted or empty condition of one of the separate packages 22-22, which lpackage may then be described as an empty or depleted package 44 (see the reeling unit 12). Upon detecting the empty condition, the run-out mechanism 43 actuates an indexing mechanism 46. Upon actuation, the indexing mechanism 46 shifts a traverse device 47 toward the empty package 44 so that the strandguide 36, which is supported by the traverse device 47, shifts the paired strands 13 from the predetermined path across a ange 48 of the reel23 of the empty package 44; A snagger wheel 51 secured to the` flange 48 catches and holds the shifted, paired strands 13 and a cutting mechanism 49 severs the shifted strands 13 so thatk upon continued rotationof the reel 23 of the empty package 44, the initially paired and twisted strands 15 are withdrawn from the twister 14.

Referring again to the reeling unit 12, it may be understood that the second twisting cycle of the twisters 14-14 commences as the initially twisted strands 15 are withdrawn from the receiver 37. During the second twisting cycle, an additional or iinal twist is imparted to the initially twisted strands 15. If the left package 44, for example, becomes empty first, the iinally twisted strands 16 are taken-up on the left reel 26 of the left empty package 44 so that the left reel 26 may be said to be a take-up reel. The right and left reels 27 and 26,v when functioning as take-up reels, will be (as viewed in FIG. 1) lreferred to hereinafter by the respective reference numerals 53 and 54.

At this time, the traversing device 47 is effective to reciprocate the strand guide 36 for laying convolutions of the finally twisted strands 16 on the left take-up reel 54. vAs the left take-up reel 54 is wound to capacity, the remaining strand 1t) is removed from the right reel 27 so that the right reel may function as-the take-up reel 53 for receiving the finally twisted strands 16 upon winding of the left take-up reel 54 to capacity.

The reeling units 11 and 12 are similar. Accordingly, the following more detailed description refers only to the reeling unit 11, it being understood that the description is equally applicable to the reeling `unit 12.

REELING UNIT f 11 Referring in detail to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reeling unit 11 includes the left and right supply reels 26 and 27, respectively, shown mounted for rotation on opposed pairs of live center shafts 61-61 of a reel support mechanism 62. The mechanism 62 supports the reels 26 and 27 at adjacent positions. Each of the left and right reels 26 and 27, respectively, is provided with a pair of iianges 63-63 and a winding surfaceV 64 extending between the lianges @3*63. An outer angey 66 of `eachof the reels 27 and 27 is provided with a toothed pulley 68 that is adapted to be driven by a belt drive 71. Continuously rotating motors 72 (FIG. 1) provide individual variable speed drives 73 for the belt drives 71 so that the respective left and right reels 26 and 27 may be rotated independently.

With thereels 26 and 27 mounted for rotation adjacent to each other, adjacent flanges 77-77 of the reels 26 and 27 are spaced from each other. One of the snagger wheels 51 is mounted to each adjacent flange 77-77 and is provided with a series of peripheral, tangentially projecting fingers or teeth 52-52 which function to catch and. hold, and hence secure the paired strands 13 to the reel when the strands 13 are shifted from the eapstan 34 to a selected one of the take-up reels 53 or 54.

The left strand 28 and the right strand 29 from each of the respective left and right reels 26 and 27 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 advancing upwardly and around dancing sheaves 31-31 of the tension device 32. As the strands 2g and 29 advance under tension to the dancing sheaves 31--31, they engage respective left'and right rollers 81 and 82 .of the run-out mechanism 43. The respective strands 28` and 29 maintain the rollers 81 and 82 in rst positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that normally closed switch contacts 85 and 86 (see FIG. 5) of respective switches S7 and 88, are maintained open. Upon occur- `rence of an empty condition of one of the reels, the right Each of the dancing sheaves 31-31 is mounted on a slide block 92-92 for vertical movement in response to variations in the tension of each of the strands 28 and 29. Each of the slide blocks 92-92 is connected to an end 93-93 of a cable 94. The cable 94 extends around idler pulleys 96 and 97 and is wound several times around a fixed pulley 9S and a movable pulley 99 of the tension device 32. The movable pulley 99 is urged away from the xed pulley 98 by a pneumatic motor 101 to impart a desired degree of tension to the cable 94. Such tension of the cable 94 is applied to the dancing sheaves 31-31 by means of the slide blocks 92-92 to apply a desired amount of tension to the individual strands 28 and 29. Speed control mechanisms (not shown) are provided for response to the movement of each of the dancing sheaves 31-31 to control the speed of the variable speed drives 73 so that the speed of advancement of the strands 28 and 29 is equal.

The strands 28 and 29 advance around and are maintained under tension by the dancing sheaves 31-31 and are then advanced as the paired strands 13 to the capstan 34 in contiguous or in substantially parallel relationship.

A driving wheel 103 ofthe capstan 34 is shown mounted for rotation on the reel support mechanism 62 and is positioned between the adjacent flanges '77-77 of the left and right reels 26 and 27, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, associated with the driving wheel 103 are toothed idler pulleys 104 which co-operate with a drive belt 106 that is driven by a pulley 107 and a constant speed drive mechanism 108. The paired strands 13 are gripped between the driving wheel 163 and the drive belt 106 to advance the strands 13 in paired, parallel relationship at a constant speed through the strand guide 36 of the traversing device 47. The strand guide 36 is normally positioned in alignment with a space 111 between the adjacent franges 77-77 of the reels 26 and 27 and may thus be said to be adjacent to and opposite to the capstan. The strand guide 36, in the normal position thereof, and the driving wheel 1G33 of the capstan, mounted between the adjacent ilanges 77-77, co-operate to maintain the paired strands 13 in the predetermined path adjacent to both of the adjacent flanges '77-77 of the reels 26 and 27 during advancement of the strands 13 from the dancing sheaves 31.-31 to an idler pulley 112 of the multicycle twister 14. In this manner, the paired strands 13 are maintained in condition to be shifted to either of the reels 26 or 27 immediately upon occurrence of a run-out condition of one of the reels.

The multicycle twister 14 of the reeling unit 11 may be of the type disclosed in the above-mentioned copending application, iiled by T. T. Bunch, relating to methods of and apparatus for multicycle twisting a wire-like member. For the purposes of describing the present invention, the multicycle twister 14 is shown in FIG. 1 including the receiver 37 which is cylindrical in conguration and which is rotated by a motor driven mechanism 114 at a constant speed about a vertical axis 116. The receiver 37 is closed atone end 11S and is open at the other end 119 for receiving a hollow, telescopic arm 121 which supports the strand guide 3S. The telescopic arm 121 is supported for vertical reciprocation by a pair of brackets 123 which extend over the open end 119 of the receiver 37. A rack 124 is provided on the arm 121 in meshing engagement with a pinion 126 that is driven by a reversible motor 127.

The paired strands 13 advanced by the capstan 34 to the idler pulley 112 are drawn over the idler pulley into the hollow arm 121 by the inertial force of a length 129 of the paired strands 13 advancing around a curved tip 131 of the strand guide 3S towards an inner wall 133 of the receiver 37. As the paired strands 13 are thus inertially drawn into the receiver 37, the initial twist is imparted to the paired strands and the hollow, telescopic arm 121 is vertically reciprocated by the motor 127 for 6 laying the convolutions 41 of initially twisted, paired strands 15 on the inner wall 133 of the receiver 37.

