A tube holder supports a spool of flexible line wrapped onto the outer surface of a tube. The tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, such that the interior surface of the tube rests of the top surface of the body portion; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion via a quick-release, contact fastener. The end protector is configured to be detachably secured to the body portion, while remaining spaced away from the tube such that the tube does not interfere with connecting the end protector with the body portion.

A feed yarn joining system for joining a yarn tail end of a yarn package to a yarn head end of a reserve package at a package creel including package storage sites for receiving the yarn and reserve packages, with receiving units for receiving the yarn head end and the yarn tail end, positioning units for positioning a yarn portion joined to the yarn tail end and yarn head end in the yarn splicing device, the yarn splicing device for preparing and joining the yarn head end and yarn tail end, and a control unit for initiating the start of the splicing operation and executing the splicing operation. Furthermore, a package creel arrangement with a feed yarn joining system as well as a method of joining a yarn tail end of a yarn package to a yarn head end of a reserve package when using a feed yarn joining system.

A feed yarn joining system for joining a yarn tail end of a yarn package to a yarn head end of a reserve package at a package creel including package storage sites for receiving the yarn and reserve packages, with receiving units for receiving the yarn head end and the yarn tail end, positioning units for positioning a yarn portion joined to the yarn tail end and yarn head end in the yarn splicing device, the yarn splicing device for preparing and joining the yarn head end and yarn tail end, and a control unit for initiating the start of the splicing operation and executing the splicing operation. Furthermore, a package creel arrangement with a feed yarn joining system as well as a method of joining a yarn tail end of a yarn package to a yarn head end of a reserve package when using a feed yarn joining system.

A control unit for pneumatic actuation of a cylinder, in particular an active creel of a textile-processing machine or a cabling machine, having a compressed air inlet for connecting a compressed air supply, a working air outlet for operating the cylinder, which acts at least on one side, a valve unit arranged between the compressed air inlet and the working air outlet, and an operating element for opening the valve unit to trigger a lifting movement of the cylinder. In order to provide a control unit for pneumatic actuation of an active creel, the actuation of the creel being particularly simple by the control unit, so that an operator can use the creel more easily, quickly and safely, and in addition the creel is protected from damage by incorrect operation, the control unit for achieving a self-retaining valve function, in which the lifting movement of the cylinder is fully executed with a single and/or brief actuation of the operating element, and for the control unit is connected to an end position sensor of the cylinder such that, when the end position sensor is activated, the valve unit is closed and/or the cylinder connected to the working air outlet is automatically depressurised when or after an end position is reached.

The invention relates to a warping machine (1) for a rope (3) made of a plurality of yarns (5), comprising a support structure (25), a bobbin (9) onto which said rope is warped, wherein said bobbin is mounted on the support structure for rotating around a rotational bobbin axis (R.sub.1) of the bobbin, and a pressure drum (31) rotatably mounted on the support structure for rotating around a rotational drum axis (R.sub.2) for applying pressure onto the rope warped onto the bobbin, wherein said rotational bobbin axis is supported stationary with regard to said support structure and said rotational drum axis is translationally movably mounted on the support structure so that the pressure drum follows an increasing warp thickness on the bobbin.

Provided are systems and methods for producing seamless woven materials that are variable in each of their 3 dimensions. The systems and methods generally operate by altering heddle positions independently to impart three dimensional structure to a woven fabric. Weft yarn is woven into a set of warp yarns that have been individually raised or lowered along a particular cross section, essentially locking the weave into an intended 3 dimensional form.

A creel assembly having an outer wall defines an interior space, a plurality of yarn package engagement locations distributed within the interior space, a gantry that is movable secured within the interior space, and at least one processor. The gantry is positioned to selectively engage yarn packages within the interior space. In use, the gantry can selectively access the plurality of yarn package engagement locations. The processor is communicatively coupled to the gantry and receives an input corresponding to a selected action by the gantry. Modular creel systems can be formed from a plurality of the disclosed creel assemblies. Methods of using and assembling the disclosed creel assemblies and modular creel systems are also disclosed.

Systems and methods for loading and delivering stalk subassemblies and yarn packages are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can have at least one processor, at least one automated guided vehicle, at least one creel assembly, and an automated creel loading assembly. The at least one automated guided vehicle can be communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor can be configured to selectively direct an automated guided vehicle to engage a respective stalk subassembly. Upon engagement between the automated guided vehicle and the stalk subassembly, the processor can be configured to selectively direct the automated guided vehicle to move about and between the selected operative position within the creel assembly and a loading position proximate the automated creel loading assembly.

Systems and methods for loading and delivering stalk subassemblies and yarn packages are disclosed herein. Such systems and methods can have at least one processor, at least one automated guided vehicle, at least one creel assembly, and an automated creel loading assembly. The at least one automated guided vehicle can be communicatively coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor can be configured to selectively direct an automated guided vehicle to engage a respective stalk subassembly. Upon engagement between the automated guided vehicle and the stalk subassembly, the processor can be configured to selectively direct the automated guided vehicle to move about and between the selected operative position within the creel assembly and a loading position proximate the automated creel loading assembly.

Provided are systems and methods for producing seamless woven materials that are variable in each of their 3 dimensions. The systems and methods generally operate by altering heddle positions independently to impart three dimensional structure to a woven fabric. Weft yarn is woven into a set of warp yarns that have been individually raised or lowered along a particular cross section, essentially locking the weave into an intended 3 dimensional form.