US3924817A

US3924817A - Apparatus for packaging linear material

Info

Publication number: US3924817A
Application number: US421362A
Authority: US
Inventors: Alex P Symborski
Original assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Corp
Current assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology Inc
Priority date: 1973-12-03
Filing date: 1973-12-03
Publication date: 1975-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 1992-12-09
Also published as: USB421362I5

Abstract

Apparatus in a glass filament forming process for winding glass strand into a package on a driven rotatable collector including: strand transfer means for moving the glass strand between the package formation zone on the collector and a temporary collection zone. The transfer means includes a movably mounted member having an open ended slot and a pair of diverging guide surfaces extending from the open end of the slot; and further includes means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path to move glass strand in the slot from the temporary winding zone to the package formation zone on the collector and means for moving the member during package build along a path effective to slot the strand and move the slotted strand out of the package formation zone.

Description

United States Patent Symborski Dec. 9, 1975 APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING LINEAR MATERIAL Primary Examiner-$tanley N. Gilreath Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Carl G. Staelin; John W. [75] Inventor. Alex P. Symborski, Newark, Ohio Overman; Ronald C Hudgem [73] Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, TOldQO, [22] Filed: Dec. 3, 1973 Apparatus in a glass filament forming process for [21] Appl. No.2 421,362 winding glass strand into a package on a driven rotatable collector including: strand transfer means for Publlshed under the Tl'lal Voluntary Protest moving the glass strand between the package forma- Program on January 1 1975 as document tion zone on the collector and a temporary collection B 4211362 zone. The transfer means includes a movably mounted member having an open ended slot and a pair of di- U-S- verging guide urfaces extending from the pen end of Clthe lot; and further includes means for moving the [58] Field of Search 242/18 G, 18 R, 18 PW, member at the beginning f package build along a 242/43 path to move glass strand in the slot from the temporary winding zone to the package formation zone on [56] References C'ted the collector and means for moving the member dur- UNITED STATES PATENTS ing package build along a path effective to slot the 3,090,570 5/1963 Cunningham et a] 242/13 G strand and move the slotted strand out of the package 3,109,602 11/1963 Smith 242/18 0 formation Zone- 3,28l,224 10/1966 Lowe, Jr. 242 18 G 3,408,012 10/1968 Smith et al 242?]8 G Clams 15 D'awmg F'gures US. Patent Dec.

9, 1975 Sheet 1 of 3 US, Patent Dec. 9, 1975 Sheet 2 of3 3,924,817

- APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING LINEAR MATERIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Winders are used throughout the textile industry to package linear textile material into wound packages. And many of these winders form wound packages at high linear collection speeds. But considerable production time can be lost by manual operations often necessary in beginning a packaging cycle and often necessary in doffing at the ending of a packaging cycle.

Handling of linear material at the beginning and ending of a packaging cycle is of special interest in a filament forming operation such as a continuous glass filament forming operation to reduce time between packaging cycles. Shortened time reduces thermal disruptions to the filament forming process.

A variety of interim strand handling apparatus for package doffing has been used. But prior apparatus has had its limitations in doffing. And it has been suitable for use in starting a package.

Innovations have been needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is improved apparatus for moving elongated textile material between an interim collection location and a package formation location on a driven rotatable collector.

Another object of the invention is improved apparatus for moving an elongated bundle of textile filaments lengthwise of a driven rotatable collet into and out of a package collection region along the length thereof.

The above and other objects are attained by means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end and providing a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot for facilitating movement of linear material into the slot; and further including means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path effective to move linear material in the slot from a temporary winding zone into a package collection zone on a driven rotatable collector and means for moving the member during package build along a path effective to place the linear material-in the slot through the guide space and effective to move such slotted material from the package formation zone.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the invention is described in more detail with reference made to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of apparatus embodying the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a continuous glass filament forming operation where a winder collects glass strand on a rotatably driven collector as a wound package. The winder includes strand handling means for moving strand'into a package formation zone on the collector at the beginning of package build and for removing the strand from the package to a temporary collection zone at the end of package build.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view, partially in section, of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. The section is taken along the lines 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back elevation view in section of the winder shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The section is taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of strand traversing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the strand oscillator member forming part of the strand traversing apparatus shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of controls used to keep the strand traversing apparatus in spaced apart relationship with a package during package formation.

FIG. 7 is a view in elevation of drive apparatus for moving the strand traversing support of the winder shown in FIGS. l-3.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a portion of the strand handling and transfer apparatus for the winder shown in FIGS. l-3. FIG. 9 shows a strand hold-off member in its retracted position; dashed lines indicate the member in its extended position.

FIG. 10 is a view in elevation showing the strand handling and transfer means and actuating means for it.

FIG. 11 is a detailed section view taken substantially along the line 1l-ll of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of one of the tapered guide spaces and slot of the strand hold-off member shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an elevation view showing the strand handling and transfer apparatus in its retracted position.

FIG. 14 is an elevation view showing the strand han dling and transfer apparatus in movement to its extended position.

FIG. 15 is an overall control diagram for the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The method and apparatus of the invention are particularly suitable in processes for forming filaments from heat-softened mineral filament forming material, such as molten glass. But the invention is generally useful in collection of bundles of filaments into wound packages.