The length of the strands 1t) wound on the respective reels 26 and 27 is metered so that the amount of strand on each reel is approximately equal and, furthermore, is substantially equal to an amount necessary to ll the receiver 37 to capacity. 1n practice, the supply of strand 1t) of one of the reels 26 or 27 is depleted or exhausted a short time before the receiver 37 is filled to capacity. Referring to FIG. 3, it may be understood that before the receiver 37 is full, the run-out condition occurs, so that the supply of strand 111 of one of the reels, the right reel 27, for example, becomes exhausted, rendering the right strand 29 loose as it advances toward the right dancing sheave 31-31. With the right strand 29 loose, the roller 82 of the run-out detector 43 is released and closes the switch SS to complete a right strand run-out'detector control circuit 138 (see FG. 5 The control circuit 138 is effective to actuate the indexing mechanism 46 which immediately shifts the strand guide 36 toward the empty take-up reel 53 so that the paired strands 13 are directed from the preselected path toward the empty take-up reel 53. The snagger wheel 51 catches and holds the paired strands 13 and a biade 139 of the cutting mechanism 49 severs the paired strands 13 to commence the second twisting cycle.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, the indexing mechanism 46 includes a frame 141 mounted for movement parallel to the axis of the take-up reels 53 and 54 for indexing the strand guide 35 from the position opposite to the adjacent anges 77-77 to the position opposite to the winding surface 54-64 of either of the reels. An indexing cylinder 142 secured to a support 143 is provided with a piston rod 146 for moving the frame 141 to index the strand guide 36. The frame 141 is provided with guide rods 147 which support a carriage 14% for movement parallel to the axis of the reels 2d and 27. The carriage 148 supports a distributor arm 149 which mounts the strand guide 36.

When the frame 141 is indexed by the indexing cylinder 142, the carriage 14S and the strand guide 35 are indexed to the position opposite to one of the reels. At that time, a traversing cylinder 151 mounted on the frame 141 actuates a piston rod 152 that is secured to the carriage 14S for reciprocating the carriage and the 'strand guide 36 in alternate directions so that the pair of nally twisted strands 15 enclosed thereby is laid in even convolutions on the winding surface 64-64 of one of the take-up reels 53 or 54. The normal positions of the frame 141 and the carriage 148 during the rst twisting cycie are shown in FIG. 2.

When the empty condition of the right reel 27, for exampie, occurs and the switch 88 of the run-out mechanism 43 senses the loss of tension in the right strand 29, the

right strand run-out control circuit 138 is energized for actuating the indexing cylinder 142 so that the frame 141 advances to the right. The frame 141 advances the traversing device 47 which in turn advances the strand guide 35 to the right. Movement of the strand guide 36 to the right, shifts the paired strands 13 from the predetermined path between the adjacent flanges 77-77 of the reels 25 and 27 toward the snagger wheel 51 of the right reel 27 which is now the take-up reel S3. As the strand guide 36 continues to shift the paired strands 13 to the right, the snagger wheel S1 catches and holds the paired strands 13 so that further rotation of the right take-up reel 53 commences winding of the paired strands 13 on the winding surface 64 of the right take-up reel 53. The right take-up reel 53 withdraws the initially twisted strands 15 from the receiver and renders the twister 14 effective to impart the final twist to the initially twisted strands 15 which are then taken up on the right take-up reel 53.

The right strand run-out control circuit 138 then actuates the traversing cylinder 151 so that the carriage 14S is reciprocated on the guide rods 147 for traversing the strand guide relative to the winding surface 64 of the right take-up reel 53. The strand guide 36 directs the finally 7 twisted strands 16 ontothe Winding surface 64 in even convolutions. Referring to FIG. 4, the second twisting cycle continues, and when the right take-up reel 53 becomes full, the indexing mechanism 46 is again rendered effective to shift the linally twisted strands 16 to the left across the adjacent flanges 77--77 of the take-up reels 53 and 54. The traversing device 47 continues to reciprocate the strand guide 36 relative to the left take-up reel 54 so that the remaining portion of the finally twisted strands 16 is taken up on the left take-up reel 54. When the receiver 37 becomes empty, the reeling unit 11 is stopped and conditioned for the next cycle of operation.

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM 161i Referring to FlG. 5, there is shown a combined electrohydraulic control system 160 for (controlling the operation of) the reeling unit 11, it being understood that a similar system (not shown) is provided for controlling the reeling unit 12. The system 160 includes a pair of electrical conductors or lines 161 and 162 for supplying elec-` trical power from a suitable source of power 163. Connected across the conductors 161 and 162 is a first motor starting circuit 166 including a normally open start switch 167, a normally closed stop switch 16S and a motor starting relay 169. Energization of the relay 169 is effective to energize the left motor 72-72 of the lett belt drive the relay 189 is effective to energize the motor driven mechanism 114, the constant speed drive mechanism 1118 and a pump drive motor (not shown) for a hydraulic system 194. Energization ofthe relay 189 is also effective to draw up a normally open contact 191 of an obvious holding circuit 192 to permit the start switch 187 to be released.

A third motor control circuit 266 is connected across the conductors 161 and 162 and includes a normally open start switch 207, a normally closed stop switch 208 and a relay 209. Connected in parallel with the start switch 207, is a holding circuit 212 including a normally open contact 211 which is drawn up upon energization of the relay 209 to permit an operator to release the start switch 207. Also upon energization of the relay 2119, the right motor 72 of the right belt drive 71 is energized.

With the motors 72-72 of the left and right belt drives 71-71 energized, and with the constant speed mechnism 1118 energized, the individual strands 11B are withdrawn from the left and right reels 26 and 27 by the capstan 34 and advance in paired relationship as the paired strands 13 through the strand guide 36 to the twister 14. Additionally, with the hydraulic system 194 conditioned for operation, the indexing mechanism 46 and the traverse device 47 are conditioned for operation.

The hydraulic system 194 includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir 221 which is selectively connected to the indexing cylinder 142 by a pair of pilot operated, three- way valves 222 and 223. The valves 222 and 223 are connected to left and right ends 226 and 227, respectively, of the indexing cylinder 142 by means of lines 228 and 229 respectively. A valve 231, controlled by solenoids 232 and 233 respectively. A valve 231, controlled by solenoids 232 and 233, is provided for operating the pilot valves 222 and 223. It may be understood that when neither of the solenoids 232 or 233 is energized, the valve 231 assumes a neutral position so that the same pilot pressure is applied to each of the pilolt valves 222 and 223. In response to such equal pilot pressures, the pilot Valves 222 and 223 apply equal pressure from the reservoir 221 to the ends 226 and 227 of the indexing cylg inder 142 and maintain the piston rod 146, which is operated by the cylinder 142, in a neutral position. It will be recalled fthat with the piston rod 146 in such neutral position, the strand guide 36 of the traversing device 47 is positioned adjacent to the capstan 34 and hence adjacent to the space 111 between the left and right reels 26 and 27.

Upon energization of the solenoid 232, the valve 231 is actuated for supplying pilot pressure from the reservoir 221 through a conduit 241 to actuate the pilot valve 222. Upon actuation, the pilot valve 222 supplies hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 221 to the left end 226 of the indexing cylinder 142. The indexing cylinder 142 is then eective to advance the piston rod 146 to the right to shift the yframe 141 and hence the carriage 14S and the strand guide 36, adjacent to the right reel 27.

