US2487837A - Method of and apparatus for twisting yarn - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 15, 1949 c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 44 l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Nov. l5, 1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. 1, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 Henry C. Uhl/lg BY @fw/w. 4mm ATTORNEY Nov. 15, 1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 3 DJIDIDJ FEE/f3- fsa y 4 490 42 5a fs 62 INVENTOR Hen (y C.' U//fg BY @l0/1MM ATTORNEY Nov. 15, 1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. 1, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 5'rv Nav. 15, 1949 v HxC. UHLIG. 2,487,837i

METHOD AND APPARATUS Foa 'rwIs'rING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 10 Sheets-SheetI 6 W ,al 0% ATTO R N EY Nov. 15, 1949 H. QUHUG y 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Aug. l, 1947 /52 NVENTOR y Hcnr)C.U/1S

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ATTORNEY .GJ W 7 8 /H 3 U t R.. /UY 8 e 7, e mcd@ .D 8 S NVJXR .4 Er. O s vh T 2 n m. e I m H A s m m H. C. UHLIG METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Nov 15, 1949 Flled Aug l 1947 10 Sheets-.Sheet 9 Z 7"/ 20NvEN-rola Henry C. Uhl/:g W #l ULM ATTORNEY" H. C. UHLIG METHOD AND APPARATUS ,FOR TWISTING YARN Nov. 15, 1949 Filed Aug 1, 1947 Nov. 15, 1949 H. c. UHLIG 2,487,837

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TWISTING YARN Filed Aug. l, 1947 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 my, v XXIL lNvENToR Hcn r y C. (fh/1:9

w. IMJ@ ATTORNEY Piuma Nov. 1s, ma

AuNl'rEo"s'm'rls PATENT OFFICE METHOD F AND APPARATUS FOB TWISTING YARN nem-y c. Uhlig, ourson, n. J.,

Machinery Company, Inc.. Pascal assignor to Howe c, N. J., a c or/ poration of New Jersey Application August 1, 1947, Serial No. 765.577

19 Claims. (CI. 51-58) 2 l l This invention relates to a method of and an nection with the twisting of rayon arn to form apparatus for twisting yarn. More particularly the invention relates to the twisting oi' yarn into threads and the cabling of such threads into a cabled or stranded cord.

lThe invention has among its objects, the provision of an improved method for twisting yarn which makes possible, in one operation involving but one unreeling step and one reeling-up step, the twistingof a plurality of the yarns to threads and the cabling of such threads to cords.

Another object of the invention lies 'in the provision of a relatively flexible in its operation, for carrying out such method.

'A further object of the invention resides in the provision, in such apparatus, of an improved reeling device for cabling the threads, such device including means for imposing a predetermined tension on the threads being cabled.

Yet another object of the inventionl resides in the provision in such apparatus, of an improved thread feeding means for receiving the separate twisted threads and forwarding them to the cabling reel.

A still further object of the invention lies in the] provision, 'in the reeling device, of an improved loading or cable laying nger and of av novel traverse mechanism therefor.

These and further objects of the invention will be more readily apparent in the following description of preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the invention.

simple apparatus, which is There is a wide-spread need in industry for the cabling o1' threads. Among the most common uses for such cabled threads may be cited their employment as reinforcing cords in automobile tires and in V belts. It is most usual at present to employ for such cause the various synthetics, such as rayon ,and Nylon, because of their strength, and their 'heat and ilexure resistance. Both of such materials are formed as fine iibers extruded from spinnerets, a plurality of such bers being wound in the form of a flat ribbon or yarn to form a "cake," It is with the forming of cords from such yarns with which the present invention is primarily concerned, although it is `,to-be understood that `v [-ratusoi the invention may be used to advantage the method and the appain forming. cords from other ne fiber threads and lalso from line wire. The words "yarn," "th'read, and cord as used in the present speciiication and claims are therefore to be broadly construed to include such materials, although the invention will be particularly described in concords.

In practicing prior art methods for performing such yarn twisting operation, it has been necessary, first, to form a plurality of separate threads by twisting the yarns usually all in one direction, the resulting threads being reeled upon a separate bobbin for each thread. Such threads were then, in a separate, subsequent, operation, fed from such bobbins and twisted together, usually in a direction opposite to the direction of twist of the individual threads. There were thus necessary two separate and distinct operations, each of which involved feeding from bobbins, twisting (more properly cabling in the second operation), and reeling the resultant twisted product on a bobbin. Such prior method was unduly time consuming, and in effect required a duplication of at least some of the elements of the apparatus, in carrying out the two twisting steps of the method.

The method and apparatus of the present invention make possible the production of cabled or stranded cord irom yarn in one continuous operation. Generally, the method involves feeding two or more yarns from separate supply bobbins, the bobbins being mounted on twisting spindles preferably of such character as to im- Y part a double twist to the yarn and thus to form a thread. Each such thread so formed is then fed continuously to a cabling reel, being combined in their travel thereto, so that the cord laid upon the bobbin in the cabling reel unit is composed of two or more twisted The invention will be more readily understood by a consideration of the drawings appended hereto in which:

Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of the yarn twisting machine of the invention;

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation of such machine, the view being taken from a plane parallel to that containing the axes of the yarn supplying bobbins;

Figure 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic view in vertical transverse section through the apparatus, the spindles, at the left in Figure 3, being shown as they appear from the line III-III in Figure 2, and the supporting structure therefor, at the right in Figure 3 being shown as it appears from a vertical transverse plane through line III-III and thus through the right-hand end of the frame shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view in plan shown in Figures 2 and 3;

Figure 5 is a View in ve of the apparatus tical section through threads cabled together.

the axis of the double twisting device serving as "a support for a yarn supplying bobbin;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view in vertical section showing details of construction of the device shown in Figure Figure 7 is a view in side elevation oi a stationary yarn tensioning device employed in the apparatus shown in Figure 5;

Figure 8 isa view similar to that of Figure 7 with the tensioning device turned 90 about its longitudinal axis;

Figure 9 is a view 1n section through the longitudinal axis of the yarn tensioning device, in operative condition, the section being taken along the line IX-IX in Figure '7;

Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 9 with the yarn engaging' and tensioning blocks Open;

Figure 11 is a view in perspective of a yarn engaging block employed in the yarn tensioning device;

Figure 12 is a view in vertical section through the axis of the cabling reel unit;

Figure 13 is a view in cross-section through such cabling reel unit, the section being taken along the line XIII- XIII in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged view in vertical crosssection through the base of the cabling reel unit, the section being taken along the line XIV-XIV in Figure 13 Figure 15 is a view in front elevation of the traverse mechanism for the loading nger ernployed with the cabling reel unit;

Figure 16 is a v'iew in side elevation of such traverse mechanism;

Figure 17 is a view in rear elevation traverse mechanism;

Figure 18 is a view in plan of the traverse mechanism; n

Figure 19 is a horizontal section through the `traverse mechanism', the section being taken along the line XIX-XIX in Figure 15;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary view in side elevation of the loading ringer supporting unit;

Figure 21 is a view in plan of the unit shown in Figure 20; and

Figure 22 is a view in vertical section through Such unit, the section being taken along the line XXI-XXII in Figure 20.

