US3482953A

US3482953A - Method and apparatus for winding glass strand

Info

Publication number: US3482953A
Application number: US592457A
Authority: US
Inventors: August G Bohy
Original assignee: PPG Industries Inc
Current assignee: PPG Industries Inc
Priority date: 1966-11-07
Filing date: 1966-11-07
Publication date: 1969-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 1986-12-09

Description

Dec. 9, 1969 A. G. BOHY 3,482,953

METHOD AND APPARATUS Fora WINDING qmss STRAND Filed Nov. '7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Auous'r 0. BOHV 'm aam ATTORNEY;

HG. 1A

A. G. BOHY Dec. 9, 1969 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 M EW JMH INVENT OR AUGU a. 5011) ATTORNEY 'Dec.-9, 1969' A.G.BQ'HY 3,482,953

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIND ING GLAS'S- STRAND Fil'ed Nov. 7, .1966 5 Sheets-She et s llb I24- I46 155 I42 156 O Fl 6. 5 INVENTOR AUGUST 0. BOHY ATTORNEYS Dec. 9,1969 A. G. BOHY 3,482,953

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WINDING GLASS STRAND Filed Nov. '7, 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 6e

FlGba FlCLbb INVENTOR wi- AUGUST 6.30/1) ATTORNEYS Dc. 9,1969 A. G. BOHY Manon AND APPARATUS FOR WINDING GLASS STRAND Filed Nov. 7. 1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 hdE fi $236 5:: 15 Q Nh @5546 5:: 5mm

INVENTOR AUGUST 6. 80H) ATTORNEE Om mp5: OZEOEmQm z hmQ U v2 MOFOZ 2225 5? QZEUOQQUMQ & m

3,482,953 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WINDING GLASS STRAND August G. Bohy, Pittsburgh, Pa., assignor to P.P.G. Industries Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Nov. 7, 1966, Ser. No. 592,457 Int. Cl. C03b 37/00 US. Cl. 65-2 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Strand transfer from one winding surface to an adjacent winding surface is effected by pivoting a pair of spaced capstan wheels which engage the strand about an axis parallel to their axes of rotation, so as to change the capstan surfaces engaged by the strand and the position of the strand leaving the capstans.

This invention relates to forming and winding of strand material, especially fiber glass strand.

In the usual process for producing glass fibers in strand form, streams of molten glass flow from orifices in a bushing and are attenuated into small-diameter fibers or filaments which, after a binder is applied, are gathered together as a strand. The strand is then wound on a rotating surface in the form of a package, known as a forming package.

The forming operation and the quality of the fibers and strand produced are adversely affected by changes in the linear speed of the strand as it is being wound. If the linear speed of the strand, i.e., the winding speed, varies as the package is formed, the diameter of the fibers attenuated may not be uniform. Moreover, rapid changes in winding speed may cause the strand to break and disrupt the otherwise continuous process. Thus, the strand is preferably wound at a constant winding speed.

Although it is preferred to wind the strand at a constant winding speed, in an automatic operation where a plurality of packages of strand are to be successively wound on different rotating surfaces, it is sometimes desirable to produce a differential in strand speed to sever the strand when a forming package has been completed on one rotating surface and it is desired to transfer the strand to another rotating surface and begin winding thereon.

In copending application Ser. No. 602,433, filed Oct. 5, 1966, by Warren W. Drummond and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, there is disclosed a novel method of and apparatus for reducing tension on strand being wound into a forming package on a rotating r strand-collecting surface. In a preferred embodiment of that invention, the strand is engaged before it is wound with a spaced pair of godets or capstan wheels at least one of which is driven at a no-load peripheral speed somewhat greater than the linear speed of the strand. Under load, i.e., when the strand is engaged with the capstan wheels, the strand acting as a brake reduces the peripheral speed of the driven capstan wheel or wheels. Thus, when the strand is engaged, the periperal speed of the capstan wheels and the linear speed of the strand are the same or nearly the same. The forward thrust provided to the strand by the driven capstan wheel or wheels reduces the tension on the strand as it is wound into a forming package.