Conversely, when the solenoid 233 is energized, the valve 231 is actuated for supplying pilot pressure from the reservoir 221 to the pilot valve 223 which connects hydraulic iiuid from the reservoir 221 to the right end 227 ol' the indexing cylinder 142. With the right end 227 of the indexing cylinder 142 under pressure, the piston rod 146 is advanced to the left for shifting the frame 141 and hence the carriage 148 and the strand guide 36, to the lett into position adjacent to the left reel 26.

With the constant speed drive mechanism 108 of the twister 14 energized upon energization of the relay 189, the paired strands 13 advance into thea receiver 37 whereupon the iirst portion of the twist is imparted to the pm'red strands 13. The vfirst portion of the twist is imparted to the paired strands 13 uritil the supply of strand 111 of one of .fthe reels 23 becomes exhauted. At this time, the roller 81 or S2 of the run-out mechanism 43 is eiective to sense the exhc usted condition. Upon occurrence of such exhausted condition of the right reel 27, for example, the right strand 29 which normally'positions the right roller 82 for maintaining the right switch. 88 open, releases the roller 82 for closing the contact 86 of the right run-out detector circuit 13S.

The right run-out detector circuit 138 includes. a normally close-d contact 251 of a push-bultton switch 252, the now closed contact 86, a relay 253, a normally closed contact 2511, and a relay 263. Upon energization of the relay 253, a contact 254 is drawn up to complete a holding circuit 253 through a lnormally closed contact 259 of the switch 252 and rthrough the nowclosed contact 254 to the relay 253. 1n its energized condition, the relay 253 also opens a normally closed Contact 255 of the left runout detector circuit 13S to preclude completion thereof during energizaltion of the right run-out circuit 138.

Upon energization of the relay 253, a normally open Contact 256 is also drawn up for completing a circuit 257 from the conductor 161 through the solenoid 232 and through the now closed contact 256 to the conductor 162. Upon energization, the solenoid 232 renders fthe valve 231 eiective to supply pilot pressure from the reservoir 221 through the conduit 241 to actuate the pilot valve 222 for supplying pressure from the reservoir 221 to the left 'end 226 of the indexing cylinder 142. The indexing cylinder 142 advances'the piston rod 146 to the-right to shift the frame 141 and the carriage 148 to the now empty right reel 27 which is now the right take-up reel 53.

Upon energization, the relay 263 draws up a normally open contact 264 of a traverse device control circuit 270. The circuit 270 may be traced from the line 161 through a normally closed contact 302, through a left traverse control solenoid 271 and through the now closed contact 264 tothe line 162. Upon energization of the solenoid 271, a valve 272 is actuated for supplying fluid pressure from a hydraulic fluid reservoir 273 to a conduit 274 connected to the left end 276 of the traversing cylinder `151. The traversing cylinder 151 renders the piston rod 152 eiiective to advance the carriage 148 to the right so that the strand guide 36 directs the paired and finally twisted strands 16 on to the winding surface 64 of the right take-up reel 53. The carriage 14S continues advancing toward the right until the strand guide approaches the outside flange 66 of the right take-up rcel 53, whereupon a cam 291 mounted on the carriage 148 actuates a limit switch 292 for closing a normally open contact 293. Upon closure of the contact 293, a traverse device reversing circuit 296 is completed through the now closed Contact 293 and through a relay 301 to the line 162. Upon energization of the relay 301, a normally open contact 304 is drawn up to complete a holding circuit 307 through a normally closed Contact 308 of a switch 311. Additionally, upon encrgization of the relay 301, the normally closed contact 302 is opened for deenergizing the solenoid 271, whereas a normally open contact 303 is drawn up to complete a circuit 317 for energizing a solenoid 321, Upon energization, the solenoid 321 reverses the position of the valve 272 so that uid is supplied from the reservoir 273 and through a conduit 322 to the right end 325 of the traversing cylinder 151. The traversing cylinder 151 advances the piston rod 152 to the left so that the strand guide 36 directs additional convolutions of the linally twisted strands 16 onto the right take-up reel 53. When the carriage 148 reaches its extreme right position, a cam 32S secured to the carriage 148 opens the normally closed contact 30S of the switch 311 for opening the holding circuit 387 of the relay 301. Upon deenergization of the relay 301, the normally closed contact 302 is released and closes, completing the circuit 276 and energizing the left solenoid 271. Accordingly, the direction of traverse of the carriage 148 is reversed.

Simultaneously, with the indexing of the traverse device 47 lto the right take-up reel 53 and the commencement of the traversing operation, energization of the relay 263 is effective to draw up a normally openvcontact 265 to complete a circuit 331 that may be traced from the conductor 161, through a counlter 333 and through the now closed contact 265 tothe conductor 162. Upon energization, the counter 333 is effective to indicate the length of finally twisted strands 16 that is taken up on the right take-up reel 53.

When a desired length of linally twisted strands 16 hasv been taken up, a cutover operation is initiated by actuating the switch 252 to open the normally closed contacts'251 and 259. Opening of the contact 259 opens the holding circuit 258 for the relay 253, whereas opening of the contact 251 opens the right run-out sensing circuit 138. Deenergizationv of the relay 253 permits the normally closed contact 255 to return to its normally closed position to condition a relay 341 of the left runout sensing circuit 137 for operation. The operator then actuates a pushliutton switch 342 to close a contact 343 and complete a circuit 344 from the line 161 through the now closed Contact 343, through the relay 341 and through a relay 355 to the line 162. Upon energization, the relay 341 draws up a normally open contact 345 to complete a. holding circuit 346 so thalt the push-button switch 342 may be released. Also, upon energization of the relay 341, the normally closed contact 250 is opened to preclude simultaneous completion of the right runout sensing circuit 138. Also, upon energization of the relay 341, a normally open conftact 348 is drawn up to complete a circuit 351 that may be traced from the conductor 161, through theV solenoid 233, through the now closed contact 348 to the conductor 162. Y

The right solenoid 233 effects the cutover operation by actuating the valve 231 and the pilot valve 223 for advancing the piston rod 146 to the left. Advancement of the piston rod 146 to the left shiiits the frame 141 of the indexing mechanism 46 adjacentto the left take-up reel 54 so that the linally twisted strands 16 are advanced across the snagger wheels 51-51 of the adjacent flanges 77-77 of the reels 53 and 54 to complete the cutover operation.

Although the relay 263 is defenergized upon opening of the circuit 13S, completion of the circuit 137 is elective to energize the relay 355 which draws up a normally open contact 356 to maintain the circuits 270 and 317 conditioned for operating the traverse device 47. Ac cordingly, the solenoid 271 or the solenoid 321 which wasy energized at the time of cutover remains in an energizedcondition so that the carriage 148 continues to traverse. At fthe end of that particular traverse, one of the contacts 293 or 388 is closed or opened, respectively, for reversing the direction of traverse.

Additionally, upon energization of the relay 355 a normally open contact 357 is drawn up for maintaining the counter 333 energized so that the length of finally twisted strands 16 wound on the left take-up reel 54 is indicated.

When the paired and finally twisted strands 16 have been withdrawn from the receiver 37 of the twister 14, the stop switches 168, 138 and 208 are actuated for open-r ing the circuits 166, 186 and 266 respectively, so that the respective motors of the reeling unit 11 are deenergized and the unit 11 stopped.

OPERATION To set up the reeling units 11 and 12 for operation, the packages 22-22 containing the individual strands 10 are mounted on the live center shafts 61-61 of the reel support mechanism 62 and a strand 10 of each of the packages is guided over one of the dancing sheaves 31- 31, fed through the capstan 34, and through the strand guide 36. The leading end of each strand 10 is inserted in the arm 121 of the twister 14 and is secured to an inertia member (not shown).