The preferred embodiment of the yarn twisting apparatus of the invention, which is shown more generally in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, includes a framework generally designated 2, of which the corner vertical supports are designated l, the lower front cross member 6, the lower rear cross member 8, the intermediate rear cross member I4, the top front cross member lll, and the top rear cross member I2. In Figures 2 to 4, inclusive, such framework is generally omitted, only the additional lower cross member 46 forming the supporting means for the yarn twisting units and the cabling reel unit being shown. Member IG is attached to intermediate end frame members, one is shown at I6 in Figure 1. In the apparatus illustrated, there are employed two 'bobbin supporting and yarn twisting devices, the left hand such unit being designated 2li, and the right hand such unit being designated 22. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of two such units, each supplying a to the cabling reel unit, but that of the lthere may be employed any desired number, from two upwards, of yarn twisting upon the number of twisted the'cord. Itis devices, depending threads desired in also to be understoodthat whereas twisted together.

The cabling reel unit shown at 24 is preferably, although not necessarily, located between twisting devices 2U and 22. In the embodiment shown, the axes of spindles 20, 22, and 24 lie in a common plane. The axes of spindles 2U and 22 are spaced equal distances from that of spindle 24, as shown in Fig. 2. Capstan 33 is located with its axis substantially at a, right angle to the axis of spindle 24, the axis of spindle 24 substantially intersecting the capstan, as is evident from Figs. 1-4, inclusive. As a result, threads 28 and 32 travel substantially equal distances from their 20, is fed therefrom in the form of a twisted thread 28, and the similar yarn shown at 30 in twisting device 22 is fed therefrom as twisted thread 32. Preferably the yarn is in the form' of flat yarn, that is, one in the form twisted relationship, from the stepped capstan 33 continuing their travel in such relationship through the compensator and shock absorber 40 generally designated 35, from which they emerge,

4'5 tion of its travel shown as shown at 34. In that portion of its travel downwardly from the compensator until it enters the cabling reel unit 24, the two threads are given one twist about each other, and in that porat 36 in which it rises it receives another twist, or loaded onto the bobbin, as shown at 3l.

The yarn twisting devices 2U and 22, the cabling reel unit 24, and the stepped capstan 33, are all driven by means of the vertically mounted electric motor 38 secured to the frame as shown, the motor carrying pulley 40 over which and the idler pulley M is trained the ilat belt 42. The idler pulley is supported on member 4S by means of the intermediate support 48, devices 20, 22, and `24 likewise deriving their support from member Such frame cross member has a front portion 59 at right angles to the spindles terminating at member 58, and a horizontal rear part El attached to the rear of the frame. Device 2U is supported on a sleeve, shown at 5i), connected alsmaar formait z2 being positioned in front of such rua or 'the belt u shown 1n Figure 2. and poney n for unit 24 being positioned in back or such` run of the belt. Thus pulleys 66 and 61 and the parts of units 26 and 22 connected thereto, respectively, rotate in one direction', and pulley 60 oi' unit 24 and the parts connected to such pulley rotate in the opposite. direction.

The structure of the yarn supplying and yarn twisting units 26 and 22 will be more vreadily understood by reference to Figures 5 and 6, which show in detail the structure o! unit 22. The supporting sleeve 62 is attached, as shown, to the intermediate support 64. Such sleeve carries journaled within it an upright spindle of which the bottom portion is designated 66, and the upper axially bored portion integral therewith is designated 14. A ball bearing is provided between the spindle and sleeve at the bottom ends of both, and a ball bearing 12 is provided between the spindle intermediate its ends and the upper end of the sleeve. The spindle thus rotates freely in its supporting sleeve.

The axial passage through the upper portion of the spindle is shown at 16. Such passage communicates at its lower end with a segmental slot 16, the innerv wall of which is curved as shown. The upper end of spindle part 14 is provided with a yarn engaging twisting guide 60 fastened thereto to rotate with the spindle. Guide 60 may be any one of a number of conventional devices for such purpose. In its preferred form, such guide takes the form of two twisting blocks having generally flat confronting faces spaced slightly apart, between which the yarn travels. Such blocks may have a configuration similar to that of block |26 (Figure ll) except that their rear faces need not be rounded. The spindle 66 is rotated by means of the pulley 66 keyed thereto, the spindle also carrying the thread twisting delivery disc 62 having the radially directed cable tube 64 located therein, the inner end of which, as shown more clearly in Figure 6, communicates with the segmental slot 16. Rotation of the pulley 66, as is clearly apparent from Figures 5 and 6, rotates the disc 62 and twisting guide 60.

Supported on the spindle in iloating relationship therewith is the bobbln supporting structure, indicated generally at 66. Such structure includes the upstanding sleeve 66 surrounding spindle part 14, the sleeve being supported on the spindle through the medium of the upper ball bearing 90 and the lower ball bearing 62. Structure 66 also includes the radially directed disc portion 94 having the depending ilange 66 thereon. Such structure 66 is provided at one zone with a weight, shown at 61 in the form of a cast lead mass, so that the floating bobbln supporting structure is unbalanced. When the structure shown in Figure 5 is mounted as shown in Figure 1, with its axis at a substantial angle to the vertical, structure 66 tends to remain with the weight 61 positioned downwardly.