However, since the peripheral speed of the capstan wheels is greater than the linear speed of the strand, care must be exercised in the use of such apparatus so as not to break the strand at an inadvertent time and disrupt the continuous forming operation. For example, it is desirable to engage the strand with the capstan wheels only during such times that the strand is being wound on a rotating strand-collecting surface. The strand should not United States Patent ice be engaged with the capstan wheels as the fiber attenuation and strand-winding operation is initiated, nor should they be engaged in an automatitc operation when the strand is being transferred from one rotating surface to another.

The strand should not be so engaged when the operation is initiated because the capstan wheels, although driven at a greater peripheral speed than the winding speed of the strand, do not provide a sufficient force to attenuate the strand. Such engagement would serve as an impediment rendering initiation of the attenuating and winding operation nearly impossible.

In an automatic operation when strand is being transferred from one rotating surface to another, the practice is to automatically sever the strand and permit it to begin winding on the second rotating surface by providing a differential in the winding speeds of the two rotating surfaces. It the strand is engaged with the capstan wheels as the winding speed differential is established, the strand will break between the strand-collecting surfaces and the capstan wheels, thus disrupting the otherwise continuous operation. It is, therefore, necessary to disengage a partially disengage the strand from the capstan wheels when the strand is being transferred and a differential in winding speed is to be effected to sever the strand and permit it to begin winding on a second rotating surface. Disengagement must be effective to the extent that the strand is permitted to slip freely through the space between the capstan wheels at the time when the speed change occurs.

This invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for engaging and disengaging the strand with the capstan wheels in a fiber glass forming and winding operation. The invention rests in the discovery that the capstan wheels can be independently mounted for rotary movement on a common support which, in turn, is mounted for rotary movement about an axis. The strand-engaging surfaces of the capstans are spaced a slight distance, i.e., one-quarter to one and one-half inches apart in order that the strand may at times pass freely between the capstan wheels. Rotary movement of the common support causes the capstan wheels, or at least one of the capstan wheels, to move from one position to another position, thereby engaging the strand with both capstan wheels.

Preferably this is accomplished by mounting the capstan wheels for rotary movement in opposite directions about spaced parallel axes of rotation on a common support plate and mounting the common support plate to provide secondary rotary movement to the capstan Wheels, that is, pivot the capstan wheels, about an axis parallel to and intermediate the axes of rotation of the capstan wheels.

As a forming and winding operation is initiated, the capstan wheels are positioned with their axes of rotation in a horizontal plane. The strand is manually drawn between the spaced pair of capstan wheels to the rotating Winding surface. As the strand begins winding on the rotating surface, the rotating capstan wheels are moved into engagement with the strand by rotating or pivoting the common support plate about the said axes parallel to and intermediate the axes of rotation of the capstan wheels. This engages the strand with both capstan wheels, causing it to pass over the surface of one capstan wheel and then over the surface of the other. Then, as a complete forming package is wound and it is desired to disengage the strand and the capstan wheels, the common support plate is pivoted back to its original position. This returns the capstan wheels to their horizontal positions with respect to one another, again permitting the strand to pass freely between the spaced pair of capstan wheels.

Indeed, the present invention is even more unique in an automatic operation. Here, the rotary movement of the common support utilized to disengage the strand and the capstan wheels may be continued to transfer the strand to a second rotating surface and re-engage the strand with the capstan wheels. The continuous movement serves to initiate winding on the second rotating surface without interrupting the continuous process. This is possible by appropriately spacing the capstans on the common support in such a manner that as the strand leaves one capstan it is in proper alignment for winding on one rotating surface whereas, after the common support is rotated, the strand leaving the other capstan wheel is aligned for winding on the second rotating surface. Rotation of the common support in one direction or the other reverses the relative positions of the spaced pair of capstan wheels and also reverses the order in which the strand passes over the wheels.

This use of the present invention, i.e., when the pivoting capstans are utilized to transfer the strand, may find application even when the capstan wheels are not employed to reduce tension on the strand being wound. In such application, the capstan wheels need not be driven. Indeed, in this application the capstan wheels need only be engaged with the strand at the time when transfer is desired. During winding, the strand and the capstan wheels may be disengaged, the strand being drawn freely between the capstan wheels and, when strand transfer is desired, the common support may be rotated about the above-mentioned axis.

To more fully understand the inventive concepts herein set forth, attention is directed to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B (with 1B above 1A) illustrate a side view of apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the portion of the apparatus illusrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 33 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the capstan wheel arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on line 55 of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6a through 6e are schematic illustrations of the relative positions of the tension-reducing capstan wheels during operation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit for operation of the apparatus illustrated.