It may be recalled that the length of strand 10 included in each of the packages 22--22 is regulated so that each package contains approximately the same length of strand 16. However, the exact length of strand 10 included in each of the packages 22-22 is not generally knovm, nor is it known which package 22-22 includes the greater length of strand 10.

To initiate the operation of the units 11 and 12, an operator depresses the push- button switches 167, 187 and 237. The strands 16 are payed ofi the reels 26 and 27 of the packages 22-22 and are maintained in a condition of equal tension by the tension device 32. The strands 16 advance to and around the driving wheel 1113 of the capstan 34 in paired relationship as the paired strands 13 and pass from the capstan 34 through the strand guide 36. The capstan 34 advances the paired strands 13 at a fixed speed to the arm 121 of the twister 14 where the paired strands 13 are drawn into the receiver 37 by the inertia member (not shown) which is urged against the walls of the receiver 37.

The strands 1@ are Withdrawn from the reels 23 and advance into the receiver 37 until one of the reels, for example the right reel 27, becomes empty. The right strand 29 which formerly maintained [the right run-out detector switch 88 in an open condition, releases the right roller 82 so that the Contact 86 of the switch 88 closes for energizing the relay 253 and drawing up the contact 256 to complete the circuit 257 through the lett solenoid 232. The left solenoid 232 is effective to cause fluid pressure to he supplied to the left end 226 of the indexing cylinder 142 so lthat'the frame 141 and the carriage 143 of the traversing device 47 are advanced to the right. As the carriage 148 advances to the right, the strand guide 36 shifts the paired strands 13 from the position adjacent to fthe capstan 34 toward the right take-up reel 53 so that the paired strands 13 are caught and held by the teeth 2-52 of the snagger wheel 51 that is secured to the adjacent flange 77-77 of the right take-up reel 53. The blade is then effective to cut the paired strands 13 extending between the capstan 34 and the snagger wheel 51.

Further advancement of the carriage 148 to the right renders the strand guide 36 effective to advance the paired strands 13 relative to the right take-up reel 53 so that continued rotation thereof initiates the take-up operation.

Actuation of the right run-out detector switch 33 is also effective to energize the relay 263 which draws up the Contact 264 to complete the circuit 27 0 through the solenoid 271. Upon energization, the solenoid 271 is effective to actuate the traversing cylinder 151 for advancing the strand guide 36 to the right so that event convolutions of the paired and finally twisted strands 16 are taken up on the right take-up reel 53. When the carriage 148 reaches the right extremity of its traverse, the cam 291 closes the Contact 293 of the switch 292 for energizing the relay 301, whereupon the contact 3152 opens the circuit 270 to deenergize the solenoid 271.

Additionally, the contact 3113 is closed to complete the circuit 317 and to energize the solenoid 321. Upon energization, the solenoid 321 renders the valve 272 effective to supply iiuid pressure to the opposite end of the `traversing cylinder 151 so that the carriage 148 now traverses towards the lett. At the left extremity of traverse of the carriage 148, the carn 328 is effective to open the contact 30S to deenergize the relay 391, whereupon the solenoid 321 is deenergized and the solenoid 271 is energized to reverse the direction of traverse of the carriage 148.

'During the take-up operation, `the counter 333 is effec# tive to indicate the length of paired and finally twisted strands 16 that are taken up on the right take-up reel 53. When a desired length of paired and finally twisted strands 16 have been taken-up on the right take-up reel 53, the operator initiates the cutover operation by depressing the switches 269 and 342. Depression of the switch 260 is effective to deenergize the relays 253 and 263 so that the indexing mechanism 46 returns to the neutral position. At the same time, depression of the push button 342 is effective to energize the solenoids 341 and 355. Energization of the solenoid 341 renders the solenoid 233 effective to actuate the indexing cylinder 142 for shifting the carriage 148 from the right take-up reel 53 past the neutral position toward the left take-up reel 54. As the carriage 148 advances toward the left take-up reel 54, the strand guide 36 is efiective to advance the paired and finally twisted strands 16 into engagement with the teeth 52-52 of the `snagger wheels 51-51, of the right and left takeup reels 53 and 54. The paired and finally twisted strands 16 are caught and held by the teeth 52-52, and advance across and are severed by the blades 139-139. The paired and finally twisted strands 16 are held by the teeth 52-52 of the snagger wheel 51 of the left take-up reel 54 so that continued rotation of the left take-up reel 54 initiates the second take-up operation.

Energization of the relay 355 maintains the traversing device control circuits 270 and 317 conditioned for operation. Accordingly, if the traversing vsolenoid 271 was energized at the time of cutover, this solenoid remains Y energized after the cutover operation and continues to direct the paired and multi-twisted strands 16 onto the left take-up reel 54. The traverse limit switches 292 and 311 are then eiicective to reverse the direction of traverse of the carriage 148 so that even convolutions of the paired and multi-twisted strands 16 are taken up on the left take-up reel 54.

When the initially twisted strands 13 have been completely withdrawn from the receiver `37 and taken up on the left take-up reel 54, the push buttons 168, 188 and 208 are depressed to open the respective circuits 166, 186 and 206, so that the motors of the reeling units 11 and 12 are deenergized to permit replacement of the reels 23 and commencement of another pairing and twisting operation.

REELNG UNIT 411 It should be apparent from the foregoing description of the reeling units 11 and 12, that the transition time is to replace the left and right reels 26 and 27 during the final twisting cycle. To achieve this result, the second function of taking up the finally twisted strands 16, performed by the left and right reels 26 and 27, respectively, acting as the take-up reels 53 and 54, is performed by a separate take-up reel 454 in conjunction with an indexing mechanism 446 and traverse device 447 actuated by a run-out mechanism` 443 upon depletion of the supply of strand 10 from either of the left and right supply reels 26 and 27, respectively, of strand supply packages 22-22 Referring in general to FIG. 6, the separate packages 22-22 are provided for supplying the individual strands 10 which are to be paired and multi-twisted. Each individual strand advances around a dancing sheave 431-431 of a tension device 432 to a stationary strand guide 435. The strands 10 advance in paired relationship as the paired strands 13 from the stationary strand guide 435 around a belt capstan 434 and through a movable strand guide 436 of the traverse device 447 to the twister 14. The transition time between pairing and twisting operations is reduced by the provision of ,the empty take-up reel 454 adjacent to the. belt capstan 434.

In the operation of the reeling unit 411, when one of the supply reels, the right reel 27 for example, becomes empty, the run-out mechanism 443 is effective to'actuate the indexing mechanism 446 which is adapted to shift the movable strand guide 436 toward the empty take-up reel 454. A snagger wheel 451 provided on a flange 477 of the empty reel that is adjacent to the belt capstan 434 catches and holds the paired strands 13 so that continued rotation of the empty take-up reel 454 immediately initiates the take-up operation. During the take-up operation, the now empty` supply reel 27 `and the almost empty supply reel 26, are replaced by full reels 23 in anticipation of a subsequent pairing and twisting operation. When the iinal twisting cycle is completed, the individual strands 10 from Vthe full supply reels 23. are threaded around the dancing sheaves 431, through the strand guides 435 and 436 and into the receiver 37 while the now full take-up reel 454 is replaced by an empty take-up reel 454 with a minimum-of delay.