The bobbln shown at 96 is fixedly positioned on supporting structure 66, the stationary tension device |00 being positioned within the bobbln and coaxially thereof by means of the supporting member shown at |02. Device 22 is covered by the outer can |04 attached to the outer face of flange 66 and by the conical cover |06 fitting on top of thecan. When the device shown in Figure 6 is operated by driving pulley 66, untwisted flat yarn, shown at |06, is fed from the bobbln into the upper end of the tension device |00. The yarn engaging Jaws of such device, subsequently to be more fully described, are as stated, stationary, with -respect to the bobbln, and thus the yarn is given a first twist in the portion ||0 between tensiondevice |00 and rotary twisting guide 60. The single twisted thread, designated I2, is fed downwardly through passage. in the spindle into cable tube I4, from the outer end of which it is fed upwardly to the stationary eye ||4, which is attached to a part of the machine frame. In that portion of its travel shown at ||6, from the outer edge of disc 62 to the eye ||4, the thread receives a further twist; thus the devices 26 and 22 shown are called double twisting spindles. 'I'he iioating mounting of the bobbln support cushions the yarn against accelerations such as occur when the machine is started. When the machine has come up to speed and the parts have l reached equilibrium, support 66, as stated, tends to float in one position and merely to rock thereabout rather than to rotate about the spindle.

By reason of the rotation of disc 62 in each of spindles 20- and 22, each of the threads 26 and 62 fed from such spindles, respectively, upwardly through eye ||4 forms a balloon which travels in free flight through `the air, as indicated in Fig. 2.

Eyes ||4 are located coaxially of the spindles and above them, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, each eye I |4 being located the same distance from the top end of its respective spindle. Thus when the yarns forming threads 26 and 62 are substantially identical, because of the substantial identity of the spindles 20 and 22 and of the speeds at which they are rotated, the balloons formed in threads 26 and 32in the portion I6 of the run pf each will be substantially identical in width and the tensions in such threads 26 and 62 will be substantially the same when the tension device |00 of each of spindles 20 and 22 is adjusted to the same point.

The stationary tension device |00, positioned within the bobbln 66, is more clearly shown in Figures 7-10, inclusive.

In Figures '1 and 8 the device is shown in side elevation in positions turned about its longitudinal axis. In Figure 9 it is shown in longitudinal section with the tension blocks together in operative relationship, and in Figure 10 it is shown with the springs which tend to thrust the tension blocks together relieved from contact with the blocks so that tension is removed from the yarn passing between such blocks.

The tension device comprises an elongated main body having a cylindrical upper end I8 and a lower end |20 generally square in crosssection. The upper end 6 has an axial bore |22 therethrough, and the lower en'd has an axial bore |24 through it, so that yarn may be passed longitudinally through the body. The lower end |20 is provided with a transverse passageway |26 within which the tension blocks |26 are slidably received. To facilitate removal of the tension blocks, body |20 is provided with a further transverse slot |29 at right angles to passageway |26, so that the blocks may be removed from the device through slot |26. The outer ends of slot |29 are partially covered, as shown in Figure 8, by the removable cover plates |21.

The tension blocks are generally in the shape of rectangular parallelopipeds, the outer ends |30 of which have a generally cylindrical configuration as shown. The inner yarn engaging face 32 of each block is fiat, each block having on they upper edge thereof, which first meets the yarn in itsV travel thereby, a recess |34 ln the shape of one-half a cone, the apex of which is positioned downwardly. When the two blocks |26 are pressed together the recesses |84 cooperate to lead the yarn therebetween in a path centrally thereof.

The two blocks |28 are pressed together with a predetermined force, thus allowing a predetermined tension to be placed upon the yarn, by the leaf springs |36, one spring being positioned in each of the oppositely disposed longitudinal slots |38 in the outer face of body I 20. Each such spring has its lower end bent outwardly back upon itself, the spring being maintained in the slot by engagement of the hooked end |38 of such outer end of the spring partially around the crosspin |40 in slot |38. The forward end of the spring |42 is bent inwardly and then outwardly as shown. The configuration of the spring is such that, when the forward ends |42 are not pried apart, the springs lie at upon the bottom of the slot |88 and press blocks |28 together, when no yarn is passing between them, so that their faces |32 are in contact.

The tension device is provided with a means whereby the amount of force imposed upon the blocks by the springs, and thus the tension upon the yarn passing through the device, may be varied. In the preferred embodiment, such means takes the form of the sleeve |44 tting about body ||8, the sleeve having on its forward or lower end a shoulder |46 in the form of a cone converging toward the body |20. The sleeve may be adjusted longitudinally of body ||8 by means of the nut |48 threaded upon the upper end of such body H8. By rotating the nut |48 in such direction as to thrust sleeve |44 to the left, in Figure 9, the ends |42 of the springs may be biased outwardly by the shoulder |46 in predetermined amounts, thus varying the force which the springs |56 exert inwardly upon blocks |28. The configurations of shoulder |46 and ends |42 of the leaf springs, and the total length of travel of sleeve |44 to the left, are so selected that the sleeve may be thrust to its stable end position at theleft, as shown in Figure 10, to allow the blocks |28 freely to be thrust apart by yarn passing through and Ythus to relieve the yarn of any retarding tension. y

The structure of the cabling reel unit 24 will be more readily apparent from a consideration of Figures 12, 13, and 14. As shown in Figure 12, supporting sleeve 56 is fixedly attached to support 58 and carries, rotatably mounted Within it, the spindle 52, the lower ball bearing |54 and the upper ball bearing |56 providing such support of the spindle in the sleeve. In its upper port-ion spindle |52 is provided with an axial bore |58 for the reception of a cord guide, as will more clearly appear hereinafter.

Floatinglymounted on the upper end of the spindle is a structure for supporting bobbin |62. Such structure includes the base member |60 supported on the spindle through the medium of the upper and lower ball bearings |64 and |65, respectively, and the mandrel |88 forming an extension of structure |60, the two parts |50 and |68 having upwardly converging conical surfaces, as shown, for supporting and driving connection with the inside of the bobbin |62.

