Patent ID: 6402078
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: B65H,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for doffing and re-tubing a fiber winder, comprising:(a) an assembly support; (b) a support plate vertically movable along the assembly support; (c) a first assembly support extending from the support plate for supporting a forming package assembly comprising an adapter package and at least one forming package extending around the adapter tube, the first assembly support comprising: (i) at least one gripper movable along the first assembly support between a first position and a second position and capable of engaging the forming tube assembly; and (ii) guides to support and guide the forming package assembly on the first assembly support; (d) a second assembly support extending from the support plate for supporting a forming tube assembly comprising an adapter tube and at least one forming tube extending around the adapter tube, the second assembly support comprising: (i) at least one pusher movable along the second assembly support between a first position and a second position and capable of engaging the forming tube assembly; and (ii) guides to support and guide the forming tube assembly on the second assembly support; and (e) a transport system capable of supporting the assembly support and horizontally moving the assembly support.