FIGS. ll-3 show a winder used to simultaneously form two wound glass strand packages spaced apart along the length of a single driven collet in a continuous glass filament forming operation. The winder includes means for mechanically handling the glass strands at the beginning and the end of package formation. At the beginning of a packaging cycle the strand handling and transfer means moves each of the strands from a temporary collection zone into engagement with a strand oscillator in its package formation zone. At the end of a packaging cycle the strand handling and transfer means disengages each of the strands from its strand oscillator and moves or diverts each of the strands from collection on its package to a temporary collection zone.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a platinum alloy container or feeder 10 that holds a body of molten glass. The feeder 10 can receive a continuous supply of molten glass by several known ways. FOr example, a forehearth can supply molten glass to the feeder 10 from a furnace heating batch materials to molten glass. Also, a melter associated with the feeder 10 can supply molten glass by reducing glass marbles to heat-softened condition. At the ends of the feeder 10 are terminals 12 that connect to a source of electrical energy to heat the feeder 10 by conventional resistance heating. Such heating keeps the molten glass in the feeder 10 at proper fiberforming temperatures and viscosities. The feeder 10 includes a bottom wall 14 with orifices or passageways for delivering streams 16 of molten glass. As shown depending orificed projections or tubular members 18 define the openings in the bottom wall 14.

The molten glass streams 16 are attenuated downwardly into individual continuous glass filaments 20.

The

gathering shoes

22 and 24 below the feeder combine the continuous glass filaments into two bundles or

strands

26 and 28 respectively.

Apparatus supplies both water and a liquid sizing or other protective coating materials to the filaments 20 before they are gathered into bundles. As shown

nozzles

30 and 32 adjacent to the bottom wall 14 direct water spray onto the continuous glass filaments 20 before the

shoes

22 and 24 combine them into the

strands

26 and 28.

A sizing applicator 36 supported within a housing 38 just above the gathering shoes applies a liquid sizing or other coating material to the speeding continuous glass filaments 20. The applicator may be any suitable type known to the art. But the applicator 36 is shown as an endless belt moved through liquid held in the housing 38. As the continuous glass filaments 20 speed in touching relationship across the moving surface of the belt applicator 36, some of the liquid on the surface transfers to them.

A winder 40 simultaneously collects the

strands

26 and 28 as

wound packages

42 and 44 respectively on a rotatably driven collet 50. As shown the packages are wound on collectors shown as forming

tubes

46 and 48 telescoped over the rotatably driven spindle or collet 50. A drive within the winder 40 rotates the collet 50.

The winder 40 includes strand traversing apparatus that reciprocates the

strands

26 and 28 back and forth lengthwise of the collet 50 (packages 42 and 44) to distribute each of the advancing strands on its package during package formation.

The strand traversing apparatus is more clearly shown in FIG. 4. And as illustrated the apparatus includes

strand oscillator members

52 and 54 held in spaced relation adjacent to the

packages

42 and 44. These oscillator members are movable in a guide slot extending lengthwise in a horizontal tubular cam support 58 projecting from the front panel 60 of the winder 40. Rotatably mounted within the hollow support housing 58 are identical coaxially joined together cylindrical or barrel cams 62 and 64 with circumferential surface cam grooves 66 and 68 respectively.

Cam followers

72 and 74 connect the

strand oscillator members

52 and 54 respectively with the cam grooves.

When the earns 62 and 64 are rotated, they reciprocate the

strand oscillator members

52 and 54 along the slot in the tubular support 58 (lengthwise of the collet 50). The suppot 58 is shown to extend in a direction parallel to the collet 50: its longitudinal axis is shown residing in the same horizontal plane as the axis of rotation of the collet 50.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the

oscillator members

52 and 54 are generally triangular shaped and include slots 76 and'78 respectively. And as discussed more fully hereinafter, each of the oscillator members automatically guides strand into its slot when the strand is in the reciprocation path of the member. So, in a sense, the oscillator members are self threading.

Other strand oscillators might be used. For example, strand oscillators like those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,391,870 and 3,292,871 might be used. And a strand traversing arrangement like that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,587 might be used.

The winder 40 includes a drive arrangement comprising a motor/clutch assembly 80. The drive arrangement effects simultaneous rotation, at a predetermined speed ratio, of both the cams 62 and 64 and the collet 50.

The motor/clutch 80 includes a constant speed electric motor 82 that drives the rotor of an associated eddy-current clutch 84. The clutch has an output shaft 86. Magnetic forces within the clutch transfer torque from the driven rotor to the output shaft 86. The assembly 80 shown is a commercially available assembly known as a Dynamatic, manufactured by the Dynamatic Division of Eaton, Yale & Towne, Inc.

The motor/clutch 80 is a variable speed drive. In operation the speed of the motor 82 remains constant. But changes in flux density (magnetic forces) within the eddy current clutch 84 vary the amount of rotational energy transferred from the motor 82 to the output shaft 86 of the clutch 84. The greater the flux density the larger is the percentage of motor output transferred to the shaft 86.

The driven shaft 86 rotates the collect 50 through a non-slipping belt 90 that connects the output shaft 86 with a collet drive shaft 92 above the assembly 80. The rotating shaft 92 rotates the collet 50. The shaft 92 is co-axial with the collet 50 and is rotatably held by a bearing mounting assembly 94.

Rotational energy from the collet drive shaft 92 rotates the cams 62 and 64 through

non-slipping belts

96 and 98. The belt 96 connects the shaft 92 and a rotatably mounted idler shaft 99 of an idler assembly 100. The belt 98 connects the idler shaft 99 with a cam drive shaft 102 that connects to the rotatable cams 62 and 64. The drive shaft 102 is co-axial of the cams and is rotatably held by a bearing support assembly 104 and the vertical end plate 106 of a movable carriage 108.