The cabling reel unit of the` invention includes means whereby the cabled yarn or cord is reeled with a predetermined amount of tension. Although such tension determining means may take the form of a friction slip-clutch, in the preferred embodiment of the device there `is employed a magnetic slip-clutch. Such device is made up of the outer cage member |10, shown attached.

to andv depending from the bottom of structure |60, and the inner rotor member |12 keyed to the spindle |52. The structure of such magnetic slip-clutch, whichwill be more fully explained in connection with Figures 13 and 14, is such that rotation of member v|12 within member |10, the latter of which includes a strong permanent magnet, induces current in the nrst member and thus yieldingly connects the two members for rotation together. Thus structure |60 and the bobbin mounted thereon is yieldingly driven from the spindle |52. f

On the spindle |52 there is also mounted a disc |14 which is ixedly connected to the pulley 50. The disc |14 forms the base to which the cylindrical partial cover in the form of a can |16 is attached. Such can provides support for the U- shaped tubular cord guide |18, the outer leg |80 of which is secured in upright position to the inside of the can, the bottom portion |82 of which is positioned radially on top of disc |14, and the other or inner leg |84 of which is positioned within the bore |58 in the upper end of the spindle |52.

Also mounted on the spindle |52 is the disc |86, which is oatingly connected thereto through the medium of the ball bearings |81. Disc |86 serves as the support for the plurality of spaced upright standards |88, the tops 0f which are connected by the ring |90. Disc |85 is provided in one zone thereof with a heavy weight, such as the poured lead weight |89, so that the disc is unbalanced and that thus when the spindle is positioned at a substantial angle to the vertical, as indicated in Figure 1, the disc |86 and the structure attached thereto tend floatingly to remain in one angular position with weight |89 downwardly. Disc |86 also serves as support for the walker unit |92 and the frame therefor, more clearly shown in Figures 15 to 19, inclusive, by which the cord loading finger is supported and traversed up and down the length of the bobbin |62. In general such device includes the vertical rotatably mounted worm |94 driven from spindle |52 by means of the pulley |96 thereon, the i'lat belt |98 trained about such pulley and about pulley 200 on the bottom end of the worm. As shown in Figure 13, there is provided a spring tensoned idler pulley 202 about which such belt runs, the idler pulley being mounted on the end of the arm 204 pivotally mounted on disc |86, the arm being impelled outwardly by means of the coil spring 206.

The magnetic slip-clutch includes in its cage |10 the permanent magnet 208 the top surface of which is spaced from the bottom surface of part |60 as shown in Figures 12 and 14. Magnet 208 has a plurality of equally spaced pole pieces 2 I0 formed on its inner, generally cylindrical surface. Such magnet is preferably made from the materials having high permeability, such as the alloy composed of 24-30% Ni, 9-13% Al, balance Fe, and the alloy composed of 24-30% Ni, 913% Al, 5-10% Co, balance Fe. The inner rotor |12 has its main body portion 2|| made of soft annealed steel, there being provided on its periphery a sheath of non-magnetic meta1v2|2 of high electrical conductivity, such as copper to provide a low resistance path for the eddy currents. It will bev apparent that relative rotation between parts |10 and |12 induces electric currents in part |12, as in the rotor of a squirrel cage motor, and that the cage and rotor are thereupon coupled magnetically.- The amount of torque at a given relative speed between the parts |10 and f 9 |12 depends upon the air-gap between them. Consequently variation oi' the air-gap by suitable dimensioning of the parts allows the selection of a predetermined amount of tension on the cord wound on the bobbin |62 driven by casing |16 of the clutch.

Because normal operation of the device involves considerable slip between the rotor and cage and thus appreciable eddy currents. there is substantial heating of the rotor. Heat is dissipated therefrom by providing a series of vertical holes 2I4 through the body 2|| of the rotor |12, a series of holes 2|6 in disc |66. and an air impeller in the fonn of a fan 2|6 keyed to the spindle beneath member |14. When the spindle is rotated cooling air is thus caused to flow. as shown by the arrows in Figure 12, upwardly through the rotor 2| I, thence laterally into'the space between the top oi' magnet 268 land the bottom of part |66, and ilnally outwardly through the angularly spaced radial openings |16 through the outer part of rotor |16 below the bottom surface of part |66. Y

The stepped capstan 68 at which the two twisted threads 28. and 82 are combined in untwisted side-by-side relationship also constitutes the means by which the number of turns per inch (pitch) in the cabling operation is governed.. The capstan, which is shown with the three steps 2|8, 226, and 222 which are smoothly dished in axial cross-section, is driven at a speed bearing a definite relationship to the speed of rotation of the spindle |62, and thus at least approximately to the speed oi.' rotation of the bobbin |62. The capstan, of course, receiving as it does threads 28 and 62 from units 26 and 22, respectively, also determines the rate of paying out of the single twisted threads from such units by at least substantially positively pulling the threads from the outer ends oi' the balloons in the threads created and maintained by their respective spindles 26 and 22. Variation in the number of turns per inch of the twist (pitch) in the single twisted threads may be accomplished by changing the diameter of drive pulleys 66 and 61 relative to that of pulley 66 driving the cabling reel unit. The surfaces of the steps 2|8, 226, and 222 of capstan 66 are each, in the embodiment shown, of partial toroidal shape. Such surfaces function, in the feeding of the combined but untwisted threads, in a manner more fully set out hereinafter.

The capstan 86 is aillxed to the forward end of the cross shaft 224 .iournaled in pillow blocks on the top of the machine frame. Such shaft is driven through the medium of chain 228 which runs over sprocket 226 on the rear end thereof, and' sprocket 242 on drive shaft 268, shown at the bottom in Figure 2. tioned idler sprocket 266 is provided to maintain the chain 228 taut. Shaft 238 is driven from spindle 4|62 by means of the worm 262 aillxed to the bottom of the spindle, such worm meshing with worm gear 234 keyed on the forward end of shaft 266, the shaft being journaled in pillow blocks, as shown, on the machine frame. Because spindle |62 is positioned at an angle to the vertical. a universal joint 246, shown for simplicity in straight condition in Figure 3, but actually driving through a marked angle in the device shown in Figure 1, is employed. As above explained in connection with the manner of supporting ngember 46, the front part 68 of the frame cross member, which is disposed at right angles to spindle |62, is, in the actual machine,

An adjustably posi- |62 and shaft 224-, and thus changes in the number of turns per inch (the pitch) in the cablin operation. are eilected by the use of suitable yratios of sprockets 226 and 242. Minor changes in the pitch of the cabled cord, that is. number of turns per unit length, are made by shifting the threads 26 and 62 to the appropriate step of the capstan, such steps filling smoothly the gaps in the speed ratio obtainable by sprocket changes.

