Automatic knot tying device

Abstract

An automatic knot-tying device 10 is provided, comprising a line feeder 14 configured to supply line 8, a line tensioner 16 configured to apply tension to the line, and a line operation assembly 18 configured to operate the line so that line 8 is operably supplied from the feeder 14 and to tie knots 12 such as dropper loops. The device 10 further includes at least one knot sensor 20 configured to sense knots tied to the line, a line collector 22 configured to collect the line on which the knots are tied, and a controller 24 positioned to signal-communicate with the line feeder 4, line tensioner 16, line operation assembly 18, knot sensor 20, and line collector 22, and configured to monitor and control the line feeder 4, line tensioner 16, line operation assembly 18, knot sensor 20, and line collector 22 in order to automatically and continuously tie separated knots along the line for use as a pattern rig.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the techniques of fishing and fishing knots, and more specifically, to an automatic knot tying device, a controller for such an automatic knot tying device, and an automatic tying method for tying knots within a fishing line.

Background Art

[0002] The following description of the background art is only intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention. This description does not confirm or approve that any of the materials mentioned was, or was part of, common general knowledge at the priority date of this application.

[0003] Fishing has been an important part of human culture since the hunting and gathering era, and is one of the few food production activities that has survived through both the Neolithic Revolution and the subsequent Industrial Revolution from prehistoric times to the modern era. Fish are caught not only for food as bait, but also for sport.

[0004] This type of recreational fishing, also known as sport fishing or game fishing, is fishing for leisure, exercise, or competition. The most common form of recreational fishing is angling, which is done using a rod, reel, line, hook, and any one of a wide range of baits, as well as other complementary devices such as weights, floats, swivels, and method feeders, collectively called a rig. A common substyle of angling includes hand-line fishing or hand-lining, in which a single line is held in the hand (typically on a reel) rather than on a fishing rod. Both angling and hand-lining generally utilize a rig, which is an arrangement of items used for fishing and assembled from one or more lines, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, swivels, lures, beads, and other fishing tackle. A rig may be held on a rod or in the hand, or it may be attached to a boat or dock. One of the most versatile fishing rigs is the so-called Paterno Star rig.

[0005] The Patano Star Rig is very popular among anglers because it can be used for fishing over rough, deep-sea terrain or for fishing away from the shore and rocks. The Patano Star Rig typically has one or more hooks and is very tangle-resistant. The Patano Star Rig can be set up using either a knot or a swivel to which a dropper loop is connected to the main line, and a variety of sinkers can be used, which can typically be wrapped around or attached to the bottom of the rig. Such a Patano Star Rig generally keeps the hooks (fishing hooks) away from the main leader line, giving the bait a more natural movement in the water.

[0006] Rigs such as the Patano Star rig generally require numerous knots (typically special knots used to secure the line to hooks, lures, or swivels). When fishing, it is important that the knots used are properly tied and do not come undone while fishing, as this can lead to the loss of fish, bait, and / or the rig itself. A dropper loop knot generally refers to a knotting method that involves attaching additional bait, jigs, and flies to a single line. A dropper loop is a type of loop knot often used with multi-hook lines, especially Patano Star rigs. It can be made in the middle of a long line, forming a loop that extends to the side of the line. A dropper loop is typically tied by making a large loop in the middle of the line, holding the center of the loop, wrapping the loop around the intersection multiple times, making a hole in the center near the intersection, passing the loop through the hole, and pulling the knot tight. Such dropper loops are generally angled away from the line to help avoid tangling and are one of the easiest ways to add multiple hooks to a rig. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Like any knot, tying a dropper loop requires practice and expertise to achieve the desired results, and can be difficult and time-consuming to master, especially when tying it in line. Spending excessive time and effort learning dropper loops while fishing can detract from the overall fishing experience. This invention aims to improve the process of manually tying knots such as dropper loops in line when assembling a rig.

