Method of and apparatus for the automatic feeding of filled cans and the automatic removal of empty cans from the spinning units of a spinning machine

An apparatus for the automatic transfer of cans in a spinning plant comprising a plurality of spinning machines each having a plurality of spinning units on opposite sides of the machine, and two cans disposed one behind another at each spinning unit, said apparatus comprising:

• at least one truck provided with three parallel-movable arms disposed one beside another in a direction of displacement of said truck;
• means defining a floor conveyor path for said truck having a supply station stocked with a plurality of full cans, a discharge station for receiving empty cans and a first control means responsive to can emptying at any of said units for directing said truck along said path from said supply station to the respective spinning machine and positioning the truck opposite said spinning unit requiring can replacement;
• means on second control means on said truck for positioning a first of said arms at said one of said units for removing a front can at said one of said units, thereafter positioning a second arm of said truck opposite said one of said units for gripping a rear can and removing same, for positioning said first arm opposite said one of said units to replace the front can in the position of the rear can, and for positioning the third of said arms with a full can from said supply station in front of the can replaced at said one of said units by said first arm;
• and
• means to each of said arms for gripping and retaining a respective can for transfer from and to each unit and for transfer of cans to and from said station.