US3827274A

US3827274A - Strand drawing apparatus including means for preparing the leading end of the strand

Info

Publication number: US3827274A
Application number: US00299236A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Schuetz
Original assignee: Aetna Standard Engineering Co
Current assignee: Blaw Knox Co; Italimpianti of America Inc
Priority date: 1972-10-20
Filing date: 1972-10-20
Publication date: 1974-08-06
Anticipated expiration: 1991-08-06
Also published as: JPS4974155A; GB1431477A; CA992734A; JPS58111108U

Abstract

Apparatus for drawing stiff strand, such as large diameter tube, which apparatus includes means for moving receptacles, such as trays, containing coiled strand into an endless path, and in the endless path to and from a drawing unit. The apparatus includes a preparation station wherein by mechanical means the leading end of the stiff tube is moved into a preparation position, the leading end of the tube is grasped and dimpled so that it will prevent loss of a plug that is inserted into the end of the tube along with lubricant, the leading end of the tube is then pointed while it is so grasped, and the pointed leading end of the tube is mechanically moved to and through a die to the capstan of the drawing unit, on which leading end of the tube is grasped by a gripper. The tube is then wound on the capstan for a sufficient number of turns to provide a firm grip of the tube, after which the leading end of the tube is released and the drawing operation continued. During the drawing operation the drawn tube is discharged downwardly over the free end of the capstan into one of the receptacles which has moved to and located below the capstan to receive a coil of drawn tube. The coil of drawn tube may then be moved through the path to a discharge station, or moved back to the preparation station in which the leading end of the tube is again prepared and inserted through the die and connected to the drawing unit for redrawing.

Description

United States Patent [191 Schuetz Aug. 6, 1974 STRAND DRAWING APPARATUS INCLUDING MEANS FOR PREPARING THE LEADING END OF THE STRAND [75] Inventor: James W. Schuetz, Pittsburgh, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Aetna Standard Engineering Company, Ellwood City, Pa.

[22] Filed: Oct. 20, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 299,236

[52] US. Cl. 72/289, 72/420 [51] Int. Cl. 321C 1/02 [58] Field of Search 72/278, 283, 287, 289, 72/420, 424; 242/79 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,885,060 5/1959 Dobosy 242/79 3,218,836 11/1965 Copper et al. 72/278 3,339,396 9/l967 Carlson 72/289 3,536,274 l0/l970 Tommarello... 242/79 3,587,287 6/l97l Vacca 72/404 3,598,251 8/l97l Sieurin 242/79 [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for drawing stiff strand, such as large diameter tube, which apparatus includes means for moving receptacles, such as trays, containing coiled strand into an endless path, and in the endless path to and from a drawing unit. The apparatus includes a preparation station wherein by mechanical means the leading end of the stiff tube is moved into a preparation position, the leading end of the tube is grasped and dimpled so that it will prevent loss of a plug that is inserted into the end of the tube along with lubricant, the leading end of the tube is then pointed while it is so grasped, and the pointed leading end of the tube is mechanically moved to and through a die to the capstan of the drawing unit, on which leading end of the tube is grasped by a gripper. The tube is then wound on the capstan for a sufficient number of turns to provide a firm grip of the tube, after which the leading end of the tube is released and the drawing operation continued. During the drawing operation the drawn tube is discharged downwardly over the free end of the capstan into one of the receptacles which has moved to and located below the capstan to receive a coil of drawn tube. The coil of drawn tube may then be moved through the path to a discharge station, or moved back to the preparation station in which the leading end of the tube is again prepared and inserted.

through the die and connected to the drawing unit for redrawing.

FAIENIEUMJB 6W 3.827. 274

SHEEI 3 BF 6 FIGA.

STRAND DRAWING APPARATUS INCLUDING MEANS FOR PREPARING THE LEADING END OF THE STRAND FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to continuous strand drawing apparatus in which a long length of strand from a suitable source such as a coil, is drawn through a die by capstan or drum, and more particularly to such apparatus for handling and drawing substantially stiff strands such as relatively large diameter tubes, especially before and during starting of the drawing operation.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART There is increasing need to draw long lengths to stiff strand into strands of smaller cross section without damage to the strand. The operation is particularly difficult when the strand is stiff, as when the strand is a tube of relatively large diameter.