Referring in greater detail to FIGS. 6 through 9, the supply reels 26 and 27 'of the packages 22--22 are shown mounted for rotation in a conventional manner on opposed pairs of live center shafts 461 of a reel mechanism 462. Each of the adjacent live center shafts 461 is driven through a clutch ymechanism 465 by a pulley 467, The pulleys 467 are driven by belts 471 of a common drive 473 which is driven by a variable speed motor 474.v The motor 474 is of the variable speed type to permit rapid acceleration of the reels 26 and 27 to a desired operating speed to minimize improper twist at the start of a pairing and twisting operation. An electromagnetic brake ,475 mechanism is provided for each live center shaft 461 for stopping rotation ofthe reels 26 and 27 when the supply of strand 10 thereon is exhausted.

An individual strand 10 from each of the reels 26 and 27 advances upwardly and around the sheaves 431- 431 of the tension device 432. The tension device 432 is similar tothe tension device 32 and is effective to maintain equal tension in the individual strands 10 as they advance toward the capstan 434.

The individual strands 10 are fed through the stationary guide 435 and advance in paired relationship as the paired strands 13 to the capstan434. The capstan 434 may be similar to the capstan 34 and thus includes a driving wheel 503, and toothed idler puleys S04-504. The driving wheel 503 is driven by a shaft 505 which is driven -by a belt drive 506 advanced by a pulley 507 which is driven by the variable speed motor 474. The driving wheel 503 and the idler pulleys 504-504 co-operate with a belt 508 to grip and advance the paired strands 13 in paired relationship at a constant speed through the strand guide`436 of the traverse device 447 into the receiver `37 l of the multicycle twister 37 (FIG. l).

agement As in the units 11 and 12, the length of the strand wound on each of the reels 26 and 27 is metered so that the supply of strand on the reels 26 and 27 is approximately the same. In practice, the variation in length may be between zero and thirty feet, and is rarely the same. It is desirable, therefore, that the second twisting cycle be initiated immediately upon occurrence of a depleted condition of one of the reels. If, for example, the right reel 27 becomes empty before the left reel 26, a right run-out detector switch 488 maintained in an open condition by the right strand 29 is actuated. The switch 488 includes an arm 489 which is urged toward the right strand 29 by a resilient member 499. The tension of the right strand 29 maintains the arm 489 in an open condition so that a switch contact 486 (FIG. 9) remains open. Upon occurrence of the depleted condition of the right reel 27, the tension of the right strand 29 is reduced to zero so that the arm 489 is moved into the position shown in FIG. 8 under the action of the resilient member 490. In the position shown in FIG. 8, the arm 489 closes the contact 486 and renders the indexing mechanism 446 effective.

The run-out detector 443 also includes a second slidably mounted arm 512 (FIG. 6). A second resilient member 513 urges a roller 514 provided on the end of the second arm 512 into engagement with the strand 23. The strand 28 maintains the roller 514 in the open position shown in FIG. 7. With the roller 514 in the position shown, a contact 485 (FIG. 9) of a switch 487 is open, to maintain a left run-out circuit 602 (FIG. 9) open. Upon occurrence of a depleted condition of the left reel 26, the resilient member 513 is effective to urge the arm 512 into the position shown in FIG. 8 for closing the switch contact 485.

Upon actuation of either the rst or second switches 487 or 488, the indexing mechanism 446 is actuated. The indexing mechanism 446 is generally similar to the indexing mechanism 46, as shown in FIGS. 7 through 9 and includes a frame 541 mounted for movement parallel to the axis of the take-up reel 454 for indexing the strand guide 436 from the position adjacent to the capstan 434 to a position opposite to a winding drum 540 of the takeup reel 454. An indexing cylinder 542 secured to a support 543 is provided with a piston rod 546 for moving the frame 541 to index'the strand guide 436. The frame 541 is provided with guide rods 547 which support a carriage 548 for movement parallel to the axis of the reel V454.v The carriage 548 supports a distributor arm 549 which mounts the strand guide 436.

When the frame 541 is indexed by the indexing cylinder 542, the carriage 548 and the strand guide 436 are indexed to a position opposite to the reel 454. At this time, a traversing cylinder 551 mounted on the frame 541 actuates a piston rod 546 that is secured to the carriage 548 for reciprocating the latter on the guide rods 547. Reciprocating of the carriage 548 moves the strand guide 436 in alternate directions so that a pair of strands 13 enclosed thereby is laid in even convolutions on the winding surface of the reel.

The frame 541 and the carriage 548, shown in solid lines in FIG. 6, in a normal position during the first twisting cycle, are effective to locate the strand guide 436 in alignment with or opposite to the capstan 434 so that the strands 13 are maintained in parallel relationship as they are pulled by the capstan 434 from the packages Upon occurrence of the empty condition of the right reel 27, for example, the right switch 433 of the right run-out mechanism 443 senses the loss of tension in the right strand 29 and renders a control circuit 601 of an electro-hydraulic control system 660 (FIG. 9) effective. The control circuit 601 actuates the indexing cylinder 542 so that the frame 541 advances to the 4right along the guide rods 547. The frame 541 advances the traversing mechanism 447 which in turn advances the strand 14 guide 436 to the right. Movement of the strand guide 436 to the right shifts the paired strands 13 from the predetermined path adjacent to the right flange 477 of the reel 454 toward the snagger wheel 451. As the strand guide 436 continues to shift the paired strands 13, the snagger wheel 451 catches and holds the paired strands 13 so that further rotation of the reel 454 and shifting of the strands toward the right commences winding of the paired strands 13 on the winding surface 540 of the takeup reel 454. The take-up reel 454 withdraws the initially twisted strands 15 from the receiver 37. As the strands 15 are withdrawn the final twist is imparted to the initially twisted strands whereafter the nally twisted strands 16 are taken up on the reel 454.

The control circuit 601 actuates the traversing cylinder 447so that the carriage 458 is reciprocated on the guide rods 547 for traversing the strand guide 436 relative to the winding surface 540 of the take-up reel 454. The strand guide 436 directs the finally twisted strands 16 onto the winding surface 546 in even convolutions. The secon-d twisting cycle continues until the initially twisted strands 15 are removed from the receiver 37 and taken up on the reel 454.

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM 664B Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown the electrohydraulic control system 660 which is effective to control system 660 which is effective to control the reeling unit 411. Conductors 661 and 662 are provided for supplying suit-able electrical power from a power supply 663. Connected between the conductors 661 and 662 is a rst motor control circuit 666 including anormally open contact 665 of a start switch 667, a normally open Contact 664 of a stop switch 663 and first motor starting relay 669. Connected in parallel with the contact 665 of the start switch 667 is a holding circuit 672 for the relay 669 which is completed upon energization of the relay 669 so that the start switch 667 may be released. Upon energization, the relay 669 is eective to complete a motor circuit (not shown) for energizing the variable speed motor 474.

Also connected across the conductors 661 fand 662 is a second motor control circuit 686 including a normally open contact 685 of a second start switch 687, a normally closed contact 684 of a second stop switch 683 and a second motor control relay 669. Connected in parallel with the contact 685 of the second start switch 687 is a holding circuit 692 including a normally open contact 691 that is drawn up upon energization of the relay 689 to permit the second start switch 687 to be released. Upon energization, the relay 689 is eifective to draw up contacts (not shown) to complete a circuit (not shown) for energizing the pump (not shown) of a hydraulic system 694 for the indexing mechanism 446 and the traverse device 447. Additionally, a circuit (not shown) for energizing the motor driven mechanism 114 of the twister 14 is energized upon energization of the relay 689.

