Tension control and yarn handling system for "V" type creels

Abstract

A tension control and yarn handling system for a V creel system or the like comprising a plurality of mast assemblies of vertically elongated mast members arranged along parallel vertical axes and spanning the height of a yarn package array each having plural vertically spaced yarn threading stations located adjacent the respective yarn feed-off paths from the respective packages. The mast members at each yarn threading station have a yarn tension control device including confronting plate surfaces magnetically attracted together for tension control between which the yarn is drawn and have yarn threading guide devices movable collectively on the associated mast member from a raised position disposing a yarn guide slot therein in upwardly open yarn receiving condition to a lowered yarn capturning position closing said guide slot to retain yarn therein. The threading guide devices each include a yarn motion sensor providing a monitoring beam across a guide aperture of a yarn hooking slot and electronic circuitry is provided to produce defect signals signifying yarn stoppage, entanglements and defects. A yarn cutter gate device is also provided on each mast assembly adjacent each yarn path having a cutter blade and an associated pivoted guard lever arm to normally position the yarn at a non-cutting location and to expose the blade to cut the yarn when the lever arm is released from guarding position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.