Each ofisteps 2|8, 266, and 222 of capstan 66. besides acting as a gathering point for the threads delivered from the twistingspindles 26 and 22, also functions as an automatic tension compensator and equalizer. 'I'he threads continually try to travel to the end of the step over which they are trained. because the speed of the end and thus its frictional drag on thev threads is greater than that of the center of the step. Slippage between threads and capstan step, however, limits travel of the 4threads toward the end of the step. The continual movement or walking" of the threads axially of the capstan step tends to even out variations in tension in the compensator and shock absorber 66, function to 'feed the threads to be cabled to the cablingspindie under uniform tension.

The combined threads 28 and 62 untwisted on each other,4 fed from the capstan 66, travel to the compensator and shock-absorber 66 shown in Figure 2. Such device, which has an elongated horizontally disposed main frame 244, is supported from member |6 of the machine frame by the depending support 246. The compensator includes a thread guide pulley 246, the supporting block 26| of which is mounted for longitudinal travel on the longitudinal rod 266 lsupported by the body 244, parallel thereto but spaced therefrom, pulley 248 being thrust to the right in F18- ure 2 by means of the compression spring 262. Block- 26| is bored to receive rod 266 therethrough, a key connection (not shown) bein! provided between block and rod to prevent turning the block on the rod. The compensator is further provided with a fixed idler pulley 264 and a dead eye 266 as shown in Figure 2, so that the combined threads fed downwardly from the capstan are rst led over pulley 246, thence to the left around pulley 264, and from there through the dead eye 266 from which it emerges at 84 to travel downwardly and into the leg |86 of guide tube |16 of the cabling reel unit. Eye 266, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, is located substantially coaxial with spindle 24, and between the upper end of such spindle and capstan 6I. Thus the balloon which forms in the cord 64 between eye 266 and cord guide |66 is symmetrifirst longitudinally extending frame member 262,V

and a second such member 264 parallel` thereto. One of the standards |88 is, as shown, also utilized in forming 4such frame. Buch frame is at tached between the disc |86 and the top |90 so Yas to be fixed thereon.

The two vlongitudinal members 262 and 264 are providedwith inwardly facing rack gears 266 and 268, respectively, the bottoms of such rack gears being connected by a short horizontal rack 210. The walker unit |92 is made up of the front plate 212 and the rear plate 214, such plates being connected by suitable cross members` o! which one is shown at 216 in the form of"-9l bottom plate for such unit. The unit |92 is mounted and guided on the framework so as to travel from top to bottom thereof, such travel being effected as follows: the worm |94 is, as we have seen, driven by spindle |52 through the medium of belt |98, and pulleys |96 and 200. The walker unit |92 has mounted therein a transverse shaft 280 on one end of which there is affixed the worm gear 218 meshing with worm |94. Also keyed to shaft 290 is a pinion 282. Journaled on the walker unit frame coaxially of shaft 280 is a cage 284 which is provided with a crossshaft 286 carrying a pinion 288 constantly in mesh with pinion 282. Pinion 288 has a diameter somewhat less than the distance between rack gears 266 and 268. Thus, rocking of the cage 284 in a clockwise direction (Figure causes pinion 288 to mesh with rack gear 268 and rocking of such cage in a counter-clockwise direction frees pinion 288 from contact with rack kSuch loading finger support consists of the main f on the rear end of body 302. A shaft 306 is re- 268 and causes it to mesh with rack 266. The

cage is provided with an arm at 290 and with a cam follower 292 on the end thereof, such cam follower cooperating with the upstanding cam track 294'afllxed to frame member 262. The cam' track is provided at its bottom with an opening 296 through which the cam follower 292 may pass. The cam track terminates at its upper end at 298. In order to -position cage 284 stably, a coil spring 29| is positioned between the arm and the frame of the walker unit to urge the cage in a clockwise direction,-as shown in Figure 15.

From the above description the manner of operation of the walker unit will be apparent. Rotation of worm |94 in one direction drives worm wheel 219 and thus pinions 282 and 288, causing such latter pinion to climb up or down the rack with which it is in mesh carrying with it the unit |92. Assume for example, that the worm is driven in such direction that the walker unit is progressing downwardly (Figure 15). When pinion 288 reaches the bottom of rack 268 it then meshes with transverse rack 210, which causes cage 284 to be rocked counter-clockwise, against the action of spring 29|, since at this point the cam follower 292 lies opposite opening 296 in the cam track.l The follower thentravels upwardly to the right of the track, thus preventing the spring 29| from returning the cage to its former position. Pinion 288 then meshes with rack 266, and, still rotating in the same direction, causes the walker unit to climb in the frame. The unit continues travel in such direction until the cam follower 292 clears the upper end 298 of the camY track. Spring 29| then turns the cage clockwise to cause it to assume the position shown in Figure 15, so that the unit then again travels downwardly.

The walker unit above described forms the support by which the loading finger is traversed up and down the length of the bobbin |62. Support for such linger on the walker unit is afforded by the mounting plate 300, to which the loading flnger and the support therefor more clearly shown in Figures 20, 21, and 22, are attached.

ceived in openings through the two pairs of aforementioned ears, being pinned as shown to ears 308. A toothed or ratchet wheel 3|0 is positioned on shaft 306 between ears 3| 2 and is pinnedto such shaft. There is provided a pawl in the form of leaf spring 3|4, the forward end of which is secured to the body and the rear end of which normally impinges on the ratchetwheel. It will be seen, particularly by considering Figure 21, that when the pawl 3|4 is in operative relationship, body 302 may be swung quite freely in a clockwise direction but it is prevented Afrom moving counter-clockwise by the pawl. Thus the loading finger mounted on body 302 is prevented from becoming jammed against the bobbin |62 or the cord 31 wound thereon. The finger is initially positioned by being placed in contact with the bobbin or the cord wound thereon, at its greatest diameter, after which the finger is automatically thrust outwardly at each repeated contact, between it and the portion of the wound cord of greatest diameter. The pawl may be released to swing the body 302 counter-clockwise, when required,.by means of the plunger 3 6 which when pressed upwardly (Figure 21) removes the rear end of the pawl from contact with the ratchet wheel 3|0.