The hydraulic system 694 for controlling the indexing mechanism 446 includes a valve 731 that is selectively actuated by solenoids 732 and 733 for supplying pilot pressure from a hydraulic reservoir 721 to pilot valves 722 and 723. During the tirst twisting cycle, the solenoid 733 is energized for supplying hydraulic pressure from the reservoir 721 through a conduit 715 to the pilot valve 723. In response to the pressure, the pilot valve 723 opens to permit hydraulic fluid to pass from the reservoir 721 through a conduit 728 to the right end 727 of the indexing cylinder 542. The indexing cylinder 542 maintains the piston rod 546 at the left so that the traversing cylinder 551, and hence the strand guide 436, are positioned adjacent and opposite to the capstan 534 for guiding the paired strands 13 from the supply packages 22- 22 to the capstan 534.

Energization of the solenoid 732 and simultaneous deenergizatio-n of the solenoid 733 is effective to reverse the position of the valve 731 so that the pilot valve 723 is connected to atmosphere. At the same time, the valve "731 supplies hydraulic fluid from the reservoir 721 to the pilot valve '722 rendering the pilot valve 722 effective to connect fluid from the reservoir 721 to the left end 726 of the indexing cylinder 542. In response to the pressure applied to the left end 726, the indexing cylinder 542 rapidly shifts the piston rod 546 toward the right for shifting the traversing cylinder 551, the carriage 548 and the strand guide 436 to the right so that the strand guide 436 is positioned adjacent and opposite to the take-'up reel 454.

Upon occurrence of the run-out condition of the right reel 27, for example, the iight run-out circuit 601 is completed through a relay 753 and the now closed contact 486. Energization of the relay 753 draws up a contact 755 to complete a circuit 756 through a relayk 341. Energization of the relay 841 draws up a normally open Contact 842'to complete an obvious holding circuit 843.

The relay S41 also draws up a normally open Contact S46 and opens a normally `closed contact 844. The open contact 844 opens a circuit 851 which normally maintains the solenoid 733 effective to position the valve 731 for positioning the strand guide 436 adjacent to the capst'an 434.

Closure of the Contact 846 completes a circuit 757 through the solenoid 732 to render the solenoid 732 effective to reverse the valve '731. The valve 731 renders the pilot valve 722 effective to actuate the indexing cylinder 542 to shift the piston rod 546 and the strand guide 436 to the right. The strand guide shifts the strands 13 from the predetermined path toward the Snagger wheel 451 which catches and holds, and hence, secures the strands to the flange 477 of the take-up reel 454.

Continued advancement of the strand guide 436 to the right and rotation of the take-up reel 454 renders the take-up reel 454 effective to take up the finally twisted strands 16 from the receiver 37. The diameter of the capstan drive wheel 563 and the winding Surface 540 of the reel 454 are equal, so that the shifting operation is effected with a minimum of stress on the strands 16.

Energization of the relay 841 also draws up a normally open Contact 843 of a traverse circuit 87@ which may be traced from the conductor 662 through the now `'closed contact 84S and through a parallel circuit 864?. A first leg 366 of the parallel circuit 864 includes Va solenoid 867 and a normally closed contact 868 of a relay 869. A second leg 871 of the parallel circuit S64 includes a solenoid S72 and a normally open contact 873 of the rel-ay 869. With the normally closed contact 868 closed, and the normally open contact S73 open, the first leg 864 'is completed. The solenoid 367 is effective to actuate a valve 88) for supplying hydraulic iiuid from a reservoir 879 to the left end 881 of the traversing cylinder 551 to initiate the traversing operation. In this manner, the strand guide 436 is #advanced to .the right to directpaired and twisted strands 16 from the receiver 37 onto the winding surface 540 of the take-up reel 454. When the strand guide 436 reaches the rightward extremity of its movement, a cam 882 mounted n the carriage 548 actuates a switch 383 to close a contact 884. Closure of the contact 884 completes a circuit 886 which may be traced from the conductor 661 through the nowclosed switch contact 884 and through the relay 869 to the conductor 662. Energization of the relay 869 draws up the normally open contact 873 and opens the normally closed contact 868 to deenergize the solenoid 867. Closure of the contact 373 completes the second leg 871 of the parallel circuit 864 for energizing the solenoid 872 In the reversed position, the valve 884] supplies fluid pressure which yreverses the position of the valve 830;

from the reservoir 879 to the right end 88S of the traversing cylinder 551. The traversing cylinder 551 is then effective to advance the carriage 546 and the strand guide i 5 436 to the left to direct a second layer of the paired and twisted strands 16 over the rst layer of strands wound on the windingsurface 540 of the take-up reel 454.

A holding circuit 890 in parallel with the contact 884 maintains the relay 869 energized so long as a normally closed contact 591 remains closed. At the leftward extremity of movement of the carriage 548` during the traversing operation, a cam 892 mounted on the carriage 548 opens the contact 831 for opening the holding circuit 890 to deenergize the relay 869. Deenergization of the relay 869 restores the contacts 868 and 873 to their respective normally closed and normally open positions so that the solenoid 867 is again energized to reverse the position of the valve 880 and initiate traversing in the opposite direction. The traversing operation continues in this manner until -all the initially twisted strands 15 have been fully removed from the receiver and taken up on the take-up reel 454. The operatorthen depresses the stop buttons of the stop switches 66S and 68S to stop the reeling unit 411 in anticipation of another cycle of operation.

It is to be understood that the. above-described embodifments are simply illustrative of the principles of the invention. Numerous other arrangements and modifications may be devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for handling strand material in a two-cycle, bidirectional operation which comprises:

a plurality of rotatable reels for supplying and taking up strand material, means for guiding the strand materialalong a predetermined path of ktravel past at least one of the reels, Y

means for removing the strand material from at least one of the reels and moving the strand material along the predetermined. path in one direction to permit processing of the strand material,

snagger means connected operatively to a predetermined one of the rotatable reels for securing the strand material to said predetermined reel to take up processed strand material on said predetermined reel,

means for rmoving a portion of the advancing strand material out of th'e predetermined path ofi travel into engagement with the snagger means, and

means for driving the predetermined reel to reverse the direction of travel of the strand material and eliect taking up of the processed strand material on the predetermined reel.

2. Apparatus for handling strand material in a twocycle, bidirectional operationwhich comprises:

a plurality of rotatable reels for Supplying and taking up strand material,

means for guiding the strand material along a predetermined path `of travel past at least one of the reels,

a capstan for removing the strand material from at least one of the reels and moving the strand material along the predetermined path in one direction to permit processing of the strand material, snagger means connected operatively to a predetermined one of the rotatable reels for Securing the strand material to said predetermined reel to take up processed strand material on said predetermined reel,

`said capstan being mounted coaxially of and adjacent to said predetermined reed and said snagger means,

means for moving a portion of the advancing strand material -out of the predetermined. path of travel into engagement with the `snagger means, and

means for driving said predetermined reel to reverse the direction of travelof the strand material and effect taking up of the processed strand material on the predetermined reel.