A solenoid actuated disc brake (see FIG. 3) including a disc 109 on the shaft 92 and clamp 110 stop the rotation of the collet 50 at the end of package formation.

As the packages build on the rotating collet 50, the diameter of each of the packages increases. And for any given rotational collet speed an increase in package diameter increases the speed of the circumferential surface of each of the packages. So the strand collection speed would increase with increasing package diameter if there were no offsetting reduction in the rotational speed of the collet 50.

Accordingly, the winder 40 includes means for controlling the rotational speed of the collet 50 to offset increases in strand collection speed from increasing package size. Controls modify the magnetic flux in the eddy current clutch 84. The embodiment shown in FIGS. l-3 uses the Eaton, Yale & Towne Adjusto- Spede Drive Control, for use with the Dynamatic. The Adjusto-Spede Drive includes a ramp generator that can be set to reduce the angular collet speed so that linear strand collection speed is substantially constant throughout package formation.

The winder 40 includes means for sensing the rotational speed of the collet 50 as an indication of the size of the

packages

42 and 44 during their build-up when the ramp generator is set to provide a constant linear strand collection speed during package formation. And the winder 40 includes means responsive to the sensed rotational speed for moving the cam support 58 away from the collet 50 to maintain the

strand oscillator members

52 and 54 in spaced relation next to their respective packages throughout package build.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the cam support housing 58 is carried for a horizontal movement on the movable carriage 108.

As shown the carriage 108 includes a base 111 in addition to the vertical plate 106. The carriage 108 slides lengthwise on two horizontal parallel support rods, denoted by the

reference numerals

112 and 114, that are stationarily mounted within the winder 40. These rods extend through passageways in the base 111; the passageways extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis of thecollet 50. So the carriage 108 and cam housing 58 are movable along horizontal paths towards and away from the collet 50 in a direction perpendicular to the axis thereof. The front panel 60 of the winder 40 includes an elongated opening 116 that permits movement of the tubular support 58.

FIGS. 6 through 8 show controls for positioning the carriage 108 throughout package build-up to keep a spaced apart relationship between the packages 42 nad 44 and the

strand oscillator members

52 and 54. As shown in FIG. 6, a switch 1 18 can be manually or automatically closed to complete a control circuit when the collet 50 arrives at operating speed. A battery 120 supplies a constant positive DC voltage to a potentiometer 122. The output voltage from the potentiometer 122 is applied to a summing junction J through a lead 124. A negative DC voltage signal from a tachometer 125, which is arranged to sense the rotational speed of the collet 50, is supplied to the summing junction J through a lead 126. When the voltages applied to the summing junction J are unbalanced, a grounded solenoid coil or electromagnet 128 is energized through a lead 130, switch 118 and an amplifier 132. The energized solenoid coil 128 closes a normally open armature switch 134. The armature switch 134 is in a circuit supplying electrical energy to a motor 136. A suitable commercial electrical source supplied electrical energy at leads L and L A diode. 138 blocks negative current flow (current flow to the summing junction J through the amplifier 132).

The energized motor 136 simultaneously drives the slider of the potentiometer 122 and actuates a drive that moves the carriage 108.

When the voltage from the potentiometer 122 and the tachometer 125 are balanced, there is no electrical output signal from the summing junction J; hence, the armature switch 134, which is normally open, remains open. As the voltage from the tachometer 125 decreases (because of the decreasing rotational output speed of the clutch 84), the solenoid coil 128 becomes energized from the voltage applied at the junction J from the potentiometer 122. The coil 128 closes the armature switch 134. And the motor 136 effects movement of the slider of the potentiometer 122 to reduce its output voltage until the voltages applied at junction J are balanced. The solenoid coil 128 becomes de-energized and the armature switch opens; the motor 136 becomes de-energized.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show more of the strand traverse position control apparatus in a control box 140 mounted on the base 110 of the carriage 108. At the top of the control box 140 is the electric motor 136 with a sheave 142 on its output shaft 144. Mounted below the motor 136 in the control box 140 is the potentiometer 122 with a sheave 146 on its slider control shaft 148. At the bot- 6 tom region of the control box is a carriage drive including a rotatably mounted drive screw 150 in a threaded passageway 152 in the base 110. An unthreaded portion 154 of the drive screw 150 carries sheaves 156 and 158.

The energized motor 136 rotates the drive screw 150 and moves the slider of the potentiometer 122. A belt 160 riding in sheaves 142 and 156 connects the motor output shaft 144 with the drive screw 150. And a belt 162 riding in sheaves 146 and. 158 connects the drive screw 150 with the slider control shaft 148.

When the motor 136 is energized, it rotates both the slider control shaft 148 and the drive screw 150. Rotation of the drive screw 150 moves the carriage 108 away from the collet 50 until the potentiometer voltage balances the voltages applied at junction J. The coil 128 then becomes de-energized; the armature switch 134 opens to de-energize the motor 136.

In practice the motor 136 is a slow rpm motor such as a SLO-SYN motor made by the Superior Electric Company. I

Because the collet speed at the beginning of package collection is known, an operator can adjust a trim potentiometer 164 (see FIG. 6) to bring the voltage from the potentiometer 122 into balance with the known beginning voltage'from the tachometer 125 for a selected position of the cam support 58. So the operator moves the cam (carriage 108) to position the

guides

52 and 58 at the beginning of package build. Such movement effects movement of the slider of the potentiometer 122. The operator then adjusts the trim potentiometer 164 for the selected position of the

oscillator members

52 and 54 to provide a selected voltage from the potentiometer.