The loading finger, shown generally at 3|8, is adiustably mounted on the forward end of the body 302 so that it may be varied in its effective length. The forward end of the finger is provided with a guide shoe 320 which lies close to or engages, as the case may be, the outer layer of cord on,.the bobbin, thus insuring correct placement of the cord being laid. Body 302 is also provided with an idler pulley 322 under which cord 38 travels prior to its entry in the guide opening in the shoe 320.

The cabling reel unit 24 is also provided with an upwardly and inwardly inclined guide arm 324 positioned on top of ring |90, such arm carrying the upper idler guide pulley 326 and the lower idler guide pulley A328. The two threads 28 and 32, combined, as explained, in untwisted parallel relationship at the capstan 33 travel in that condition through the compensator 35. Immediately on emerging from eye 256 the two threads are cabled. The first twist of such cabling is given them in that portion of their travel in which the cord forms a loop or balloon which travels in free flight through the air, that is from the eye 256 to leg of the cord guide tube, by reason of the rotation of the disc |14 and thus the cord guide carried thereby. Such first twisted cord is then given a second twist, in the same direction, in that portion of its travel, shown at 36, from the inner end of leg |82 of the cord guide to upper guide pulley 326. The double twisted cord-then travels downwardly around the guide wheel 328, under guide wheel 322 on the walker unit, and thence to the shoe 320 of the loading finger 3|8 where it is laid on the bobbin |62 to form the wound package 31.

Because the twisting operations involved in progressing from yarn to cord all take place continuously and without stoppage of the material, the cord resulting therefrom is characterized by its uniformity. This follows from the fact that the twisting of all threads and that of the threads together to form a cord, are all correlated, thus insuring the production of a cord of accurately predetermined uniform construction. The process, and the use of the apparatus of the invention, are also distinguished by theirspeed, their economy. and their lack of necessity for the continuous attention of an operator. Whereas I have described and illustrated preferred embodiments of the method, the apparatus, and the component units of the apparatus, of the invention, it will be understood that the invention in its broader 'aspects is capable of considerable variation as to details. The invention is therefore, not limited to the embodiments thereof shown and described, but is defined by the scope of the following claims.

I claim as new the following:

1, The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising the following steps in the order named: feeding each of a plurality of yarns in the direction of its length from its separate source of supply, during such feeding separately twisting the yarns to form threads, gathering such threads into generally parallel relationship, forwarding such threads in such relationship, forming a loop under yielding tension in such forwarded threads, feeding the threads together from the loop, and twisting the thus fed gathered threads together to form a cord, the first twisting, the gathering, the looping, and the second twisting steps being performed with the material continuously in motion.

2. The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation,

comprising the following step/ in the order named: feeding each of a plur ity of yarns in the direction of `its length from its separate source of supply, during such feeding separately 4 twisting the yarns all in the same hand to form threads, gathering such .threads into generally parallel relationship, forwarding such threads in such relationship, forming a loop under yielding tension in such forwarded threads, feeding the 45 being performed with the material continuouslyo in motion. the speed of gathering and forwarding of the threads to the loop governing the speed of witidi'au-'al of the yarns from their sources.

3. The method vof forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, 55

comprising the following steps in the ordernamed: withdrawing each of a plurality of yarns from its separate source in the direction of its length, separately twisting each such yarn the same predetermined amount in the same hand to form a threads, gathering such threads in approximately parallel relationship while continuing the travel of the material, forwarding thegathered threads into a loop thereof yieldingly maintained under tension, feeding the threads together from 65 such loop, and twisting the thus fed gathered threads together in the hand opposite the direction of twist of the individual threads to form a cord, and yieldingly coiling the resulting cord,

14 of the yarns from their sources, all of such steps being perfumed with the material continuously in motion.

4. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from-a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of yarn supplying and' twisting spindles, each spindle including means for feeding yarn from the spindle and a rotary driven means to twist the yarn into a thread while it is fed from the spindle, means for driving the rotary twisting means of each spindle in such direction as to twist the threads in the same hand, means in the form of a driven sheave receiving the threads from the spindles for feeding` them oil their spindles and for gathering and forwarding them. means receiving the gathered threads including a coiler, rotary driven means for twisting threads together, before they pass to the coller, in the hand opposite to the twist of the individual threads to form a cord, means for driving the sheave and the last named rotary twisting means at a predetermined speed relationship, the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarn to the coiler, and looper means interposed between the sheave and the last named twisting means to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

5. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation. comprising a plurality of yarn twisting spindles. each such spindle including a source" of supply of yarn and rotary means for twisting the yarn into a twisted thread of the same hand, means for driving the rotary twisting means of each spindle, means for gathering and forwarding such threads from the spindles, and means for twisting together the threads in the hand opposite to the twist of the individual threads to form a cord, such last named means being a coller ino cludlng a driven rotary cord receiving bobbin, ro-

tary means for twisting the threads together before they are delivered to the bobbin, and means for driving the last named rotary twisting means in synchronism with the rotary twisting means of the spindles, the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarn through the gathering and forwarding means and to the cord twisting means, and looper means interposed between the gathering and forwarding means and the cord twisting means to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

6. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of yarn twisting spindles, each such spindle including a bobbin support, a yarn containing bobbin thereon, and rotary driven means to twist the yarn into a thread while it is fed on the bobbin, means for driving the rotary twisting means of each spindle in such direction as to twist the yarns in the same hand, means in the form of a driven sheave receiving the threads from the twisting spindles for feeding their yarns on their bobbins and for gathering and forwarding the threads, and means receiving the gathered threads for twisting them together in the hand opposite to the twist of the individual threads to form a cord, the last named means being a coiling device which includes a the twisting of the threads together being so conbobbin Support, a bobbin thereon. means to feed ducted as toform a cord of predetermined pitch,l such pitch having a predetermined relation to the pitch of the individual twisted threads, the

' speed of gathering and forwarding of the gaththe gathered threads to the bobbin and to wind them thereon, rotary driven means to twist the threads together as they are fed to the bobbin. and means to drive the sheave and the last named ered threads governing the speed of withdrawal 7l rotary twisting means at speeds in synchronlsm with the speed oi' the rotary yarn twisting means of the spindles, the material traveling continuously lfrom the'sources oi supply of the yarn to the coiling device, and looper means interposed between the sheave and the cord twisting means to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