3. Apparatus for handling strand material in a twocycle, bidirectional operation which comprises:

a plurality of rotatable reels for supplying and taking up strand material,

rotatable guide means mounted coaxially of a predetermined one of said reels for guiding the strand material along a predetermined path of travel past said predetermined reel,

means for removing the strand material from at least one of the reels and moving the strand material along the predetermined path in one direction to permit processing of the strand material,

snagger means connected operatively to said predetermined reel for securing the strand material to said predetermined reel to take up processed strand material on said predetermined reel,

means for `moving a portion of the advancing strand material out of the predetermined path of travel into engagement with the snagger means to secure the strand material to the reel and remove the strand from the rotatable guide means, and

means for driving the predetermined reel to reverse the direction of travel of the strand material and effect take up of the processed strand material on said predetermined reel.

4. Apparatus for reeling strands in a bidirectional, twocycle strand twisting process, which comprises:

strand supply means including a separate package for each strand to be paired and twisted,

means for withdrawing a strand from each of said separate packages and for feeding said strands in paired relationship along a predetermined path in a irst direction,

guide means for maintaining said paired strands in said predetermined path,

driven means mounted adjacent to said predetermined path for pulling said strands in a direction Opposite to said rst direction and taking up the paired and twisted strands,

'means rendered `effective upon occurrence of a depleted condition of one of said separate packages for indexing the guide means to shift said paired strands lfrom said predetermined path toward said driven means, and

means for securing said shifted strands to said driven means to render said driven means effective to take up said paired and twisted strands in the opposite direction.

5. Apparatus for pairing and twisting strands wherein multicyle means are provided for twisting paired strands, said apparatus comprising:

means including a separate strand supply for each strand to be paired and twisted, said strand supplies being mounted in spaced relationship;

means for withdrawing a strand from each of said separate supplies and for feeding said strands to said multicycle means in paired relationship and in a path extending between said spaced strand supplies;

guide means for maintaining said paired strands in said path between said supplies;

means responsive to a depleted-condition of one of said separate supplies for indexing said guide means to shift said paired strands from said pathto said depleted strand supply; and

means for catching and holding said shifted strands on said depletedstrand supply to render said depleted strand supply eiective to take up said paired and twisted strands 'from the multicycle means.

6. Apparatus for pairing and twisting strands comprising the combination of:

a strand supply including a separate package for each strand to be paired and twisted, each of said packages including a reel for receiving an indefinite length of strand;

means for mounting said reels coaxially in predetermined spaced relationship;

means for withdrawing a strand to be paired from each of said separate packages and advancing said strands in paired relationship in one direction in a path extending between said reels;

bidirectional means respective to said paired strands advancing in said one direction for imparting a twist to said paired strands;

means for detecting withdrawal of said indenite length of the strand from a first of said reels;

indexing means actuated by said detecting means upon withdrawal of said indefinite length of strand from said first reel for shifting said paired strands from said path between said reels to said iirst reel; and

catching and holding means secured to said first reel for snagging said shifted strands to render said iirst. reel eiiective to withdraw the paired and twisted strands from said multicycle means in a direction opposite to said one direction upon withdrawal of said indefinite length of strand from said rst reel.

7. Apparatus for forming paired and twisted strands comprising:

a separate driven supply reel for each ow two strands to be paired, each reel being provided with a pair of anges;

normally inel'lectve means having a strand guide operable for moving paired strands relative Vto a ange of one of said supply reels, said strand guide initially positioned between said supply reels;

a capstan for pulling a strand from each of said supply reels and advancing said strands through said strand guide in paired relationship;

multicycle twister means having a first cycle for imparting an initial twist to said paired strands received from said capstan and a second cycle for imparting an additional twist to said strands upon withdrawal of said strands therefrom;

monitoring means engaged to each of said strands between said reels and said capstan for sensing loss of tension in any one of said strands;

indexing means responsive to said monitoring means sensing the loss of tension in a strand supplied from a first of said separate supply reels for shifting said moving means from said initial position toward the flange of said first supply reel to render said strand guide effective to advance said paired strands across the flange of said first supply reel; and

means secured to said ilange of said first supply reel for catching and holding said advanced strands to render said iirst supply reel Vetliective to initiate said second cycle and take up the additionally twisted strands.

8. Apparatus for winding paired and twisted strands wherein multicyle means are provided for twisting the paired strands, said apparatus comprising:

a strand supply including a separate strand package for each strand to be paired and twisted, each package including a reel and a strand wound on said reel;

spindle means for supporting and rotating the reels of said packages in spaced coaxial relationship so that a iiange of a lirst of the reels is opposed to a ange of a second of the reels;

capstan means mounted on said supporting means between said reels for withdrawing strandsfrom said reels and feeding the withdrawn strands in paired relationship between said opposed flanges to said multicycle means;

a strand guide for normally maintaining said Vpaired strands between said opposed flanges and selectively shifting said paired strands across one of said opposed langes 0f a lirst of said reels;

means for detecting a depleted condition of one of the strand packages;

indexing means responsive to said vdetecting means for 19 rendering said strand guide effective to selectively shift said paired strands from said capstan across the opposed flange of the'reel of said depleted package; and

means provided on said first reel for catching and holding said shifted strands to withdraw twisted strands from said multicycle means and wind said twisted strands onto said first reel.

9. Apparatus for winding paired and twisted strands in which a multicycle twister having a receiver is provided for imparting a first twist to the paired strands during reception of paired strands in said receiver and for imparting a second twist to said strands during subsequent feeding of the strands from the receiver, said apparatus comprising:

a pair of continuously driven reels, each of said reels having wound thereon an individual strand to be paired and twisted;

means for mounting said reels in spaced relationship;

a strand guide normally located in a first position opposite to the space between said reels, said strand guide being movable into a second position opposite to a selected one of said reels;

a capstan mounted between said reels for advancing a strand from each of said reels through the space between said reels and through said strand guide into said receiver;

switch means maintained in an open condition by a strand advancing from a first of said reels and actuated into a closed condition upon depletion of said strand;

an indexing mechanism normally supporting said strand guide in said first position, said mechanism actuated t by said switch means in said closed condition for shifting said strand guide to said second position opposite to said first reel to direct said strands across a flange of said first reel; and snagger means mounted on saidvffange of said first reel for catching and holding the directed strands so that said continuous rotation of said first reel initiates both said feeding of the twisted strands from the receiving means and said winding of said twisted strands onto said first reel. 10. Apparatus for handling strand material processed in a bidirectional, two-cycle operation, which comprises: means for supplying an indefinite length of the strand material, means for guiding the strand material along a predetermined path of travel, means for moving the st rand material along the predetermined path a first direction torpermit` initial processingtof the strand material, rotatably driven take-up means mounted adjacent to said predetermined path of travel for moving the strand material in a direction opposite to the first direction, snagger means secured to and rotated with the rotatably driven take-up means for securing the strand material to the take-up means and rendering said take-up means effective to take upkthe strand material, and means for moving a portion of the advancing strand material out of the predetermined path of travel into engagement with said snagger means to initiate reversal of the direction of travel of the strand material and to effect advancement of the strand material in the opposite direction to the take-up means. ll. Apparatus for pairing Vand twisting strands wherein a multicycle twister is provided for twisting said strands, said twister having a first cycle for imparting an initial twist t0 a pair of strands and a second cycle for impartingva final twist to said pair of strands, said apparatus comprising:

afirst reel for supplying a first strand, said first reel being provided with a firstsnagger wheel 0n a first fiange thereof;

Va secondreel for supplying a second strand, said second reel provided with a second snagger wheel on a first fiange thereof; v f f spindle means mounting said first andv second reels in spaced lcoaxial relationship so that said first and second snagger wheels are positioned in opposed relationship;

a strand distributingV mechanism including:

an initially unactuated traverse device having a strand guide normally positioned between said first and second reels, and

indexing means for actuating said traverse device lto shift said strand i guide from said normal position to a second position opposite to a selected one of said first and second reels;

a driven capstan mounted on said spindle means between said first and second reels-for advancing said first and said second strands from said respective reels between said opposed snagger wheels and through said strand guide to said multicycle twister;

a switch operated upon occurrence of an `empty condition of said first reel for actuating said indexing means to cause said strand guide to shift toward said first reeland snag saidpair of strands onthe second Ysnagger wheel; Y

vdrive means for continuouslyrotating said first reel toeifect said second cycle of' twisting upon said snagging operation and wind a first length of said paired and finally twisted strands on the rst reel;

means responsive to a full condition of said first reel for actuating said indexing means to shift said strand guide to said second reel; and

means for rotating said second Vreel to wind a second remaining length Yof said paired and finally twisted strands on the second reel.