The idler assembly 100 permits movement of the carriage 108 without parting the drive belt 96 and drive belt 98. As shown the idler assembly 100 includes the rotatable idler shaft 99, bearing box 170, position arm 172, support member 174 and support bracket 176.

Support member 174 and the bracket 176 hold the bearing box and shaft 99 above the carriage 108. The bearing box 170 is movable above the axis of the support member 174 by

swing legs

177 and 178.

The position arm 172 connects the shaft 99 and cam drive shaft 102 to keep these shafts at a constant speed distance from the belt 98. The arm 172 pushes (swings) the shaft 99 and its gear box upwardly around the axis of the shaft support member 174 as the carriage 108 moves towards the collet 50. The reverse is true as the carriage 108 moves away from the collet 50.

The swinging movement of the assembly 100 keeps both the

belts

96 and 98 in driving relationship on their respective sheaves.

The winder 40 includes the earlier mentioned strand handling and transfer means for keeping positive control of each of the strands at the beginning and ending of a packaging cycle. Such means is used by an operator at the beginning of package formation to move each of the strands from a temporary collection zone to a location on the collet where the individual strands can be engaged by strand oscillaator members to begin package formation; upon completion of the packages the strand handling means disengages each of the strands from its strand oscillator member and moves or diverts each of the strands to a temporary collection location.

As shown the handling means includes: a movably mounted slotted hold-off member for individually engaging the strands in a slot as it travels to its package and means for moving the hold-off member with the slotted strands along a path effective to move each of .the strands between a temporary strand collection location and its strand collection region along the collet50.

FIG. 9 more clearly shows a preferred embodiment of an elongated slotted hold-off member, denoted by the reference numeral 190. As illustrated, the elongated member 190 has a front edge or side 192 and a rearward edge or side 194. The front edge 192 includes: two identical slots, 196 and 198, spaced apart along the length of the member 190 and two identical open ended tapered guide spaces 200 and 202, each communicating at its smaller end with one of the slots. Each of the tapered spaces is defined by a pair of opposing guide surfaces that are inclined with respect to each other. As shown, straight guide surfaces 204 and 206 converge to the open end of the slot 196 to define the tapered guide space 200 and straight guide surfaces 208 and 210 converge to the open end of the slot 198 to define the tapered guide space 202. Each of these pairs of opposing surfaces diverge from the mouth of their respective slots to a mouth or entrance of is own.

The degree of taper for the guide spaces is of interest to facilitate placement of the strands in their respective slots. As shown each of the surfaces defining each of the guide spaces extend at the same angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member. Angle B shown in FIG. 9 is representative of these angles. In practice an angle B for each of the surfaces of from about 30 to 45 degrees has given good results. But angles less than 20 degrees are generally not desirable; the amount of slope or incline must be sufficient to provide a-guiding relationship to the strands to facilitate their placement in their individual slots.

The member 190 should be made of a material that has a low abrasion with glass filaments. Preferably the member 190 is made of phenolic resin reinforced with fabric or fibrous material commercially known as Micarta.

The member 190 is movably mounted on the winder 40. As shown a pivotally mounted support 220 carries the member 190 (see FIGS. 1, 2 and The support 220 includes a vertical member 222 and a horizontal member 224 fixed at the lower end of the vertical mem ber 222. The horizontal member 224 (on which the member 190 is fixed) extends away from the front plate 60 in a direction parallel to the collet 50. The vertical member 222 is mounted at its upper region-on the piston rod 226 of an air motor 228. The piston rod 226 is movable about and along its axis. So the support 220 (member 190) is mounted for movement along and about the axis of the rod 226 (denoted by the reference letter A in FIGS. 1 and 2).

FIGS. 10 and 11 more clearly show the air motor and support for the member 190. Secured to the front plate 60 is a bracket 230 that supports the air motor 228. The air motor includes a cylinder 232 in which is slidably disposed at a piston 234 secured to the piston rod 226. The cylinder 232 is provided with heads 236 and 238 to which are connected

supply tubes

240 and 242 respectively. These tubes convey fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, to and away from the cylinder 232 for reciprocating the piston 234 within the cylinder. A solenoid actuated valve 244 controls supply of the compressed fluid to the cylinder 232 through the

tubes

240 and 242.

A rod portion 246 of the piston rod 226 extends away from the cylinder 232 (beyond the cylinder head 236) in left-hand direction as viewed in FIG. 10.

Secured to the head 236 is an'exterision member 250 that is of semicircular cross-section (see FIG. 11).

As shown in FIG. 11, the interior of the semiannular shaped extension 250 has a curved closed type cam slot 252. And the rod portion 246 has a transverse bore 254 accommodating a radially movable plunger or cam follower 256 that is adapted to extend into the cam groove 252. The plunger or cam follower 256 has a head 258 engaged by a cup shaped member 260. And an expansive coil spring 262 is disposed with the cup-shaped member 260. The transverse bore is closed by a support plate 264 by

screws

265 and 266. The spring 262 urges the cam follower 256 into the cam slot 252.

Axial movement of the piston rod 226 (rod portion 246) effects a partial revolution of the piston rod around its axis.