The invention will be discussed and described hereafter in connection with the drawing to smaller diameters of stiff tubes of relatively large diameter, because of the exceptional advantages of the invention in such use.

In prior apparatus for drawing tubes it has been known to draw a tube through a die by an apparatus, often referred to as a bull block embodying a capstan rotatable about a vertical axis and having a free lower end. Tube from a suitable source, such as a coil in a tray, is drawn through a die and passes to the capstan on which it is wound in a sufficient number of turns to provide a firm grip on the tube; as the capstan rotates tube winds on the capstan as the tube is drawn and turns of drawn tube drop off the lower free end of the capstan to form a coil on a receiving member. In drawing large diameter tubes, it has been found desirable to provide inside the tube a plug that is larger than the inside of the drawn tube and that locates itself in the tube adjacent the point where the tube passes through the die, to. prevent the tube wall from collapsing during drawing, and to aid in reducing thickness of the tube wall between the die and the plug and in reducing tube diameter. To prevent the plug falling inwardly into the tube when it is initially inserted in the free end of the tube prior to commencement of drawing, it is necessary to dimple or depress the tube wall inwardly prior to plug insertion, so the plug is between the free end of the tube and the depression or dimple which acts as a temporary stop for the plug. Moreover, it is desirable to inject lubricant into the tube to lubricate the inner wall of the tube as it slides over the plug. Furthermore, it is necessary after insertion of the plug and prior to drawing, to point or reduce in diameter the end portion of the tube to permit it to be initially passed through the die and be connected to a gripper on the capstan that temporarily grips the tube end until a number of turns of tube are initially wound on the rotating capstan to sufficiently cause the tube firmly to grip the capstan after which the tube is released from the gripper and drawing continues. Moreover, it is often necessary to straighten the end portion of the tube if the tube is supplied in a coil, to permit the foregoing operations to be carried out.

Heretofore, it has been the usual practice manually to handle the end portion of the tube in performing necessary tube preparation operations, such as dimpling, plug insertion, lubricant injection, tube pointing,

and moving the pointed end of the tube through the die and connecting it to the capstan gripper. However, it is very difficult if not impossible manually to perform these tube preparation operations on tubes of large diameter that are substantially stiff.

Furthermore, such a stiff tube creates a problem of straightening the leading end portion of a tube that is curved because the tube is supplied from a coil of tube, the leading end of which has not been previously made straight in a previous operation; such curved end can occur, for example, if the tube breaks as it is drawn from a coil through a die.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes these and other disadvantages and makes it possible for stiff strands, such as large diameter tubes, despite their stiffness, to be non-manually or mechanically handled during initial preparation operations, which may include as many as desired of the operations of straightening the leading end portion of a tube to be drawn, dimpling the tube, inserting a plug into the tube, lubricating the plug, pointing the tube end, and passing the leading end of the tube through the die so the free tube end can be gripped by the capstan gripper.

An object of the invention is the provision of apparatus that overcomes the above described and other disadvantages of prior appratus, and makes possible the expeditious, rapid, mechanical handling of a stiff strand such as a large diameter tube during the initial preparation operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The above and other features, advantages, and objects of the invention wil become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan, to a small scale, along line 1-1 of FIG. 2 of apparatus embodying the invention for drawing large diameter tubes, the supporting frame and other parts of the tube preparation station being omitted for clearness in showing the remainder of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a section to the same scale along line 2-2 of FIG. ll;

FIG. 3 is a section to the same scale along line 33 of FIG. ll;

FIG. 4 is a somewhat diagrammatic section, to a scale substantially larger than that of the preceding figures,

of the pointed leading end of a tube of large diameter as it extends through the die and to the capstan gripper prior to drawing;

FIG. 5 is a section along line 5-5 of FIG. 1, to a larger scale, showing a side elevation of the tube preparation station included in the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a plan of the apparatus of FIG. 5 and to the same scale;

FIG. 7 is a section along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a section along line 8-8 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 9 is a section along line 9-9 of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT General Arrangement The illustrated apparatus (FIGS. 1, 2) comprises a tube drawing unit 1, often called a bull block", to

which tubes T to be drawn are brought in coils C in open topped generally cylindrical receptacles or trays 2, and from which coiled tube after drawing is removed in other trays 2.