1-2. Apparatus for winding strands onto a reel, said reel being provided with snagging means yfor-securing strands thereto and a winding surface for receiving said strands from a :twister for imparting a twist to a pair of said strands, the combination with said reelan'd twister of:

astrand supply including a separate package for each strand to be paired and twisted,

a driven capstan for withdrawing a strand from each of said separate packages and .for feeding said strands in paired relationship to said twister,

means for mounting said reel coaxially of said capstan on a preselected laxis so that said snagging means is coaxially of and adjacent to said capstam run-out means for sensing a depleted condition of one of said packages,

a strand guide actuated by said run-out means `for shifting said paired strands Efrom said driven capstan to the adjacent snagging means to secure said paired strands to the reel, and

means ,for rotating the reel on said preselected axis to withdraw the twisted strand `from the Itwister and take up the paired and twisted strands on the reel.

y131. Apparatus for winding and reeling indefinite lengths of strand material, which comprises:

a rotatably driven take-up reel,

snagger means connected operatively to` said take-up reel for catching and securing an advancing strand to the take-up reel to permit take up of the strand 0n .the take-up reel,

a rotatable strand advancing capstan mounted coaxially yof and adjacent to said take-up reelso that the axis of rotation of the capstan is coaxial with respect to the axis of revolution of said snagging means,

means `for directing said strand tto and from said capstan in predetermined paths extending adjacent to the t path of travel of said snagger, and

means -for shifting the path of travel of the strand material tothe path-of ytravel of the rsnagger to initiate winding of the strand material on the take-up reel. 14. In apparatus for pairing and Itwisting strands, Wherein individual strands to be paired land twisted are rst fied from separate packages .of a strand supply, secondly twisted by a multicycle twister having :a first twisting cycle for imparting an initial twist to the strands and `a second twisting cycle rfor impanting `an added twist to the strands, and Ithirdly received ion a reel yof a take-up means, the

improvement comprising:

a reel having a snagger wheel mounted adjacent to a ncl-ange thereof,

driven means for supponting said reel tfor rotation at a predetermined position,

a driven capstan mounted adjacent to said flange for unwinding said individual strands fnorn said separate packages tand ladvancing said strands in contiguous parallel relationship in a path adjacent to said lflange tor reception by said multicycle twister during said rlrst twisting cycle,

a strand guide yfor enclosing said strands advancing in said contiguous parallel path ,adjacent to said ilange,

strand distributor means for positioning said strand guide adjacent to the capstan during said iirst twisting cycle and traversing said strand guide relative to said reel during said second twisting cycle,

a run-out device for sensing each individual strand fed tnorn said separate packages to said capstan,

an indexing mechanism actuated by said run-out device sensing a depleted condition of one of said separate packages for shiting said strand guide from said posirtion adjacent to the .capstan toward said reel to catch said paired strands on said snagger Wheel and initiate said second twisting cycle, and

means rendered effective upon actuation of said index- E2 ing mechanism for rendering said strand distributor means effective to traverse said strand guide to lay convolutions of paired and twisted strand on said reel. 15.l A method of pairing and twisting stnands, compris- 5 ing tthe steps of mounting a pair :of strand supply reels in spaced relationship,

rotating said reels to supply `an individual stnand from each of said reels,

advancing said supplied strands in paired relationship through the space between said reels into `a mul-ticycle twister to impart a ttirst twist to said paired stnands,

sensi-ng a depleted condition [of a iirst of said reels,

shi-iiting said paired strands trom said space across a diange of said rst reel to a position adjacent to the winding sur-thee of said tirst reel upon occurrence of said depleted condition,

securing said shifted strands to said ange, and

continuing to rotate said first reel so that said first twisted strands :are withdrawn tnom said twister, treiceive a second twist from said twister, and are 'wound onto said tfirst reel.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,450,622 Wright Oct. 5, 1948 3,051,403 Johnson Aug, 28, 1962 '3,096,610 Bunch J-uly 9, 1963 3,111,804 Beyer Nov. 26, 1963 FOREIGN PATENTS 562,104 Belgium Nov. 30, 1957 767,710 Great Britain Feb. 6, 1957 UNITED STATES PATENT oEEIoE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No. 3,167,901 February 2, 1965 Daniel George Stetka lt is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring Correction and that, the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column l, line 66 and 67, for "lmmedlatel" read immediately column 4, line 46, for "Z7 and 27" read 26 and Z7 column 8, line 48, for "138" read 137 column ll, line 4, for "event" read even column l2, line 44, after "reel" insert support line 67, for "pul'eys" read pulleys column 13, line 56, for "Reciprocating" read Reciprocation column 14, lines Z7 and Z8, strike out "which is effective to controll system 660", column l6, line 67, for "reed" read reel column 18, line 7,` for "respective" read receptive line Z4, for "ow" read of (SEAL) Attest:

Signed and sealed this 10th day of August 1965.

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents

Claims (1)

1. APPARATUS FOR HANDLING STRAND MATERIAL IN A TWO-CYCLE, BIDIRECTIONAL OPERATION WHICH COMPRISES: A PLURALITY OF ROTATABLE REELS FOR SUPPLYING AND TAKING UP STRAND MATERIAL, MEANS FOR GUIDING THE STRAND MATERIAL ALONG A PREDETERMINED PATH OF TRAVEL PAST AT LEAST ONE OF THE REELS, MEANS FOR REMOVING THE STRAND MATERIAL FROM AT LEAST ONE OF THE REELS AND MOVING THE STRAND MATERIAL ALONG THE PREDETERMINED PATH IN ONE DIRECTION TO PERMIT PROCESSING OF THE STRAND MATERIAL, SNAGGER MEANS CONNECTED OPERATIVELY TO A PREDETERMINED ONE OF THE ROTATABLE REELS FOR SECURING THE STRAND MATERIAL TO SAID PREDETERMINED REEL TO TAKE UP PROCESSED STRAND MATERIAL ON SAID PREDETERMINED REEL, MEANS FOR MOVING A PORTION OF THE ADVANCING STRAND MATERIAL OUT OF THE PREDETERMINED PATH OF TRAVEL INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SNAGGER MEANS, AND MEANS FOR DRIVING THE PREDETERMINED REEL TO REVERSE THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL OF THE STRAND MATERIAL AND EFFECT TAKING UP OF THE PROCESSED STRAND MATERIAL ON THE PREDETERMINED REEL.

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