So movement of the piston rod 226 within the cylinder 232 moves the support 220 so that the hold-off member is moved both axially of the collet 50 and towards and away therefrom as more fully explained hereinafter.

When brought into operation at the end of the package build, the air motor 228 moves the member 190 (through the support 222) towards the collet 50 (packages) along a curved path. Each of the

reciprocating strands

26 and 28 is confined within tapered guiding space 200 and 202 respectively as the member 190 moves forward towards the collet 50. FIG. 12 indicates the guiding influence of the edges defining the guiding space 200 as the member 190 moves forward; the reciprocated strand moves back and forth in ever narrowing regions of the guide space. The member 190 is moved forward a sufficient distance to place each of the strands intoits slot and to engage each of the strands with the closed end of a slot to move the strands until each is disengaged from its strand oscillator member. In the case of the oscillator members 52 anad 54, the strands are taken from the slots in these oscillator members.

FIG. 13 illustrates the support 220 in its retracted position before it is swung to bring the member 190 into engagement with the strands. FIG. 14 illustrates the support 220 in its extended position after it is swung to bring the member 190 into engagement with the strands; in its extended position the member has moved the strands out of engagement with the oscillator members.

Continued axial movement of the piston rod 226 moves the member 190 axially of the collet 50 towards the free end thereof until each of the strands can collect on its forming tube at the end of its package. Here the strand is wound as scrap in preparation for package doffing.

FIG. 9 more clearly shows a preferred strand handling sequency at the end of package formation. The member 190 is shown in solid lines in a preferred retracted position during package build; each of the

slots

196 and 198 is situated at the mid-length region of its associated package (package forming zone). At the end of package build controls operate the control valve 244. And the piston rod 226 (and support 220) moves the member 190 forward. Each of the

strands

26 and 28 is guided into its

slot

196 and 198 respectively by the tapered guide spaces and is disengaged from the slot of its associated oscillator member. Member 190 is 9 moved axially of the collet 50 until each of the

slots

96 and 98 is at the end region of its associated

tube

42 and 44. This extended position of the knock-off member 190 is indicated by the dashed line position of the mem ber shown in FIG. 9. Each of the strands collects as scrap at the end region of its tube.

The member 190 remains in its dashed line or extended position ready to handle strand at the beginning of the next packaging cycle.

The width of each of the mouths of the guide spaces 200 and 202 is important and is indicated by the dimension W in FIG. 9. W is as large as the effective stroke length of the reciprocation motion given the strands with respect to the member 190. In the case of a winder using a single strand traversing motion (like winder 40), the length of W is at least as large as the reciprocation stroke length given the strands by the

strand oscillator members

52 and 54. In the case of more complex (two or more motions) strand traversing motions, the length of W must be determined. In any case the guide member must bwe moved along a path so that guide spaces include each of the reciprocating strands to facilitate its placement into its slot. The guide member 190 might be moved along a straight path (for example horizontal) or other more complex paths besides the path shown in the figures to move the strands between a temporary collection zone and a package formation location.

At package start-up an operator initially winds the strands at the free end region of the rotating collet 50 during time the collet is accelerating to collection speed. The support 220 (member 190) is in its extended position. The operator individually moves each of the strands into one of the

slots

196 and 198. Each of the strands then collects at the edge region of its forming tube. When the collet 50 has reached the desired speed to begin package formation, the member 190 is moved from its extended or dashed lined position as shown in FIG. 9 to its solid line or retracted position as shown in FIG. 9. As the member 190 is moved, each of the strands is brought into its package formation region along the length of collet; each of the strands is engaged by its oscillator member for reciprocation lengthwise of the package.

Each of the oscillator members shown automatically moves its strand into its slot. As shown in FIG. the oscillator members have a shorter side that engages a strand and that moves the strand on the inclined surface of the shorter side to its slot. An opposing longer side of each of the oscillator members diverts the strand into its slot.

The member 190 is moved so that each of the strands remains in its slot (196 and 198) until it is effectively engaged for reciprocation in the slot of its oscillator member.

Packaging formation begins.

FIG. shows a control circuit for operating the winder 40.

An operator begins the winder by closing

switches

280 and 282. When switch 280 is closed, commercial electrical energy is supplied to the control circuit through leads of L and L When switch 282 is closed,

electrical energy is simultaneously provided to the I 10 into a slot of the member 190, which is in its extended position.

When the timer Tl times out (chosen so that the collet 50 is at the desired rotational speed), it closes contacts T1-2 to energize a package build timer T2. And the energized timer T2 closes contacts T2-1; the solenoid of the control valve 244 is energized to move the support 220 (piston rod 226) to its retracted position. Each of the strands is brought into its package forming zone from its temporary collection location. The strands are engaged by the oscillator members. And package build begins.

Package formation stops when the timer T2 times out. When this occurs, contacts T2-1 are open. The solenoid of the control valve 244 is thereby de-energized; the support 220 (piston rod 2.26) is moved to its extended position for temporary strand collection at the end regions of the forming tubes. Also, contacts T2-2 are closed to energize a braking timer T3. The energized timer T2 closes holding contacts T3-1. The operator closes the braking stop switch 284 to commence braking and thereby stop rotation of the collet 50. When the timer T3 times out (the collet is at rest), contacts T3-1 and T3-2 are opened to de-energize the braking circuit.

