Device and process for automatically joining threads

Apparatus for automatically joining threads, comprising

• a frame having a rail member,
• a plurality of thread clamps linearly arranged on said rail member to receive a respective plurality of threads,
• a like plurality of thread guide tubes fixed to said rail member, each sad guide tube having a thread entry and a thread exit, said entries being linearly arranged adjacent respective said thread clamps, said exits being linearly arranged below said entries,
• a vacuum duct arranged for movement toward and away from said thread exits for drawing said threads through said guide tubes and maintaining a bias tension thereon,
• a carriage which is movable stepwise on said frame on a linear path parallel to sad rail member,
• a thread joining system on said carriage,
• means borne by said carriage for releasing an individual clamp, and
• a threading arm pivotably mounted on said carriage and having suction means which is pivotable between said rail and said thread joining system, whereby,
• upon moving said carriage to a preselected position, a thread may be drawn from a preselected guide tube by said suction means, and upon releasing the adjacent thread clamp, sad thread may be moved to the thread joining system by pivoting said threading arm.