Turning now to the drawings, and especially FIGS. 1A and 1B, constituting, when FIG. 1B is laid above FIG. 1A, a side view of apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention, there is shown, schematically, a portion of a melting furnace foreheart-h 20 and a bushing 22 for receiving a quantity of molten glass from the furnace 20. The bushing 22 has tips 24, each of which includes an orifice through which molten glass flows as a stream, each stream to be formed and attenuated into filaments or fibers. 26. The bushing 22 is conventional in construction, generally being constructed of platinum or platinum alloy, and may be electrically heated to control the viscosity of the glass therein and that glass flowing through the orifices. As such, the bushing construction and arrangement forms no part of the present invention.

The filaments 26 are grouped together into a strand 28 by gathering shoes 30, shown here as spaced members having filament-receiving, smoothly-contoured slots therein. Generally, the gathering shoes are stationary and are constructed of a material which will not materially abrade the filaments, such as graphite. Of course, other types of gathering shoes may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Just prior to being gathered into a strand, a binder is applied to the filaments 26 by means of a binder applicator 34. As illustrated, the applicator may include a belt 36 which carries a film of binder on its surface. The belt of the applicator either passes through a pool of hinder or has a binder fed directly thereto. Again, the binder applicator is conventional in construction and may be replaced with other known types of applicators without departing from the spirit of the invention. The binder may be any known organic binder generally having a resin constituent so as to maintain the filaments in their desired strand configuration.

The primary attenuating and winding force is applied by the winding apparatus, generally identified by the reference characters 40 and 40a. The winding apparatus is so constructed and arranged for automatic operation, i.e., the strand is continuously formed and wound without interruption for removal and replacement of forming tubes.

The winding apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention and illustrated, especially in FIG. 1A, includes a pair of relatively

large diameter reels

42 and 42a, each being receivable on

hubs

44 and 44a, which hubs are individually rotated by means of

electric motors

46 and 46a, respectively. The reels are adapted to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the hubs by known quick disconnect arrangements, for example, headed lugs 48 on the hubs receivable in keyed-slots 50 in the connecting flange 52 of the

reels

42 and 42a. The

reels

42 and 42a (see also FIG. 3) are of lightweight construction, each having a web 54, the centrally disposed connecting flange 52, and spaced outwardly extending

annular flanges

56 and 58. Fiber glass reinforced plastic is a suitable material for the reels. The web 54 and

flanges

56 and 58 define in cross section a substantially U-shaped strand collection zone, as readily understood from the drawings. The reels may be constructed of multiple parts for disassembly to remove collected strand, is so desired or if required. Likewise, the

hubs

44 and 44a may be of multiple part construction.

Each assembly of motor, hub and reel is supported on or from a bracket 60 connected to an elongated supporting arm 62 pivoted, as at 64, to a bracket 66 supported in a pit 68 below the bushing 22, such that each assembly 40 is pivotable between an operating position, noted at A, to a non-operating position, noted at B. At the operating position A, the periphery of the reel 42 is positioned to receive strand. The assembly 40 is maintained in operating position by means of an air-cylinder operated latching arrangement, designated at 70 which includes air cylinder 72 having a movable rod 74 pivotably connected to a linkage 76 pivotable about a fixed axis 78. The linkage 76 has a latch portion 80 to engage a detent 82 fixed to the assembly 40. Manual controls may be provided to actuate the air cylinder 72, so as to latch the assembly in, or unlatch the assembly 40 from, its operating position. Automatic controls, such for example, operable by the quantity (as determined by time) of strand collected on a reel, may be provided for unlatching the assembly if so desired. Regardless of the nature of the controls, one skilled in the art can design such controls, depending upon the degree of automation desired.

In the embodiment shown, a handle 84 is provided by which an operator, standing on the floor 86 of the fiber forming room 88, may grip assembly 40 or 40a and move it between positions A and B. Some power assist may be provided to assist the operator when moving the assemblies between the positions A and B, but such is not illustrated and forms no part of the invention. Movement between the positions A and B may also, as will be understood, but fully automated, if so desired. The handle 84 is supported from and connected to a bracket 90 connected to the previously-noted bracket 60.