The operator removes the packages from the collet and thereafter can telescope fresh tubes onto the collet 50.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprismg:

a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound in a zone as a package;

means for rotating the collector; and

means effective to move the [linear material between the package formation zone along the collector and a temporary winding zone, such means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end, the slot being oriented so that its lengthwise dimension extends in a direction transversley of the axis of rotation of the collector with the open end thereof facing towards the collector, the member providing a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space open at its larger end for introduction of the linear material, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path effective to move linear material in the slot from collection at the temporary winding zone into the package formation zone and for moving the member laterally of the axis of rotation away from the collector to disengage the linear material from the slot during package formation member at the end of package formation laterally of the axis of rotation towards the collector to engage the linear material in the slot and for moving the member along a path effective to move such material in the slot out of the package formation zone.

2. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprismg:

a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound as a package;

means for rotating the collector;

means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate 6. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprisit axially of the collector for distribution on the ing:

package; and a rotatable collector upon which linear material is means effective to move the linear material between wound as a package;

the package collection zone on the collector and a 5 ea s for rotating the collector;

temporary winding zone, such means including a means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate movably mounted member having a slot open at one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear mait axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and

means effective to move the linear material between tehal ihte the Stet, Such guide Surfaces diverging the package collection zone on the collector and a froth the p end the Slot to form a tapered temporary winding zone, such means including a ghlde Space P Its larger end 9 the slot to movably mounted member having a slot open at a p e ghlde p t p at h larger e one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide for lhtroduchoh t the hheat matehal e gthde l5 surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear ma- Space commuhlcahhg at Smaller ehd wtth h terial into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging t means for movlhg the member at the h from the open end of the to form a tapered guide mng package h along a path effective to space open at its larger end for introduction of the move linear material in the slot from collection at linear material Such Space being at least as Wide as h temporary wmdmg h to the a g Collec' its larger end as the stroke length of the reciproca- Zone Such t the matenal brought tion movement given to the linear material during into engagement with the reciprocation means, and package formation, the guide Space communicat means movmg the member at thelend of h ing at its smaller end with the slot, means for movage buildalong a path effective to bring the linear ing the member at the beginning of package build mammal i the gulde space for movmeem mm along apath effective to move linear material in the the i agamst the Closed end thereof to h Slich slot from collection at the temporary winding zone matenal out of erigagement wlth the reclhrocatlon into the package collection zone such that the linigz z ig :gifiggg: 3 Such matenal out of ear material is brought to engagement with the re- 3 Th p g ciprocation means, and means for moving the m g g g which g. member at the end of the package build along a v1 mem i g i is g i an en mg 0 path effective to brlng the linear material into the p 4 i a aratus of claim 2 in'which the means for guide space for movement into the slot against the g theppmember moves Such member along the closed end thereof to take such material out of ensame path at the beginning and ending of package build gagement wlth the reclprocanon means and effecbut in reverse directions.

5. Apparatus for producing and packaging glass tive to move such material out of the package formation zone.

7. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising:

a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound as a package; means for rotating the collector; means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate strand comprising:

means for supplying streams of molten glass for attenuation into continuous glass filaments; 40 means for gathering the filaments into a strand; means for rotating the collector;

means for engaging the strand to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package;

it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and

g effective to move the strand between the means for effecting transfer of the linear material package collection zone on the collector and a fr'om Coneshoh oh the Package to a temporary temporary winding zone, such means including a dm g h aellaceht the ehd of the P Such movably mounted member having a slot open at theahs thcludlhg a movably mounted he one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide mg a Slot P t one ehd ahd e h h Spaced surfaces for facilitating movement of the strand apart epposlhg gthde h e for faelhtatmg Y into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the ment of e hhear material Into the Slot, Such ghlde Open end f the Slot to f a tapered guide Space surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to open at its larger end for introduction of the strand, t e p gthde SRaee Wlth f ehtrahee p the guide space communicating at its smaller end h at Its larger end for lntfodhctlon Ofllrleal' fnatce with the slot, means for moving the member at the flat, the ehttaheeepehlhg belhg at least as Wlde as beginning of package build along a path eff its entrance opening as the stroke length of the ret move Strand i th l f ll i at h ciprocation motion given to the linear material, the temporary winding zone to the package collection guide Space Communicating at its Smaller end with zone such that the strand is brought into engage- 0 the o ans for moving the member along a ment with the reciprocation means, and means for path effective to bring the linear material during its moving the member at the end of package build collection on the package into the guide space for along a path effective to bring the strand into the mo ement into the slot against the closed end guide space for movement into the slot against the thereof to move the linear material out of engageclosed end thereof to take the strand out of engagement with the reciprocation means, and effective ment with the reciprocation means and effective to move the strand out of the package formation zone.

to move the member axially of the collector to take the slotted linear material out of the package formation zone.

8. Apparatus of claim in which the means for reciprocating the linear material is a member, having an engaging slot for engaging linear materialflj 9. Apparatus for packaging linear material compris mg: t j

a rotatable collector uponwhich linear'material is wound as a package;

means for rotating the collector;

means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and

means for effecting transfer of the linear material from collection on the package to a temporary winding zone adjacent the end of the package, such means including a movably mounted support, a hold-off member on the support having a forward side generally facing the collector, the forward side of the member including a slot open at such side and disposed to extend in a direction transverse to the axis of the collector, the member providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space with an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of linear material, the entrance opening being at least as wide as its entrance opening as the stroke length of the reciprocation motion given to the linear material, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the support during collection of the material on the package along a path effective to place the linear material in the guide space of the member for movement into the slot against the cllosed end thereof to move the linear material out of engagement with the reciprocation means and effective to move the support axially of the collector to take the slotted linear material from the package formation zone to collect at the temporary winding zone.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 including means holding the support for movement about and along an axis extending axially of the collector.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the support includes a longitudinal support member that carries the hold-off memberand that is disposed with its lengthwise dimension extending axially of the collector.

12. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprismg:

side-by-side collectors upon each of which a linear bundle of filaments is wound as a package, the collectors being mounted for rotation on a common axis;

means for rotating the collectors;

means for engaging each of the bundles to reciprocate it axially of its collector for distribution on its package; and

means for effecting transfer of each of the bundles from collection on its package to a temporary winding zone adjacent the end of its package, such means including a movably mounted support, a longitudinal hold-off member on the support, the hold-off member being oriented with its lengthwise dimension extending generally parallel to the collectors and having a forward side generally facing the collectors, the forward side of the member including spaced apart side-by side slots open at the forward side each disposed to extend in a direction transverse to the axis of the collectors, the member providing foreach of the slots a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating move ment of a linear bundle into the associated slot, each pair of guide surfacesdiverging from the open end of its associated slot to form side-by-side tapered guide spaces each having an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of a bundle, the entrance opening of each of its guide spaces being at least as wide as the stroke length of the reciprocation motion given to the linear bundle, each of the guide spaces communicating at its smaller end with its associated slot, means for moving the support at the end of package build to move the hold-off member along a path effective so that each of the bundles is moved through its guide space of the member into its slot against the closed end thereof to disengage the bundle from the reciprocation means and effective so that the hold-off member takes the slotted bundles out of their individual package formation zones to collect at the individual temporary winding zones adjacent the ends of the packages.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which the slots extend normal to the axis of rotation of the collectors.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which the tapered guide spaces are identical.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 in which each of the pairs of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces is planar.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which each of the pairs of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces form the same oblique angle with the longitudinal axis of the hold-off member.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 in which each of the pairs of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces forms an oblique angle of from 30 to 45 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the hold-off member.

18. Apparatus for producing and packaging glass strand comprising:

means for supplying streams of molten glass for attenuation into continuous glass filaments;

means for gathering the glass filaments into a strand;

side-by-side collectors upon each of which a glass strand is wound as a package, the collectors being mounted for rotation on a common axis;

means for rotating the collectors;

means for engaging each of the glass strands to reciprocate it axially of its collector for distribution on its package; and

means for effecting transfer of each of the strands from collection on its package to an individual temporary winding zone adjacent the end of its package, such means including a movably mounted support, a longitudinal hold-off member on the support, the hold-off member being oriented with its lengthwise dimension extending generally parallel to the collectors and having a forward side generally facing the collectors, the forward side of the member including space-d apart side-by-side slots open at the forward side each disposed to extend in a direction transverse to the axis of the collectors, the member providing for each of the slots a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of a strand into the associated slot, each pair of guide surfaces diverging from the open end of their associated slot to form side-by-side tapered guide spaces each having an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of a strand, the entrance opening of each of its guide spaces being at least as wide as the stroke length of the recipro- 4 16 end thereof to disengage the strand from the reciprocation means and effective so that the hold-off member takes the slotted strands out of their individual package formation zones to collect at individual temporary winding zones adjacent the ends of the packages.

Claims

1. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising: a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound in a zone as a package; means for rotating the collector; and means effective to move the linear material between the package formation zone along the collector and a temporary winding zone, such means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end, the slot being oriented so that its lengthwise dimension extends in a direction transversley of the axis of rotation of the collector with the open end thereof facing towards the collector, the member providing a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space open at its larger end for introduction of the linear material, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path effective to move linear material in the slot from collection at the temporary winding zone into the package formation zone and for moving the member laterally of the axis of rotation away from the collector to disengage the linear material from the slot during package formation member at the end of package formation laterally of the axis of rotation towards the collector to engage the linear material in the slot and for moving the member along a path effective to move such material in the slot out of the package formation zone.

2. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising: a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound as a package; means for rotating the collector; means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and means effective to move the linear material between the package collection zone on the collector and a temporary winding zone, such means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space open at its larger end of the slot to form a tapered guide space open at its larger end for introduction of the linear material, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path effective to move linear material in the slot from collection at the temporary winding zone to the package collection zone such that the linear material is brought into engagement with the reciprocAtion means, and means for moving the member at the end of package build along a path effective to bring the linear material into the guide space for movmeent into the slot against the closed end thereof to move such material out of engagement with the reciprocation means and effective to move such material out of the package formation zone.

3. The apoparatus of claim 1 in which the means for moving the member at the beginning and ending of package build is the same means.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the means for moving the member moves such member along the same path at the beginning and ending of package build but in reverse directions.

5. Apparatus for producing and packaging glass strand comprising: means for supplying streams of molten glass for attenuation into continuous glass filaments; means for gathering the filaments into a strand; means for rotating the collector; means for engaging the strand to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and means effective to move the strand between the package collection zone on the collector and a temporary winding zone, such means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the strand into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space open at its larger end for introduction of the strand, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path effective to move strand in the slot from collection at the temporary winding zone to the package collection zone such that the strand is brought into engagement with the reciprocation means, and means for moving the member at the end of package build along a path effective to bring the strand into the guide space for movement into the slot against the closed end thereof to take the strand out of engagement with the reciprocation means and effective to move the strand out of the package formation zone.

6. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising: a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound as a package; means for rotating the collector; means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and means effective to move the linear material between the package collection zone on the collector and a temporary winding zone, such means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the to form a tapered guide space open at its larger end for introduction of the linear material, such space being at least as wide as its larger end as the stroke length of the reciprocation movement given to the linear material during package formation, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the member at the beginning of package build along a path effective to move linear material in the slot from collection at the temporary winding zone into the package collection zone such that the linear material is brought to engagement with the reciprocation means, and means for moving the member at the end of the package build along a path effective to bring the linear material into the guide space for movement into the slot against the closed end thereof to take such material out of engagement with the reciprocation means and effective to move such material out of the package formation zone.

7. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising: a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound as a package; means for rotating the collector; means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and MEANS for effecting transfer of the linear material from collection on the package to a temporary windin g zone adjacent the end of the package, such means including a movably mounted member having a slot open at one end and providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space with an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of linear material, the entrance opening being at least as wide as its entrance opening as the stroke length of the reciprocation motion given to the linear material, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the member along a path effective to bring the linear material during its collection on the package into the guide space for movement into the slot against the closed end thereof to move the linear material out of engagement with the reciprocation means, and effective to move the member axially of the collector to take the slotted linear material out of the package formation zone.

8. Apparatus of claim 5 in which the means for reciprocating the linear material is a member having an engaging slot for engaging linear material.

9. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising: a rotatable collector upon which linear material is wound as a package; means for rotating the collector; means for engaging the linear material to reciprocate it axially of the collector for distribution on the package; and means for effecting transfer of the linear material from collection on the package to a temporary winding zone adjacent the end of the package, such means including a movably mounted support, a hold-off member on the support having a forward side generally facing the collector, the forward side of the member including a slot open at such side and disposed to extend in a direction transverse to the axis of the collector, the member providing spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of the linear material into the slot, such guide surfaces diverging from the open end of the slot to form a tapered guide space with an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of linear material, the entrance opening being at least as wide as its entrance opening as the stroke length of the reciprocation motion given to the linear material, the guide space communicating at its smaller end with the slot, means for moving the support during collection of the material on the package along a path effective to place the linear material in the guide space of the member for movement into the slot against the cllosed end thereof to move the linear material out of engagement with the reciprocation means and effective to move the support axially of the collector to take the slotted linear material from the package formation zone to collect at the temporary winding zone.

12. Apparatus for packaging linear material comprising: side-by-side collectors upon each of which a linear bundle of filaments is wound as a package, the collectors being mounted for rotation on a common axis; means for rotating the collectors; means for engaging each of the bundles to reciprocate it axially of its collector for distribution on its package; and means for effecting transfer of each of the bundles from collection on its package to a temporary winding zone adjacent the end of its package, such means including a movably mounted support, a longitudinal hold-off member on the support, the hold-off member being oriented with its lengthwise dimension extending generally parallel to the collectors and having a forward side generally facing the collectors, the forward side of the member including spaced apart side-by side slots open at the forward side each disposed to extend in a direction transverse to the axis of the collectors, the member providing for each of the slots a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of a linear bundle into the associated slot, each pair of guide surfaces diverging from the open end of its associated slot to form side-by-side tapered guide spaces each having an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of a bundle, the entrance opening of each of its guide spaces being at least as wide as the stroke length of the reciprocation motion given to the linear bundle, each of the guide spaces communicating at its smaller end with its associated slot, means for moving the support at the end of package build to move the hold-off member along a path effective so that each of the bundles is moved through its guide space of the member into its slot against the closed end thereof to disengage the bundle from the reciprocation means and effective so that the hold-off member takes the slotted bundles out of their individual package formation zones to collect at the individual temporary winding zones adjacent the ends of the packages.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which the tapered guide spaces are identical.

18. Apparatus for producing and packaging glass strand comprising: means for supplying streams of molten glass for attenuation into continuous glass filaments; means for gathering the glass filaments into a strand; side-by-side collectors upon each of which a glass strand is wound as a package, the collectors being mounted for rotation on a common axis; means for rotating the collectors; means for engaging each of the glass strands to reciprocate it axially of its collector for distribution on its package; and means for effecting transfer of each of the strands from collection on its package to an individual temporary winding zone adjacent the end of its package, such means including a movably mounted support, a longitudinal hold-off member on the support, the hold-off member being oriented with its lengthwise dimension extending generally parallel to the collectors and having a forward side generally facing the collectors, the forward side of the member including spaced apart side-by-side slots open at the forward side each disposed to extend in a direction transverse to the axis of the collectors, the member providing for each of the slots a pair of spaced apart opposing guide surfaces for facilitating movement of a strand into the associated slot, each pair of guide surfaces diverging from the open end of their associated slot to form side-by-side tapered guide spaces each having an entrance opening at its larger end for introduction of a strand, the entrance opening of each of its guide spaces being at least as wide as the stroke length of the reciprocation motion given to the strands, each of the guide spaces communicating at its smaller end with its associated slot, means for moving the support at the end of package build to move the hold-off member along a path effective so that each of the strands is moved through one of the guide spaces of the member into one of the slots against the closed end thereof to disengage the strand from the reciprocation means and effective So that the hold-off member takes the slotted strands out of their individual package formation zones to collect at individual temporary winding zones adjacent the ends of the packages.