The apparatus also includes a tray transportation system 3 for moving the trays in an endless path to and from the drawing unit 1. The system includes a conveyor system 4 for moving into the endless path at station S-1 trays containing coils of tube to be drawn and for removing from the path rays containing coils of tube after it has been drawn to the desired size.

The system also includes a station 8-2 in which the tray is halted and located when preparation operations are performed on the leading end of the tube that is coiled in the tray, a payoff station 8-3 to which the tray is moved and located when tube passes from the tray to the drawing unit 1, and a receiving station 84 at which drawn tubing discharged from unit 1 is deposited in the tray.

The remaining stations S-S around the endless path are storage locations for the trays.

The apparatus also includes a tube preparation station S-6 to be described later.

An operators platform 5 is located within the path of thetrays adjacent drawing unit 1 and tube preparation station 8-6.

The trays, some or all of which contain coils of tube, are successively passed from station S-1 to and through stations S-2, 8-3, 8-4, and S-5, the tube in each tray being drawn by unit 1, until all of the coiled tubes in all of the trays have been subjected to the same drawing operation.

Depending on the sizes of tubing initially supplied and ultimately desired, the tubing in each tray may, if desired, be drawn only once before it is removed. However, if substantial reduction in tube diameter is desired, the tubes in all of the trays may be passed to, through, and from the drawing unit more than once to provide several passes through the drawing unit. In such case the die is preferably changed to one of smaller diameter after all of the trays have passed through a cycle and their tubes drawn once through a die of a predetermined size.

In each case, however, before tube in a coil in the tray can be drawn by unit 1, the leading end portion of the tube in the coil is handled and operated upon by the tube preparation station S6.

In the illustrated embodiment, at the tube preparation station the leading end portion of the coiled tube in the tray 2 at station S-2 is mechanically gripped and lifted to a tube pointing position, where if desired, it is first dimpled and a plug and lubricant then inserted into the tube from its free end to a location between the free end and the dimpled portion. The free end of the tube is then pointed or reduced in diameter by an amount and for a length sufficient to allow the tube end to pass through the die 6 in die box 7 of drawing unit 1 to a gripper 8 on capstan 9 of unit 1, the pointed end of the tube being passed through the die to the gripper at a speed synchronized with the speed at which the tray containing the coil is transferred from station S-2 to station 8-3 by unit 3.

If the tube should break at or beyond the die, the tube preparation station is operated to remove the new free end of the coil from the die box while the tray containing the coil returns from station 8-3 to station S-2, straightens the new free end portion caused by the break to provide the required length of straight tube for feeding from the die to the gripper, dimples the tube end and permits insertion of a plug and lubricant, repoints the tube end, and then refeeds the tube end through the die to the gripper of the drawing unit capstan.

All of the trays 2 preferably are identical; they may be of known construction, each having (FIGS. 1, 2, 5-7) a generally flat bottom 10 with a central opening 11, an upstanding circular outer sidewall 12 and an upstanding circular inner sidewall 13 defining between them an upwardly open channel 14 adapted to receive and support a coil C of tube T.

DRAWING UNIT The drawing unit 1 may be of any suitable type, but preferably is similar to and operates in a manner similar to the capstan and associated apparatus of the drawing unit shown in US. Pat. No. 3,536,274 issued Oct. 27, 1970. Unit 1 comprises a base or frame 15 supporting capstan 9 for powered rotation about an upright preferably vertical axis A, at automatically controlled speeds and cycles of starting and stopping. A length of tube T to be drawn passes to the capstan from a coil in a tray 2 in the payoff station S-3 that is supported, raised to position 2, and rotated about an upright preferably vertical axis by mechanism 16 to permit the tube to unwind from the coil in the tray.

The tray T below the capstan 9 in receiving station S-4 can also be raised to position 2" and power rotated by a mechanism 17.