Power to the motor 46 is supplied only when the assembly 40 is in the operating position A, as through contacts 102 and 104 and other suitable wiring.

Between the winding apparatus 40 and 40a, and the gathering shoes 30, there is located a godet or capstan wheel assembly and a reciprocating traverse assembly 140.

These features are shown more clearly in FIG. 4, an enlarged side view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5, a view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. For

Qpurposes of clarity and ease of description, in FIG. 4, the

capstans

112 and 114 are shown with their axes of rotation centered on a vertical line rather than a diagonal line as illustrated in FIG. 2. It is preferred to operate with the capstans centered on a diagonal line since such arrangement more nearly centers the strand delivering capstan above the reel receiving the strand.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 4, capstan wheel assembly 110 includes

capstan Wheels

112 and 114. Both capstan wheels are illustrated as being flanged and individually driven by

electric motors

116 and 118.

Capstan motors

116 and 118 are fixed to capstan mounting plate 122. The shafts of

motors

116 and 118 pass through holes provided in plate 122.

Capstans

112 and 114 are attached to the motor shafts in some suitable manner, such as a keyed shaft and collar arrangement, permitting the motor shafts to provide rotary motion to the capstans. The capstans are driven in different directions. As illustrated by the arrows shown in FIG. 2, capstan 112 is driven counter-clockwise and capstan 114 clockwise.

Capstan wheels

112 and 114 may be 4 to 6 inches in diameter and are positioned with their strand-contacting surfaces spaced one-quarter to one and one-half inches apart. In operation,

capstan wheels

112 and 114 are driven at a uniform peripheral speed in excess of the linear strand speed. Capstan wheels in the above diameter range, rotated at 8,900 to 13,150 revolutions per minute, have a peripheral linear speed of 13,770 to 14,850 feet per minute. This linear speed range is satisfactory for engaging and reducing tension on the strand being attenuated and wound at a constant linear speed of 13,500 feet per minute.

Capstan mounting plate 122 is supported by a bracket 124 which, in turn, is welded to and supported by tube 126, which is rotatably supported by pillow blocks 128. Electric motor 130 mechanically connected to tube 126 by some suitable linkage, such as gear 136 keyed to the shaft of motor 130, directly driving a gear 138 fixed to tube 126, provides rotary motion to tube 126 which, in turn, rotates bracket 124, plate 122, and the

capstans

112 and 114 about axis 120.

Electric motor 130 and pillow blocks 128 are mounted on inverted channel member 132 which is supported by plate 134 positioned on the ledges formed by horizontal legs of

angles

133 and 135 which are fixed to and supported by the structural members of the apparatus.

A reciprocating traverse assembly 140 is also supported by

angles

133 and 135.

Spiral wire traverses 142 and 142a, of the type shown in US. Patent No. 2,391,870, are mounted on

traverse supporing arms

146 and 146a, which are attached to traverse assembly mounting plates 148 and 148a, which, in turn, are hinged, as at 150 and 150a, to a reciprocating plate 144.

Axle 157 of traverse 142 is rotatably supported by hearing housing fixed to traverse supporting arm 146. R0- tary motion is provided to the traverse 142 by a chain 156 engaged with motor shaft sprocket 154 and sprocket 158 driving traverse axle 157. Electric motor 152 is mounted on traverse assembly mounting plate 148.

Traverse 142:: is supported and driven by components identical to those described for traverse 142.

Blocks 143, fixed to plate 144, provide support for and permit lateral movement of plate 144. Holes provided in blocks 143 permit the blocks to be positioned on rods 145 which are fixed to and supported by

angles

133 and 135. The dimensions of the rods 145 and the holes provided in blocks 143 are such that allow the blocks to slide along the rods thereby permitting lateral movement of the plate 144.

Reciprocating lateral movement is provided to plate 144 by arm 170 which is supported by and pivoted about a pin 172 positioned in a hole provided in cross member 171.

Cam follower 174 attached to one end of arm 170 travels in a continuous, sinusoidal groove 163 provided in cylindrical cam 162 mounted on shaft 164 journaled for rotary movement in blocks 165 fixed to

angles

133 and 135. Rotary motion is provided to shaft 164 and cylindrical cam 162 by electric motor 169 which drives sprocket 166, chain 167, and sprocket 168 which is keyed on shaft 164.

