# US 4,396,168 A · Multiple package thread transfer alignment guide system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 4,396,168 A - Document ID: US4396168A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 06/237,771 - Filed: 1981-02-24 - Granted: 1983-08-02 - Earliest claimed: 1981-02-24 - Assignees: Allied Corporation - Inventors: Darlene C. Hilt; Robert Z. Schreffler - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4396168A ## CPC - B65H 49/10: for one operative package and one or more reserve packages - B65H 57/00: Guides for filamentary materials; Supports therefor - B65H 2701/31: Textiles threads or artificial strands of filaments - B65H: HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES ## Abstract A multiple package thread transfer alignment guide system for continuously feeding thread from multiple supply sources to a processing location under controlled tension conditions is disclosed. A thread transfer alignment guide device, including first and second eyelet openings interconnected by a tortuous path, is positioned in close proximity to the generally horizontally mounted supply packages and aligns the thread to enter a trumpet guide. Each eyelet opening is substantially aligned with the longitudinal feed axis of a corresponding supply package. The tortuous path means includes first and second rod portions spaced apart from each other and in overlapping relation to define a path inlet opening communicating with each of the eyelets. When the thread transfer is to occur from the first eyelet opening to the second eyelet opening, a momentary loss of balloon thread tension is experienced, together with a growing effect of tension along the new thread path vector angle. This change in thread tension allows the thread to enter the tortuous path from the first eyelet opening, traverse the tortuous path and enter the second eyelet opening for continuous feed. With this device, thread tension of approximately 7 to 9 grams is maintained resulting in less thread breakage and minimal loss of production time. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A thread transfer alignment guide device for maintaining continuous thread feed from a first supply package carrying thread interconnected with a thread end of an adjacent supply package, the thread being properly aligned and appropriately tensioned for processing, comprising: (a) a plurality of laterally spaced eyelets having openings substantially facing the supply packages for receiving and guiding thread between the supply packages and a receiving location; and (b) tortuous path means interconnecting the eyelet openings, said tortuous path means formed to laterally confine a thread within an eyelet opening but operative to enable the thread to enter and pass through a thread transfer path into the adjacent eyelet opening when the thread substantially entirely unwinds from the first supply package for switching to the adjacent supply package. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 1, wherein said tortuous path means includes first and second portions spaced apart from each other in overlapping relation to define a path inlet opening communicating with each of said eyelets, said portions overlapping a predetermined distance in a direction substantially coplanar with the eyelet openings. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 2, wherein said first and second portions form a portion of each eyelet opening. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 3, wherein said first portion forms an angle of substantially 60.degree. with a longitudinal axis of said path inlet opening, and the second portion forms a complementary angle of substantially 30.degree. with the axis toward the eyelet opening. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2, 3) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first and second portions overlap a predetermined distance in the range of approximately 3.5 to 4.0 millimeters. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 2, wherein said first and second portions are spaced apart from each other a distance of approximately 3 millimeters. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 1, wherein said eyelet opening has a diameter of approximately 5 millimeters. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 1, wherein said eyelets are spaced apart from each other by said tortuous path means having a length of approximately 50 millimeters. ### Claim 9 (depends on 2, 3) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said eyelets are formed of a continuous rod shaped to define first and second sets of eyelets and the tortuous path means separating said eyelets, wherein each of said first and second eyelet sets include two corresponding coaxially located eyelets, the first portion of the path inlet opening includes two corresponding arcuately shaped rod portions spaced apart from each other, and said second portion includes an opposing arcuately shaped rod portion intermediate and spaced apart from the first portions in overlapping relation, thereby defining said thread transfer path between said eyelet openings. ### Claim 10 (depends on 2, 3) A thread alignment guide device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein each of said eyelets is formed from a material of unitary structure shaped to define the respective first and second eyelets and the tortuous path means connecting said eyelets, wherein the first portion of the path inlet opening includes two corresponding arcuately shaped portions defining a channel having a channel axis leading into the eyelet opening, and the second portion includes an opposing arcuately shaped portion projecting into the channel and spaced apart from the first portions, thereby defining said thread transfer path to said eyelet opening. ### Claim 11 A multiple package thread transfer alignment guide system comprising, in combination: (a) first and second adjacent supply packages having a horizontally disposed longitudinal feed axis, said supply packages carrying thread spliced together, thereby enabling thread feed transfer when the thread substantially entirely unwinds from the first supply package for switching to the full supply second package; (b) a thread transfer alignment guide including first and second laterally spaced eyelets having openings substantially facing the first and second supply packages respectively for receiving and guiding thread between the supply packages and a receiving location, and tortuous path means interconnecting the eyelet openings, said tortuous path means formed to laterally confine a thread within one of said eyelet openings but operative to enable the thread to enter and pass through a thread transfer path into the adjacent eyelet opening when the thread substantially entirely unwinds from the first supply package for switching to the second supply package; and (c) guide means for receiving and directing thread from said thread transfer alignment guide device to a processing location.