Indexing feed, harmonic drive, quick connect/disconnect coupling and

Abstract

A plurality of work stations are provided each with a plurality of containers, each containing sliver rope, disposed in first and second arrays in proximity to a spinning machine to alternately provide sliver rope to respective spinning positions so that yarn or thread may be spun by each spinning machine. A container support platform supports each array of sliver rope containers in proximity to their respective spinning machine; as well as a container transport assembly which extends the length of the support platform. A number of container moving fingers are pivotally carried in spaced relationship along the length of an elongated, substantially 'U' shaped transport beam and for coaction with cams also carried by the transport beam and disposed for coaction with a stationary beam also carried by the container support. A transport beam drive mechanism is coupled by a quick connect/disconnect coupling to the transport beam and applies thereto an increment doubled, modified harmonic drive first to draw the transport beam in a container moving direction wherein the fingers move up to move all sliver containers upon support platform an incremental step; and thereafter to return transport beam back to its starting position. Transport beam drive mechanism is thereafter cycled and recycled to move the containers in incremental steps without lifting the containers off of the support platform. The modified harmonic drive provides extra pull to the transport beam during the portion of the cycle when containers are to be moved and a quick return during the portion of the return portion of the cycle containers to thus optimize cycle time.