The other end of arm is provided with a slot 177. A pin 176 is positioned through an appropriate hole in plate 144 and passes through slot 177.

Rotary motion provided to cylindrical cam 162 by motor 169 is translated into lateral movement of the arm 170 by cam follower 174. The arm 170 pivots about pin 172 providing lateral movement to pin 176 which travels in slot 177. The lateral movement provided to pin 176 drives plate 144 back and forth along rods 145. As plate 144 is driven back and forth, spiral wire traverses 142 and 142a are respectively reciprocated back and forth across the strand collecting surfaces of

reels

42 and 42a.

Thus as the strand 28 is delivered to the collecting surface of one of the reels, primary oscillating movement is provided to the strand by engaging the strand with the wire traverse rotating about its axis and secondary oscillating motion is provided to the strand by the reciprocating traverse assembly 140.

FIGS. 6a through 6e schematically illustrate the relative positions of the

capstan Wheels

112 and 114 during operation of the apparatus described above.

When the operation is first started, as shown in FIG. 6a,

capstan wheels

112 and 114, rotating in the direction indicated by the solid arrows, are positioned with their axes centered on a horizontal line. The strand 28 passes through the space between the capstan wheels and is wrapped around the strand-collecting surface of one of the winding reels such as 42a. As the strand begins to wind on reel 42a,

capstan wheels

112 and 114, by means of motor 130 and the mounting means providing secondary rotary movement discussed above, are rotated clockwise through an arc of 120, as indicated by the arrows shown as broken lines, to the positions shown in FIG. 6b. This movement engages the strand with both capstan wheels by changing the relative positions of

capstan wheels

112 and 114 and causing the strand to be drawn first over the surface of capstan wheel 114 and then over the surface of capstan wheel 112. Such engagement provides forward thrust to the strand being wound on reel 42a as previously described.

The position of the capstan wheels illustrated in FIG. 6b is retained until a full package has been wound on reel 42a. When a full package has been wound,

capstan wheels

112 and 114 are rotated counterclockwise through an arc of 240. This movement causes the capstans to pass through their original horizontal positions as illustrated in FIG. 60 to the positions desired for winding on reel 42 as illustrated in FIGS. 6d and 6e. This movement reverses the relative positions of the capstan wheels and the order in which the strand passes over the wheels.

Movement of the capstan wheels through their respective horizontal positions disengages the strand 28 from the

capstans

112 and 114 as illustrated in FIG. 60.

Although the strand 28 may still contact one of the capstan wheels, for example capstan wheel 114 as illustrated, the strand is not positively engaged with both capstan wheels and may slip quite freely on the surface of capstan wheel 114 and may be drawn and wound into the package being formed on reel 42a. Such disengagement is necessary to prevent the strand from being severed when subjected to abrupt changes in speed as the strand is transferred across the large-diameter flanges of the strand-collecting surfaces of the reels.

Continued movement of the

capstan wheels

112 and 114 not only re-engages the strand 28 with the capstan wheels, but before the strand 28 is completely re-engaged,

the arcuate movement of capstan wheel 114 laterally displaces the path of delivery of strand 28 a sufiicient distance to bring the strand into contact with the strandcollecting surface of reel 42. The strand wraps around and begins winding on the strand-collecting surface of rotating reel 42. At this point in time, reel 42 is rotating at full winding speed whereas reel 42a being decelerated. The resulting difference in winding speed causes strand 28 to sever between

reels

42 and 42a.

As illustrated in FIG. 6e, winding is continued on reel 42, and reel 42a may be dotted and replaced with an empty reel. When a full package is wound on reel 42, the capstan wheels are rotated clockwise through an arc of 240 to their respective positions as illustrated in FIG. 6b. This movement disengages the strand from the

capstan wheels

112 and 114 when they pass through their respective horizontal positions and the clockwise movement of capstan wheel 112 laterally displaces the path of delivery of strand 28, causing it to contact and begin winding on the now empty strand-collecting surface of reel 42a.

