Apparatus for doffing and inserting empty cores on an automatic winder

An apparatus for doffing and inserting empty cores on automatic winder having core holders each adapted to clamp and free a core by assuming first and second prescribed positions respectively, and each mounted to urge a core mounted thereon toward a winding drum for forming full packages of yarn on the core from yarn on a bobbin, during a winding operation, said apparatus comprising, in combination, a position holding mechanism for lifting a full package from a winding drum, a forwarding mechanism for turning a core holder from a first position to a second position comprising means positionable to engage and push a side of a full package lifted by said position holding mechanism, a package take-off mechanism for taking off said full package comprising means positionable to engage and push one end of a full package on a core holder turned to its second position by said forwarding mechanism, a receiver mechanism positioned to receive a full package taken off a core holder by said take-off mechanism, a yarn severing and holding mechanism positionable to sever a yarn portion extending from a full package in said receiver mechanism to a bobbin and to hold the end of the severed yarn extending to said bobbin, and a core inserting mechanism comprising means positionable to insert an empty core over a core holder from which a full package has been taken off by said take-off mechanism and means positionable to engage and push a side of said empty core on said core holder for returning said core holder to its first position.