Patent ID: 6718726
Filing Date: 2004-04-13
Classification: B21F

Abstract:
An apparatus for spooling a string of pocketed compressed coil springs, comprising:a. a spooler comprising: i. a spool core rotatable about a core axis; and ii. a drive mechanism to rotate the core about the core axis for winding the string of pocketed compressed coil springs about the spool core; and b. a feed mechanism comprising: i. buffer rollers engaging the string of pocketed compressed coil springs to maintain the springs in a compressed state and reduce advancement jitter of the string; and ii. a feed arm to receive the string of pocketed compressed coil springs from the buffer rollers, maintain the springs in a compressed state, and distribute the string of pocketed compressed coil springs about the spool core, wherein the drive mechanism of the spooler is coordinated with a feed speed of the buffer rollers to ensure that the string of pocketed compressed coil springs winds evenly about the core and the springs are maintained in a compressed state.