Appropriate controls are also provided. The improvements provided by the present invention are most fully realized when the invention is utilized in an automatic, continuous strand forming and winding operation. Generally, such operations are manually started by an operator and continue automatically in timed sequence. Thus, a single operator may operate a plurality of the winding assemblies, removing completed forming packages and replacing the same with empty reels as is necessary.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a typical control arrangement that can be used in conjunction with the winding apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6. The specific components of such a control arrangement can be selected from commercially available components and connected to perform in the manner desired. As such, the control arrangement is not a part of the present invention and will not be described in detail. The following description is included to describe the manner in which the present invention operates in an automatic continuous strand forming and winding operation.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a manual starting switch S-l connected to capstan

motors

116 and 118, to reciprocating mechanism motor 169, and to a timing mechanism T. Timing mechanism T is automatic and is connected to reel

latch cylinders

72 and 72a, to capstan positioning motor 130, and to variable speed controls VSC in series with

reel motors

46 and 46a.

Variable speed controls VSC may be variable speed alternators such as that described in US. Patent 3,090,570, or other suitable electronic control devices. The variable speed controls VSC are coordinated with the quantity of strand being wound on a reel to modulate the frequency of the current supplied to

motor

46 or 46a to reduce the angular velocity of the reel as the forming package diameter increases, to maintain a constant winding speed as each package strand is formed.

Timing mechanism T is manually set in accordance with the quantity of strand to be wound on a reel. After the desired quantity of strand is wound on one reel, timing mechanism T, having previously energized the motor driving the other reel, de-energizes the motor driving the reel containing the completed forming package. Simultaneously, timing mechanism T energizes capstan positioning motor 130 which rotates

capstans

112 and 114 in the manner described previously to disengage the strand and the capstans, transfer the strand to the empty reel, and re-engage the strand with the capstans in a continuous rotary movement. Timing mechanism T then activates the appropriate reel latch cylinder, 72 or 720, to permit the winding apparatus to be moved to reel removing position where the completed forming package is removed and an empty reel attached.

The winding apparatus with the empty reel is then returned to operating position and latched therein. At the proper time its motor is again energized by timing mechanism T and, when the empty reel is rotating at full 8 speed, capstan positioning motor 130 is energized to transfer the strand. This sequence is automatically repeated by timing mechanism T until the strand breaks or the operation is manually terminated and then the sequence is manually restarted.

The operation of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 by means of a control arrangement such as that illustrated in FIG. 7 will now be described. This automatic process may be utilized to produce a plurality of controlled low-tension forming packages.

To start the automatic process, the operator depresses manual switch S-1. This switch energizes

capstan motors

116 and 118, reciprocating mechanism motor 169, and timing mechanism T.

Capstan motors 116 and 11S drive

capstan wheels

112 and 114 at a constant speed of 9,750 revolutions per minute.

Capstan wheels

112 and 114 being approximately 5% inches in diameter, are thus driven at a linear peripheral speed of approximately 14,625 feet per minute.

Reciprocating mechanism motor 169 drives reciprocating traverse assembly 140 back and forth over a lateral distance of approximately one and one-half inches at a rate of 4 0 to cycles per minute when a traverse three inches in length is utilized to traverse strand on a reel having a strand-collecting surface four inches Wide.

Timing mechanism T energizes motor 46a driving reel 42a at a speed of 1,850 revolutions per minute. On a reel having a 28-inch diameter strand-collecting surface, this produces a linear peripheral speed of approximately 13,500 feet per minute.

When the automatic process is started, the

capstan wheels

112 and 114 are horizontally positioned with respect to each other as illustrated in FIG. 6a.

To start the winding operation, a group of filaments 26 is manually drawn over the surface of binder applicator belt 36, through the gathering shoes 30, through the space betwen

capstan wheels

112 and 114, and then to a reel 42a. The strand is wrapped around the strand-collecting surface of reel 42a to begin winding. Generally, there are 200 to 400 filaments, each 0.003 to 0.005 inch in diameter being drawn at one time.

After suflicient time has lapsed for the operator to initiate the winding operation, approximately 15 seconds, timing mechanism T energizes capstan positioning motor 130 which rotates

capstan wheels

112 and 114 in a clockwise direction through an arc of engaging the strand with both capstan wheels as illustrated in FIG. 6b.