Die 6 in die box 7 is vertically movable in an upright path, preferably parallel to axis A on a guide structure 18 fixed to base 15. The capstan is positively rotated as required by an electric motor 19.

When the gripper 8 first grasps the leading end of the tube, the die 6 is in its lowermost position and the tube moves from the die to the capstan in a straight line path in a plane substantially normal to capstan axis A. The die then is moved rapidly upward in its upright path while the capstan is rotated a predetermined number of turns at a predetermined speed, controlled by suitable means, to cause a predetermined number of widely spaced turns T' of tube to wind initially in a single layer on the capstan in sufficient number to cause the tube frictionally to grip the capstan sufficiently firmly to prevent slippage as the tube is drawn through the die 6 in the drawing operation. The die then reaches its uppermost position where it remains during the drawing of the remainder of the tube in the coil. The tube leaving the die travels to the capstan, winds on it and is pushed toward its free end in a single layer by a plow 21 mounted to rotate with and about the capstan in a plane at a suitable angle other than normal to capstan axis A.

Suitable known tube release means on the capstan, such as cutter mechanism 22, releases the tube from the gripper 8 as by cutting it. A stationary guard 23 supported from base 15, surrounds the capstan, and for safety overlaps the outside of the tray 2 in receiving station 8-4 when it is in its raised receiving position 2".

Mechanism 16 raises, rotates and thereafter lowers a tray 2 while it is in the payoff station 8-3; and mechanism 17 raises, rotates and lowers a tray 2 while it is in the receiving station S-4. Mechanisms l6 and 17 are identical in the illustrated embodiment. Each

mechanism

16, 17 comprises a member 24 having guides 25 that support for upright and preferably vertical movement another member 26 that is movable between upper and lower positions by a fluid cylinder 27 conventionally controlled and actuated. Member 26 supports a tray-supporting head 28 for rotation about an axis that is essentially coincident with the axis of the tray; in station S-4 the axis of rotation of head 23 of means 17 coincides with axis A. Head 28 closely fits the central opening 11 of the associated tray 2 and fixedly supports it for rotation, and is driven at a proper speed by motor 29.

After the leading end of the tube has been prepared, passed through the die 6 and grasped by capstan gripper 8, the initial turns of strand are wound on the capstan while the die is moved to its uppermost position and the tube coil-containing tray 2 in the payoff station 3-3 is rotated. in its elevated position 2' by mechanism 16 to permit paying off of the tube in that tray. Then, afterathe mechanism 22 has released the tube end from gripper l5, and while rotation of the capstan is continued to continue drawing of the tube, the tray 2 in its elevated position 2" in the receiving station 8-4 close to the lower free end of the capstan, is rotated by mechanism 17 at the same speed as the capstan. As the capstan rotates, tube passes from the coil in the tray in the payoff station S-3 through die 6 to the capstan on which it winds in a single layer of turns, which are pushed by the plow 21 to the free end of the capstan, from which they drop into the annular channel 14 of the elevated rotating tray in. the receiving station -4 TRAY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The illustrated tray transportation system 3 comprises several tray supporting cars 30. Each car comprises a base 31 adapted to carry one of the trays 2. The

base, which is rigid, has a bay-like opening 32, with its mouth open outwardly, and its central portion sufficiently large to permit the heads 28 of the tray lifting and

rotating mechanisms

17 and 18 in the payoff and receiving stations to extend through the base of the car and lift the tray free of the car. Base 31 of each car has wheels 33 traveling on tracks 34 to support the car from the floor F. The tracks also bridge the pits Fll and R2 at the payoff and receiving stations in which the lifting and rotating mechanisms 16 and I7 are located' below the floor level.

The cars move in a guided endless path as shown in FIG. 1, being guided by suitable means such as the raised edges 35 of tracks 34 on which the wheels of the cars travel, and being moved in the path by suitable means such as a chain 36 that engages each of the cars and is positively moved in an essentially endless path by suitable power means such as motor 37. In the illus- V off the car at station S-l may include stationary conventional roller type portion 38%, and a horizontally movable roller portion 39 for moving a tray from por' tion 38 to the base 31 of a car 30' in station S-ll. Movable conveyor portion 39 is adapted to be moved into and out of opening 32 of the car base 31, and in opening 32 to be raised or lowered as required, to transfer a tray from conveyor portion 39 to car base 31, or from base 31 to conveyor position 39, by suitable known means, not shown.