'l'. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality oi yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of yarn twisting spindles each such spindle including a bobbin support, a yarn containing bobbin thereon, and rotary driven means to twist the yarn into a thread while it is fed of! the bobbin, means for driving the rotary twisting means of each spindle in such direction as to twist the yarns in the same hand, means in the form of a driven sheave receiving the threads from the twisting spindles and thereby feeding their yarns of! their bobbins, and for gathering and forwarding the threads, looper means receiving the gathered threads to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension, and means for receiving the gathered threads from the looper for twisting them together in the hand opposite to the twist of the individual threads to form a cord, the last named means being a coiling device which includes Va driven rotary bobbin support, a cord collecting bobbin thereon, means to feed the gathered threads to the cord collecting bobbin and to wind them thereon, a rotary driving means, a slip drive means interposed between the rotary driving means and the collecting bobbin support, rotary twisting means driven by the rotary driving means to twist the threads together as they are fed from the looper means to the cord collecting bobbin, and means connecting the sheave and the rotary driving means to maintain their speeds in synchronism with the speed of the rotary yarn twisting means of the spindles, the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply oi' the yarn to the cord collecting bobbin.

8. The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation comprising the following steps in the order named: feeding each of a plurality of yarns in the direction of its length from its separate source of supply, imposing a predetermined back tension on each such yarn, during such feeding and after the yarn has left the location of the imposition of the back tension, forming a balloon in each such yarn and separately4 twisting the yarns to form threads, the axis of the balloon in each yarn extending in generally the same direction as that of each of the other yarns, gathering such threadsfinto generally parallel relationship at a point beyond the balloon in each, the location of gathering of the threads being generally the same distance from the outer end of each balloon, forwarding such threads in such generally parallel relationship, forming a loop underr yielding tension in such forwarded threads, feeding the threads together from the loop. and twistaccesar Y 16 each such yarn and separately twisting the yarns to form threads, the axis of the balloon in each yarn extending in generally the same direction as that of each of the other yarns, gathering such threads into generally parallel relationship at a point beyond the balloon in each, the location of gathering of the threads being substantially the/same distance from the outer end of each bal--V loon, forwarding such threads in such generally parallel relationship, forming a loop under yielding tension in such forwarded threads. feeding the threads together from the loop, twisting the thus fed gathered threads together-to form a cord, during the last named twisting step forming a balloon in the cord, withdrawing the twisted cord from the last named balloon, and yieldingly coiling such cord, the ilrst twisting, the gathering, the looping, and the second twisting steps being performed with the material continuously in motion.

10. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation comprising a. plurality of similar yarn twisting spindles, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a ballon, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axes of the spindles being generally parallel, each such spindle twisting a yarn into a twisted thread as the yarn passes therethrough. means for gathering and forwarding such threads in generally parallel relationship, said last named means being located at the delivery ends of the spindles and substantially equally spaced from each spindle, means receiving the threads from the gathering and forwarding means for twisting together the gathered threads to form a cord. the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarn to the last named means, and looper means interposed between the gathering and forwarding means and the last recited twisting means to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

11. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar twisting spindles, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a balloon, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axes of each such balloon generally coinciding with the axis of its spindle, the axes of the twisting spindles being generally parallel, means for gathering and forwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, such last named means being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons from the twisting spindles and -being spaced at substantially equal distances from the axes of the spindles, a cabling spindle for twisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, the cabling spindle including a cord receiving bobbin, means for twisting the threads together before they are delivposed between the gathering and forwarding means and the cabling spindle to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

l2. An apparatus for forming stranded cord 17 from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar twisting spindles each incorporating its source of yarn supply, the spindles being of they type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a balloon, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloon generally coinciding with the axis of its spindle, the axes of the twisting spindles being generally parallel, means forr gathering and forwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, such last named means being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons from the twisting spindles and being spaced at substantially equal distances from the axes of the spindles, a cabling spindle of the type creating, and receiving material from, a balloon for twisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, the cabling spindle including a driven rotary cord receiving bobbin, rotary means for receiving and twisting the threads together before they are delivered to the bobbin, and means for driving the last named rotary `twisting means in synchronism with the twisting spindles, the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarn through the gatheringk and forwarding means and to the lcabling spindle, and looper means interposed between the gatheringy and forwarding means and the cabling spindle tol store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension. i

13. An apparatus for forming strandedkcord from a plurality of yarns in o ne continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar twisting spindles each incorporating its-.source of yarn supply, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a balloon, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a predetermined backA tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloon generally coinciding withlthe axis of its spindle, the axes of the twisting spindles being generally parallel, means for gathering and forwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, the last named means including a driven capstan having a step smoothly dished in axial section, thread from each twisting spindle being led under tension from its balloon substantially directly to and around the capstan step, such capstan being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons from the twisting spindles and being spaced at substantially equal distances from the axes of the spindles, a cabling spindle of the type creating, and receiving material from, a balloon for twisting together the thus forwarded vthreads to forml a cord, the cabling spindle including a driven rotary cordreceiving bobbin, rotary means for receiving and twisting the threads together, before they are delivered tothe bobbin, and means for driving the last named rotary twisting lmeans in synchronism with Ivthe'twisting spindles, the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply oi the yarnlto the capstan and to the cabling spindle, and looper means interposed between the capstanf-and thecabling spindle to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldlnsly under tension.

14. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar doubletwist twisting `spindles each* incorporating its' source of yarn' supply, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a-`balloon,'means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a `predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloon generally coinciding with the axis o1' its spindle, the axesv of thev twisting spindles being generally parallel, means for gathering and forwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, the last named means including a driven capstan having a step smoothly dished in axial section, thread from each twisting spindle being led Iunder tension from its balloon substantially directly to and around the capstan step, such capstan being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons from the twisting spindles and being spaced at substantially equal distances from the axes of the spindles, a double-twist cabling spindle `of the type creating, and receiving material from, a balloon for twisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, the cabling spindle including a driven rotary cord receiving bobbin, rotary means for receiving and twisting the threads together before they are delivered to the bobbin, and means for driving the last named rotary twisting means in synchronism with the twisting spindles, the material traveling continuously from the sources of supply of the yarn to the capstan and to the cabling spindle, and looper means interposed between the capstan and the cabling spindle to store an excess length of gathered threads yieldingly under tension.