The strand, when engaged with the capstan wheels, acts as a brake, causing the capstan wheels to rotate at a linear peripheral speed the same as or nearly the same as the linear strand speed, that is, approximately 13,500 feet per minute. The resultant force applied to the strand is added as forward thrust. The forward thrust reduces the winding torque required for winding the strand on the reel and the tension on the strand being wound. The strand 28 is then wound to form the desired package on reel 42a.

As the package is being formed on reel 42a, reel motor variable speed control VSC reduces the speed of reel motor 46a to approximately 1,760 revolutions per minute. With a reel having a 28-inch diameter strand-collecting surface, this speed reduction over a period of approximately 50 minutes has been found satisfactory to produce a 16-pound dry weight package of strand while attenuating and winding the strand at a constant linear speed of 13,500 feet per minute.

As the desired quantity of strand is being wound on reel 42a, timing mechanism T energizes motor 46 to rotate reel 42. After a few seconds when reel 42 is rotating at a speed of 1,850 revolutions per minute, timing mechanism T energizes capstan positioning motor 130. Motor rotates

capstan wheels

112 and 114 counterclockwise through an arc of 240 to disengage the strand and the capstan wheels, transfer the strand 28 to reel 42, and reengage the strand and the capstan wheels in a single continuous movement.

When the strand is transferred, reel motor 46a is deenergized and reel 42a is dynamically braked. As the strand licks the strand-collecting surface of reel 42, the speed differential between

reels

42 and 42a causes the strand to break between

reels

42 and 42a. The strand 28 is then Wound to form the desired package on reel 42 with variable speed control VSC gradually reducing the speed of motor 46 from 1,850 to 1,760 revolutions per minute.

After the strand 28 has been transferred to reel 42, winding apparatus 40a is unlatched and shifted forward. The reel containing the forming package is removed and replaced with an empty reel. The winding apparatus 40a with the empty reel is then returned to operating position and latched therein. At the proper time, timing mechanism T again energizes reel motor 46a and capstan positioning motor 130 rotating capstan wheels clockwise through an arc of 240 to transfer the strand 28 to the strand-collecting surface of reel 42a where another forming package is wound. The foregoing sequence is repeated until the strand breaks or the operation is terminated at which time the operator restarts the automatic forming and winding operation manually.

Although the embodiment described for providing secondary rotary movement to the

capstan wheels

112 and 114 by rotating common support plate 122 about an axis 120 which is parallel to, co-planar with, and intermediate both axes of rotation of

capstan wheels

112 and 114 is preferred because of its symmetry, the inventive concept is not so limited. The advantages obtained through the use of the described embodiment may also be obtained by providing secondary rotary movement to the capstan wheels by rotating the common support about an axis removed from the common plane of the axes of rotation of capstan wheels 112 to 114.

For example, the axis of rotation of the common support may be parallel to both axes of rotation of

capstan wheels

112 and 114 but located above or below the common plane of the said axes of rotation. In such an embodiment, the strand winding operation would again be started with the capstan wheels in a horizontal position with respect to one another by passing the strand between the spaced pair of capstan wheels. The strand would be engaged with the capstan wheels by rotating the common support, i.e., swinging the spaced pair of capstan wheels, through a suflicient are about the axis of rotation to produce the desired degree of engagement. In an automatic strand forming and winding operation, the strand would be disengaged from the capstan wheels, transferred to another rotating strand-collecting surface, and re-engaged with the capstan wheels, by rotating the common support in the opposite direction about the axis of rotation. As previously described, strand transfer would be effected by displacing the path of delivery of the strand by the lateral component of the radial movement of one of the capstan wheels.

In other embodiments, the axis of rotation of the common support may be parallel to and co-planar with the axes of rotation of the capstan wheels and not be intermediate the axes of rotation. The common support may be rotated about an axis which coincides with the axis of rotation of one of the capstan wheels, or about an axis parallel to and co-planar with both axes of rotation but located outside the area defined by the axes of rotation of the capstan wheels. With either of these arrangements, the location of the spaced pair of capstan wheels and the extent and direction of rotary movement of the common support would be determined with respect to the locations of the source of the strand and the rotating strand-collecing surfaces upon which the packages of strand are to be formed. However, as described above, the common support would be rotated first in one direction to engage the strand and the capstan wheels, then in the other direction to disengage the strand, transfer the strand to another winding surface, and re-engage the strand with the capstan wheels.