The illustrated transfer system 3 includes suitable control means, and is operable to move a tray in the tray entry and discharge station 8-1 to station 8-2 for so that tube preparation operations can be performed on the leading end of the tube that is in the tray in station 8-2. Thereafter the tray is moved to payoff station S-3. After the tray in that station has been emptied of its coiled tube by passage of its tube to and through the coil drawing unit 1 and onto the tray in the receiving station 8-4, the empty tray at the payoff station is then moved to receiving station 8-4 for receiving drawn coiled tube from drawing unit It that is suplied from another tray that has been moved to station S-2.

Thereafter the tray containing the coil of drawn tube is moved to successive stations 5-5 around the path until it reaches station 3-] where, depending on the cycle of operations, it is either removed by conveyor apparatus 4 or is again passed to the tube preparation station S-2 where another cycle is begun.

The coils of tube in the trays in the station S-5 be tween the receiving station S-4 and the tray entry and discharge position 8-! provide a considerable store of tube lengths that on repetitive drawing can be rapidly processed and drawn with a minimum number of die changes for the total/length of tubing drawn.

Tube Preparation Station FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates functions that can be performed on the leading end portion of the tube at and by the tube preparation station S6 of the illustrative embodiment. This figure shows the leading end portion of tube'T extending through the die 6 in die box 7 and into the jaws of the gripper 8 of the capstan 9 of the drawing unit 1. A plug 41 is shown in the position in which it occupies inside the tube at the die opening during drawing.

The tube wall is dimpled or depressed inwardly at 42 in the leading end portion of the tube, to prevent the plug from moving rearwardly into the tube as the tube is being pointed, handled and initially passed through the die into the gripper jaws. After dimpling and insertion of the plug and lubricant for the plug, the portion 43 of the tube extending beyond the dimpled portion to the free end of the tube is pointed or reduced to a small enough cross sectional size and for a sufficient length to permit the leading end of the tube to be passed through the die and grasped by the capstan gripper 8.

The illustrated tube preparation station S-6 comprises a rigid frame 44 that includes a vertical post 45 rigidly fixed in the floor F and rigidly supporting one end of a pair of spaced parallel beams 46 having oppo sitely facing flanges 47 that form an overhead track, the other end of these beams being fixed to base 15 of drawing unit 1. FIG. 4 also includes two rigidly floor mounted spaced vertical posts 48 (FIGS. 1,7) rigidly supporting horizontal beams 49 extending transversely over and fixed to beams 46, posts 48 being located substantial distances from beams 46.

The tube preparation apparatus also includes pickup mechanism 51 (FIGS. 2, for raising the leading end portion of the tube from the coil in the tray at station S-2 to a position in which preparation operations can be carried out on this tube portion. This mechanism includes a winch drum 52 mounted on beams 46 and adapted to wind on and wind off a cable 53 the lower end of which carries a known actuatable clamp 54 adapted to grasp the tube firmly. Winch drum 52 is rotated as required to lower and raise clamp 54 by a suitable motor 55 which may be hydraulically operated.

The tube preparation station also includes a tube feeder unit 56 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8) that comprises a downwardly extending carriage 57 having rollers 58 that ride on the flanges 47 of beams 46. The carriage includes near its lower end a tube gripper 60 (FIG. 8) that includes two movable jaws 61 slidably mounted in guide members 62 fixed to the carriage and adapted to be moved toward each other to grip the tube and to be retracted to release the tube by hydraulic cylinders 63 operating between the carriage and the jaws. Unit 56 also includes a tube dimpler 64 comprising a conventional dimpler head 65 mounted on the piston rod 66 of a hydraulic cylinder 67 fixed on carriage 57 and operated as required by conventional means to perform the above described dimpling and plug-locating functions while the tube is firmly held by jaws 61.

