US 11,738,966 B2
Automated creel assemblies and systems and methods of making and using same
Kallin Kurtz, Apison, TN (US); Rocky Tillman, Rocky Face, GA (US); Wes Moore, Rock Spring, GA (US); and Zachary Hall, Cohutta, GA (US)
Assigned to COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY, Omaha, NE (US)
Filed by COLUMBIA INSURANCE COMPANY, Omaha, NE (US)
Filed on Jul. 30, 2019, as Appl. No. 16/526,595.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/711,886, filed on Jul. 30, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2020/0031608 A1, Jan. 30, 2020
Int. Cl. B65H 67/06 (2006.01); B65H 67/02 (2006.01); D02H 1/00 (2006.01); B65H 49/16 (2006.01)
CPC B65H 67/065 (2013.01) [B65H 49/16 (2013.01); B65H 67/02 (2013.01); B65H 67/063 (2013.01); B65H 67/067 (2013.01); D02H 1/00 (2013.01); B65H 2701/31 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A creel loading apparatus comprising:
a frame;
a platform that is movable along the frame on a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis;
a rotary actuator that is configured to rotate at least a portion of the platform about the first axis;
a gripper that is movably attached to the at least a portion of the platform that is configured to rotate about the first axis, wherein the gripper is configured to releasably engage an inner surface of a yarn package; and
a linear actuator that is configured to move the gripper along a linear actuator axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the linear actuator comprises a first stage and a second stage, wherein the first stage comprises a servo motor that is configured to move the gripper along the linear actuator axis, and wherein the second stage comprises a pneumatic actuator that is configured to move the gripper along the linear actuator axis.