Accordingly, the axis of rotation of the common support may be parallel with both axes of rotation of the capstan wheels, or parallel with the axis of rotation of a single capstan wheel when it coincides with the axis of rotation of the other capstan wheel.

It should also be understood that a spaced pair of capstan wheels mounted for independent rotary movement on a common support which, in turn, is mounted for rotation about an axis to provide secondary rotary movement to the capstan wheels, may be employed in an automatic strand forming and winding operation to transfer the strand from one rotating strand-collecting surface to another without reducing the tension on the strand being Wound. In such an embodiment any of the above discussed arrangements of the capstan wheels and common support may be used. However, the strand need only be engaged with the capstan wheels when it is desired to transfer the strand. Moreover, the capstan wheels need not be driven and may comprise a pair of idler Wheels.

In a non-automatic operation when forming packages are successively produced on a single rotating strand-collecting surface and the operation is interrupted to unload forming packages and replace the same with empty reels, the present invention may be used to engage and disengage the strand with the tension-reducing capstan wheels. Strand transfer from one rotating surface to another would not be required in this type of operation.

The present invention may also be utilized to provide the above operative features in conjunction with rotating strand-collecting surfaces other than the relatively large diameter reels previously described.

For example, a pair of forming tubes measuring 4 to 12 inches in diameter by 8 to 16 inches long, supported and driven by a collet or pair of hubs could be substituted for winding apparatus 40 and 40a. In an automatic operation, the secondary rotary movement provided to the capstan wheels may be utilized to transfer the strand from one forming tube to another by properly positioning the capstan wheels on the common support to produce the necessary lateral displacement of the strand as the common support is rotated.

Disregarding the strand transfer feature, the present invention may also be utilized in the manner described previously to engage and disengage the strand with the tension reducing capstan wheels as it is being wound on a forming tube in either an automatic or non-automatic operation.

In the foregoing, certain forms of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail. These have been set forth as preferred embodiments only and are not to be construed as limitations on the concepts of the invention. Various changes may be made in the shape, size, and operation of the components set forth in the embodiments described without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a method of continuously forming and winding fiber glass strand to successively form a plurality of strand packages in which the strand is transferred from a first rotating winding surface to a second and adjacent rotating winding surface, the steps comprising,

drawing said strand from a source,

engaging said strand with a spaced pair of capstan wheels rotating about spaced parallel axes by drawing the strand over the surface of one capstan wheel and then over the surface of the other capstan wheel, delivering said strand to said first rotating surface, winding said strand on said first rotating surface to form a package thereon, pivoting said spaced pair of capstan wheels about an axis parallel to one of said axes of rotation thus changing the relative positions of said capstan wheels and disengaging said strand from said capstan wheels, continuing to pivot said capstan wheels to re-engage said strand and said wheels and thus reversing the order 1 1 in which said strand is drawn over the surface of said wheels, delivering said strand to said second, rotating surface,

and

Winding said strand on said second rotating surface to form a second package thereon.

2. Apparatus for forming and winding strand material comprising,

means to continuously form a strand,

means to attenuate and Wind said strand, said means including a rotating surface upon which said strand is wound as a forming package,

means to traverse said strand onto said rotating surface during winding,

means to engage said strand before it is wound on said surface, said means comprising a spaced pair of capstan wheels mounted on a common support to rotate with their axes of rotation in spaced parallel relationship,

means for rotating at least one of said capstan wheels,

means for mounting said common support for secondary rotary movement about an axis parallel to one of said parallel axes of rotation, and

means for rotating said common support means about said last-named axis to move one of said capstan means to wind said strand including a pair of adjacent rotating surfaces upon which the strand is successively wound to form a plurality of packages,

means to traverse the strand onto said rotating surfaces during winding,

means to engage said strand before winding and to transfer said strand from one rotating surface to another rotating surface, said means including a pair of spaced capstan Wheels mounted on a common support for rotary movement about spaced parallel axes of rotation,

means mounting said common support for rotation about an axis parallel to said axes of rotation,

means for rotating said common support about said axis to move said capstan wheels from one position in which said strand is delivered to one of said rotating surfaces to another position in which said strand is delivered to said another rotating surface.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 9/1941 Lamesch. 9/1966 Small et a1. 652

S. LEON BASHORE, Primary Examiner R. L. LINDSAY, Assistant Examiner