Carriage 57 is moved along beams 46 (FIG. 5) by hydraulic motor 68 through chain 69 and sprockets 70 to move the tube gripper 60 between the location shown in full lines at which the tube is dimpled and pointed, and the location shown in broken lines 56' adjacent die box 7 into which the end of the tube is inserted after it has been pointed. Feeder unit 56 travels in a path such that the end of a tube carried by the gripper 60 travels along an extension of the straight pass line B of the length of tube passing from die 6 to capstan 9 when die 6 is in its lowermost position.

The tube preparation station also includes a tube pointer unit 3 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 7) comprising a conventional tube pointing head 74 that is slidably mounted on a supporting member 75 and movable in a fixed straight longitudinal path relative to such member by a fluid operated cylinder 76 connected at one end to member 75 and having its piston rod connected to the head 74. Head 74 and its supporting member 75 are mounted on the lower end of an arm 77 that extends downwardly from and is pivotally mounted on beam 49 of frame 48 about a vertical axis X, so that head 74 can be moved into an operative position where it is available for pointing the tube end and retracted to an inoperative position where it clears the path of travel of feeder unit 56 to and from die box 7. The tube pointer unit 73 is thus moved between its retracted and operative positions by a fluid operated cylinder 78 (FIGS. 6 and 7) operating between beams 49 and pivoted arm 77.

The tube preparation station also includes a tube straightening unit 81 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9) carried at a fixed location on beams 46. Unit 81 comprises in the illustrated embodiment four suitably located straightening rolls 82 mounted on a retractable straightener roll housing 83.

The straightening rolls are operable to straighten an end portion of coiled tube; for this purpose they are positively rotated by hydraulic motors 84 in housing 83 V The housing 83 is mounted on a movable frame 85 that is pivotally supported by downwardly projecting members 86 fixed to rigid transverse members 87 on beams 46.

The straightening unit also comprises a fluid operated cylinder 88 the cylinder portion of which is pivotally connected to members 87 and the piston rod of which is pivotally connected to the pivotally mounted movable frame 85 so that the housing 83 and rolls 82 may be retracted to an inoperative position shown in full lines in FIG. 9 and moved to an operative position shown in broken lines in FIG. 9.

The tube straightening unit is usually held in its retracted position where it does not interfere with tube moved tray 2, except when it is temporarily moved into its operative position where it causes the straightened tube to be located with its axis along the pass line B. In general, the straightening unit 81 need be used only to straighten the curved leading end portion of the first coil that is drawn at the beginning of a drawing operation, or to straighten the curved leading end of a coil that has broken at or past the die. Apart from these two conditions, use of the straightening unit is usually unnecessary, since the tail-end portion of a coiled tube in the tray in the payoff station 8-3 is straightened by operation of the drawing unit 1 as this portion of the tube passes between the die and the capstan, and on a subsequent drawing operation this portion of the tube becomes the leading end portion of the tube that is dimpled, has the plug and lubricant inserted, is pointed, and is fed by the tube feeding unit through the die 6 to the capstan gripper 8.

The illustrated apparatus (FIG. 1) also includes a horizontal rack 89 for supporting a straight length of tube that is operated upon by the tube preparation station, if is desired to draw straight lengths of tubes rather than coiled tubes. The straight lengths of tubes, after dimpling, plug insertion, lubrication, and pointing may be fed through the die, gripped by the capstan, gripped, and drawn in the same manner as coiled tubes.

While the invention has been described above in connection with the initial preparation, handling, and drawing of large diameter tubes, it may be used for the initial preparation handling and drawing of other types of strand materials, including non-tubular strand material. The invention, however, provides particular advantages in the initial preparation and drawing of substantially stiff strand material.

Various modifications may be made in the illustrated apparatus. For example, a different type of the drawing unit, or a different type of tray handling system, may be used in connection with a tube preparation station embodying the invention.

