Patent ID: 7878447
Filing Date: 2011-02-01
Classification: B65H,D02H

Abstract:
1. Thread capture apparatus adapted to capture loping thread being drawn off a package of such thread, said thread capture apparatus comprising a plurality of thread capture elements which are collectively effective to capture such loping thread and to substantially eliminate such loping action in such thread downstream of said thread capture apparatus, each said thread capture element defining at least one thread engaging surface, such thread engaging surfaces being adapted to move in directions corresponding to longitudinal directions of movement of such thread across the respective said thread capture elements, said thread capture apparatus comprising, as a first said thread capture element, a first rolling capture element comprising a first elongate roller having a first said thread engaging surface, said first elongate roller being adapted and positioned to serve as an initial contact element for such thread being drawn from such package of thread, said first thread capture element having a first axis of rotation generally transverse to the longitudinal direction of movement of such thread across said first thread capture element, as a second said thread capture element, a second rolling capture element proximately downstream from said first rolling capture element, said second rolling capture element having a second said thread engaging surface and a second axis of rotation transverse to the first axis of rotation of said first thread capture element, as a third said thread capture element, a third rolling capture element proximate said second rolling capture element, said third rolling capture element having a third said thread engaging surface and a third axis of rotation transverse to the first axis of rotation of said first thread capture element, said first elongate roller being disposed in a first orientation wherein the first axis of rotation is transverse to the general direction of advance of such loping thread before such thread reaches said first elongate roller, and wherein such thread encounters said first rolling capture element, as the initial contact element after leaving such package of thread, and wherein such thread, during normal dynamic ongoing operation of said thread capture apparatus, passes across a surface of said first elongate roller, and from said first elongate roller onto said second rolling capture element, turns around said second rolling capture element, and passes thence onto said third rolling capture element, and turns around said third rolling capture element.