B65H63/024

DIGITAL CREEL SYSTEM

A creel system includes a plurality of tension controller apparatuses supporting wire spools, an air pressure control system operatively connected to the tension controller apparatuses, a loose wire detection system configured to detect a loose wire condition upon contact between a sensor bar and one or more wires, and a central control system in communication with the air pressure control system and the loose wire detection system. The central control system ascertains a wire tension of one or more wires based on data from an apparatus sensor and the air pressure control system, and the central control system is configured to actuate the air pressure control system in response to the wire tension to maintain air pressure between upper and lower pressure thresholds. The central control system is configured to generate a loose wire alarm when the loose wire detection system detects the loose wire condition.