Various modifications apparent to those skilled in the art in addition to those indicated may be made in the apparatus and drawn materials indicated above, and changes may be made with respect to the features disclosed, provided that the elements set forth in any of the following claims or the equivalents of such be employed.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for drawing strand material comprising means for supporting for movement in an essentially endless closed lateral path a plurality of receptacles arranged sequentially in said path, each of said receptacles having an open top and being supported at all times with its open top extending upwardly and being adapted to contain coiled strand material said path having a coil payoff station and a coil receiving station into which each of said receptacles passes in sequence; drawing means for drawing said strand material, said drawing means being located in proximity to said payoff station and said receiving station and being adapted to pull strand material from a coil in a receptacle located in said path in said payoff station, to draw said strand material, and to deposit said drawn strand material downwardly in a generally horizontal coil in another receptacle in said receiving station in said path; and means for moving said receptacles in said path so a receptacle containing a coil is moved to said payoff station in said path, and after said receptacle has been emptied by drawing of its strand material therefrom by said drawing means, said receptacle is moved to said receiving station where it can receive strand material deposited downwardly therein from said drawing means in a generally horizontal coil.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said receptacles are upwardly open trays.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said drawing means comprises a capstan that is rotatable about a generally upright axis and has a downwardly extending free end from which strand material is discharged in a coil into a receptacle located in said path below the free end of said capstan in said receiving station.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising means for carrying out preparation operations on the leading end of a coil of strand material in a receptacle before it is passed to said strand drawing apparatus.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said means for preparing the leading end of said strand material comprises means for pointing the tube.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said strand material being drawn is a relatively stiff tube, and in which said apparatus for preparing the leading end of said tube includes means for dimpling the tube.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the means for preparing the end of said strand material includes means for removing the leading end of said strand material from a receptacle located in a predetermined position.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 in which said drawing means comprises drawing die means, and in which the strand material being drawn is relatively stiff, and in which said apparatus for preparing the leading end of the strand material includes means for passing the prepared leading end of the strand material to and through said die means.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the strand material is a relatively stiff tube and in which said means for preparing the leading end of the tube comprises means for withdrawing the leading end of the tube from a receptacle in a predetermined position, dimpling the tube, pointing the tube, and passing the pointed leading end of the tube through drawing dlie means of said apparatus.

10. Apparatus for preparing the leading end of strand material adapted to be passed to and through strand material drawing means embodying drawing die means, which apparatus comprises means for moving an open topped receptacle containing a coil of strand material sequentially to predetermined generally horizontal preparation and payoff positions while said receptacle is maintained generally horizontal with its open'top extending upwardly, means for withdrawing the leading end of strand material from a coil in a receptacle located in said predetermined preparation position and holding said leading end in an elevated location, means for pointing said leading end of said strand material while so held, and means for moving the pointed leading end of said strand material to said die means.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 in which said means for moving said receptacle is adapted, while the leading end of said strand material is moved to said die means, to move said receptacle to another position adjacent said drawing means from which position the strand material is pulled by said drawing means from said receptacle through said die means.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 in which said strand material being drawn is a relatively stiff tube, and in which said preparation apparatus includes means for pointing said tube.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 in which said means for pointing said tube is adapted to be moved laterally out of the path of travel of said tube as the leading end of the tube is moved to said die means.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 which includes means for holding the tube as it is being pointed, which holding means moves the tube in a path to move the leading end of said tube to said die means.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 in which said strand material is relatively stiff tube, and in which said preparation apparatus includes means for dimpling said tube.

116. The apparatus of claim 10 comprising means for straightening the leading end portion of the tube.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 in which the means for straightening said tube is adapted to be moved to a retracted position where it does not contact the tube.

18. Apparatus for drawing strand material, comprising means for moving in a predetermined path receptacles adapted to contain coiled strand material, each of said receptacles having a generally horizontal bottom, an upstanding side wall, and an open top, said means for moving each of said receptacles being adapted to move it sequentially into a preparation station, into a payoff station, and into a coil receiving station in said path while said receptacle is maintained in a generally horizontal position with its open top extending up wardly; drawing means for drawing said strand material comprising a capstan that is rotatable about a generally upright axis and has a downwardly extending free end from which strand material is discharged in a coil into one of said receptacles located below the free end of said capstan in said receiving station in said path, said drawing means comprising drawing die means and being adapted to pull strand material from a coil in one of said receptacles in said payoff station in said path, draw strand material through said die means, and wind said strand material on said capstan from which it is discharged into said receptacle in said receiving station;