l5. An apparatus for forming stranded cord from a' plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising ay plurality of similar yarn twisting spindles each incorporating its source of yarn supply, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a balloon in free flight through the air, means incorporatedy in each' twisting spindle for imposing a predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloon generally coinciding with the axis of its spindle, the axes of the twisting spindles being'generally parallel, means for gathering and forwarding the threads from the twisting spindles, the last named means including a driven capstan, thread from each` twisting spindle being led under tension from its balloon i substantially directly to and around the capstan,

such capstan being located beyond the outer end of each of the balloons from the twisting spindles, a cabling device of the type creating, and receiving material from, a balloon in free flight through the air for twisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord,s`aid cabling device comprising a rotary driven spindle having a free end spaced froml the capstan, a bobbin support mounted on the spindle of the cabling device a driving connection between the spindle of lthe cabling device and the bobbin support, the capstan substantially positively forwarding the threads from the outer ends of their balloons, means for driving said capstan in synchronism with the spindle of the cabling device, and means to drivethe yarn twisting spindles and the being generally parallel, means for gathering and:

cabling spindle in synchronism.

v16. An apparatus for uforming rstranded cordw from 'aplurality of yarns in one continuous 'operation, comprising a` plurality of similar yarn twist` ing spindles, each'incorporating its source of yarn supply, the spindles being ofthe type which. de-

livers thevtwisted threadtherefrom in a balloon in free flight through the, air, means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing apredeter- 'mined `baci: tension on the yarn, the axis of each such'balloon ngenerally,coinciding kwith the axisv of v,its spindle, the axes of .the twisting` spindles cord. said cabling device comprising a rotary Q driven spindle having a free end spaced from the capstan, the capstan lying at least generally on the projected axis of the spindle of the cabling device, a bobbin support mounted on the cabling device. a driving connection between the spindle of the cabling device and the bobbin support, the capstan substantially positively forwarding the threads from the outer ends of their balloons, means for driving said capstan in synchronism with the spindle of the cabling device, and means to drive the yarn twisting spindles and the cabling l spindle in synchronism. l

17. An apparatus for forming stranded vcord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation, comprising a plurality of similar yarn twisting spindles each incorporating its source of yarn supply, the spindles being of the type which delivers the twisted thread therefrom in a balloon in free flight through the air, adjustable means incorporated in each twisting spindle for imposing a selected predetermined back tension on the yarn, the axis of each such balloon generally coinciding with the axis of its spindle,

ering and forwarding the v ing spindles, the last named means including a driven capstan, thread from each twisting spindle the axes of the twisting' spindles being generally parallel. means for gaththreads from the twist- 20 back tension thereon forming a balloon travelling in free night through the air in each such yarn and separately twistingveach of the yarns at the saine rate to form a thread, the axes of the above named balloons extending generally parallel to each other, at a point beyond each of the above named balloons gathering the resulting threads into generally parallel relationship and controlling the speed of their withdrawal from their respective balloons by substantially positively pulling the threads at a rate synchronized'with the rate of the twisting of the yarns, forwarding such threads in such generally 'parallel relationship, twisting the thus fed gathered threads together to form a cord. during the last named twisting step forming a balloon in free flight through the air in the cord, the twisting of the threads togetherto form a cord being carried out at a rate synchronized with the rate of .twisting of the yarns to form threads, and withdrawing the cord from its balloon and coiling it, the twisting of the yarns, thegathering of the resulting threads, and the twisting of the threads together to form a cord being performed with the material continuously in motion.A

19. The method of forming stranded cord from 'a plurality ofyarnsin one continuous operation comprising the following'steps in the order nambeing led under tension from its balloon substani tially directly to and around the capstan, such capstan being located beyond the outer end of each 'fof the balloons from the twisting spindles and be- 1 v ing spaced at substantially equal distances from'v the axes of the yarn twisting spindles, a cabling` i device of the type creating, and receiving material from, a balloon in free flight through theair for twisting together the thus forwarded threads to form a cord, said cabling device comprising a rotary driven spindle having a free end spaced from the capstan, the capstan lying at least generally on the projected axis of the spindle of the cabling device, a bobbin support mounted on the spindle of the cabling device, a slip driving conf each of .t

nection between the spindle of the cabling device 'Y and the bobbin support, the capstan substantially positively forwarding the threads from the outer ends of their balloons, means drivingly connecting said capstan with the spindle of the cabling device. a change speed mechanism incorporated in said last named means, whereby the capstan is driven in synchronism with, and at a selected speed ratio with respect to, the spindle of the cabling device, and means to drive the yarn twisting spindles and the cabling spindle in synchronism. Y

18. The method of forming stranded cord from a plurality of yarns in one continuous operation comprising the following steps in the order named of a plurality of yarns in the direction off` its length from its separate source of supply," imposing a predetermined back tension on each 'such yarn, during such feeding and after each yarn-has`left ythe locationof imposition of the back tensionthereon forming a balloon travellinglin fr'eegfiiglit through `the air in each such yarn' andseparat'ely'twisting each of the yarns at ltheI sainefrate 'to'form a thread, the axis of the above named balloons extending generally parallel 'to each other, .at a point beyond each of the above named balloons gathering the resulting threads into generally parallel relationship and controlling Athe speed oftheir--withdrawal from their respective balloons --threads vat a'rate synchronized with the rate by substantially positively pulling .i'oftheatwistingoi' the yarns, the location of the ,gathering-j and pulling of the threads being substantially the'samedistance from the outer end of e "abovenamed balloons, forwarding such threads in such generally parallel relationship, twisting Athe thus fed gathered threads 'together to forma cord, during the last named twisting step forming a balloon in free night through the air in the cord, the twisting of the threads together to form a cord being carried out at a rate-synchronized with the rate of twisting of the -yarns to form threads, and withdrawing the cord from its balloon and yieldingly coiling it, the

twisting-of the yarns, the gathering of the resultfeeding each of a plurality of yarns in'thefdirection of its length from its separate sourceof speach yarn,

ing threadsl and the twisting of the threads together toform a cord being performed with the material continuously in motion.

HENRY C. UHLIG.

l I aErEaaNcas CITED .The'following references are of record in the in STATES PA'IENTS Number -Name Date' :359,409. v Vs to e 1 Mar. 15, 1887 398.2701 Lukens Feb. 19, 1889 v i,oi'noaswy osborne.-T Feb. 27, 1923 ;L` on: following page)

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