Bobbin changing apparatus

Apparatus for changing bobbins each of which has a core and a web which is convoluted on the core, whose leader is part of the outermost convolution and whose trailing end is adjacent the core, comprising a source of supply of fresh bobbins;

• a receptacle;
• means for delivering individual bobbins from said source to said receptacle;
• an unwinding device defining an unwinding station and having means for withdrawing the web from the bobbin at said station, said withdrawing means including two mutually inclined unwinding members and said unwinding device further comprising means for supporting the bobbin at said station including means for contacting the outermost convolution of the web at said station at two spaced-apart locations such that the tangents to said locations of the outermost convolution at said station form a pocket facing substantially counter to said direction;
• and means for splicing the leader of the web in said receptacle to the trailing end of the web at said station so that the trailing end pulls the web and its bobbin in said receptacle in a predetermined direction toward and into said station.

Apparatus for changing bobbins each of which has a core and a web which is convoluted on the core, whose leader is part of the outermost convolution and whose trailing end is adjacent the core, comprising a source of supply of fresh bobbins;

• a receptacle;
• means for delivering individual bobbins from said source to said receptacle;
• an unwinding device defining an unwinding station and having means for withdrawing the web from the bobbin at said station, means for supporting the bobbin at said station including means for contacting the outermost convolution of the web at said station at two spaced-apart locations such that the tangents to said locations of the outermost convolution at said station form a pocket facing substantially counter to said direction, and means for driving said supporting means so as to unwind the web from the core at said station;
• and means for splicing the lead of the web in said receptacle to the trailing end of the web at such station upon expiration of the bobbin at said station so that the trailing end pulls the web and its bobbin in said receptacle in a predetermined direction toward and into said station.

Apparatus for changing bobbins each of which has a hollow core and a web which is convoluted on the core, whose leader is part of the outermost convolution and whose trailing end is adjacent the core, comprising a source of supply of fresh bobbins;

• a receptacle;
• means for delivering individual bobbins from said source to said receptacle;
• an unwinding device defining an unwinding station and having means for withdrawing the web from the bobbin at said station;
• means for splicing the leader of the web in said receptacle to the trailing end of the web at such station upon expiration of the bobbin at said station so that the trailing end pulls the web and its bobbin in said receptacle in a predetermined direction toward and into said station;
• and means for holding the core at said station prior to expiration of the respective bobbin, said holding means comprising a mandrel and means for introducing the mandrel into the core at said station.