means for rotating the receptacle while said receptacle is in a generally horizontal position and in said payoff station while said capstan is rotating to draw strand material from the receptacle in said payoff station; means for rotating the receptacle in said receiving station while said receptacle is in a generally horizontal position and while strand material is being discharged from said capstan in the form of a coil into said receptacle; and means for carrying out preparation operations on the leading end of a coil of strand material in a receptacle in said preparation station, which means comprises means for holding the leading end of said strand material in an elevated position above said receptacle, means for pointing the leading end of strand material while so held, and means for moving said holding means toward said die means so said leading end of strand material can be connected to said capstan, while moving said receptacle containing the coil having said leading end from said preparation station to said payoff station.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 in which each of said means for rotating a receptacle in said payoff and receiving stations is adapted to lift said receptacle from said means for moving said receptacle in said lateral path, and rotating said receptacle while it is maintained in a generally horizontal position with its open top extending upwardly.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 in which said strand material is relatively stiff tube and in which said means for preparing the leading end of said tube includes means for dimpling the tube while it is held by said holding means.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 in which said pointing means may be moved between an operative position in which it can point the leading end of the tube to an inoperative position in which it clears the path of travel of said holding means.

22. The apparatus of claim 18 in which said preparation means includes means for straightening the leading end portion of a coil of strand in a receptacle in said preparation station.

23. Apparatus of claim 22 in which said straightening means is adapted to be moved between an operative position in which it can straighten said strand material, to an inoperative position in which it is away from a position occupied by the strand material passing from a coil to said holding means.

24. The apparatus of claim 18 in which said means for moving said receptacles moves them in a substantially endless closed lateral path.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 comprising means for moving receptacles into and out of said path.

Claims

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said receptacles are upwardly open trays.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 in which the strand material is a relatively stiff tube and in which said means for preparing the leading end of the tube comprises means for withdrawing the leading end of the tube from a receptacle in a predetermined position, dimpling the tube, pointing the tube, and passing the pointed leading end of the tube through drawing die means of said apparatus.

10. Apparatus for preparing the leading end of strand material adapted to be passed to and through strand material drawing means embodying drawing die means, which apparatus comprises means for moving an open topped receptacle containing a coil of strand material sequentially to predetermined generally horizontal preparation and payoff positions while said receptacle is maintained generally horizontal with its open top extending upwardly, means for withdrawing the leading end of strand material from a coil in a receptacle located in said predetermined preparation position and holding said leading end in an elevated location, means for pointing said leading end of said strand material while so held, and means for moving the pointed leading end of said strand material to said die means.

16. The apparatus of claim 10 comprising means for straightening the leading end portion of the tube.

18. Apparatus for drawing strand material, comprising means for moving in a predetermined path receptacles adapted to contain coiled strand material, each of said receptacles having a generally horizontal bottom, an upstanding side wall, and an open top, said means for moving each of said receptacles being adapted to move it sequentially into a preparation station, into a payoff station, and into a coil receiving station in said path while said receptacle is maintained in a generally horizontal position with its open top extending upwardly; drawing means for drawing said strand material comprising a capstan that is rotatable about a generally upright axis and has a downwardly extending free end from which strand material is discharged in a coil into one of said receptacles located below the free end of said capstan in said receiving station in said path, said drawing means comprising drawing die means and being adapted to pull strand material from a coil in one of said receptacles in said payoff station in said path, draw strand material through said die means, and wind said strand material on said capstan from which it is discharged into said receptacle in said receiving station; means for rotating the receptacle while said receptacle is in a generally horizontal position and in said payoff station while said capstan is rotating to draw strand material from the receptacle in said payoff station; means for rotating the receptacle in said receiving station while said receptacle is in a generally horizontal position and while strand material is being discharged from said capstan in the form of a coil into said receptacle; and means for carrying out preparation operations on the leading end of a coil of strand material in a receptacle in said preparation station, which means comprises means for holding the leading end of said strand material in an elevated position above said receptacle, means for pointing the leading end of strand material while so held, and means for moving said holding means toward said die means so said leading end of strand material can be connected to said capstan, while moving said receptacle containing the coil having said leading end from said preparation station to said payoff station.