[0008] Those skilled in the art will understand that references to “fishing line” and “line” herein generally include a broad range of references to any flexible, high-tensile cord that can be used in angling to tether and pull in a fish, typically with at least one hook. Such lines may be pulled and stored on a reel, but may also be retrieved by hand, either by attaching an attachment to the end of a rod or via a suitable motor. Such lines are typically made from synthetic polymers such as nylon, polyethylene, or polyvinylidene fluoride ("fluorocarbon") and may be supplied in monofilament or braided (multifilament) form. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, A line feeder configured to supply line, A line tensioner configured to apply tension to the above line, A line handling assembly configured to be operationally supplied from the feeder and to manipulate the line to tie knots such as dropper loops, A knot sensor configured to detect knots tied to a line, A line collector that retrieves the line with the knot tied, A controller is positioned to communicate with the line feeder, line tensioner, line operation assembly, knot sensor, and line collector, and is configured to monitor and control the line feeder, line tensioner, line operation assembly, knot sensor, and line collector, in order to automatically and continuously tie separated knots along the line for use as a pattern rig. An automatic knot-tying device is provided, which includes the following:

[0010] In one embodiment, a line feeder, line tensioner, line operation assembly, knot sensor, and line collector are arranged on a platform.

[0011] In one embodiment, the line feeder comprises an electric motor positioned in alignment with a spindle by a magnetic particle clutch, and a spool of line supported on the spindle for supplying to a line operation assembly as needed.

[0012] In one embodiment, a line tensioner is positioned between a line feeder and a line operation assembly and is configured to apply tension to the line in order to facilitate the line operation assembly's operation of the line.

[0013] In one embodiment, a line feeder and a line tensioner are monitored and controlled by a controller to selectively apply tension to the line supplied to the line operation assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the line tensioner comprises a pulley assembly and a biasing element, such as a spring, arranged to apply tension to the line.

[0015] In one embodiment, the line tensioner includes a load cell, and the controller is configured to monitor the tension of the line via the load cell.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pulley assembly comprises three pulleys, two of which are arranged substantially on the same plane, a third pulley positioned above, and a line operably passed through all three pulleys, the upper pulley comprising a load cell.

[0017] In one embodiment, the biasing element is positioned after the pulley assembly to bias the line in the transverse direction of movement.

[0018] In one embodiment, the line tensioner includes an aligner configured to facilitate the supply of the line to the line operation assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to control the electric motor and clutch of the line feeder according to the monitored tension of the line.

[0020] In one embodiment, the line manipulation assembly includes a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position the line for tying, and a plurality of binding actuators configured to interact with the staged line for tying knots.

[0021] In one embodiment, the staging actuator includes a plurality of linear actuators that are controllably extendable or contractible to receive and position the line for tying.

[0022] In one embodiment, the binding actuator includes a plurality of linear actuators that are controllably extendable or contractible to manipulate the line for tying.

[0023] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to sequence the extension and contraction of the staging actuator and the binding actuator to create a loop in the line, wrap the loop around the intersection of the lines multiple times, and pass the loop through a hole proximate to the intersection, and the controller is further configured to control the line feeder and / or the line collector to tightly pull the line to form a dropper loop knot as a result.

[0024] In one embodiment, the staging actuator includes three linear actuators that are extendable from a platform and contractible within the platform, and the three linear actuators are arranged around a loop lifting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around the intersection of the lines multiple times.

[0025] In one embodiment, the tying actuator is four linear actuators arranged around the staging actuator, including two actuators arranged to stage a line on the staging actuator, one actuator arranged to be extensible and vibratable to facilitate winding a loop around an intersection of the lines a plurality of times, and one actuator arranged to pass a loop through a hole close to the intersection.

[0026] In one embodiment, one actuator arranged to be extensible and vibratable complementarily interacts with the loop lifting actuator to facilitate winding the loop around the intersection of the lines a plurality of times.

[0027] In one embodiment, the tying actuator extends or contracts in a direction substantially transverse to the direction in which the staging actuator extends or contracts.

[0028] In one embodiment, the tying actuator extends or contracts within a plane substantially on the same plane within the plane in which the line moves through the line operating assembly.

[0029] In one embodiment, the staging actuator and the tying actuator each include a specific line engagement device configured to engage with the line to facilitate the interaction between a specific actuator and the line during the knot tying process.

[0030] In one embodiment, the line operating assembly includes a line humidifier configured to wet the line during the knot tying process to minimize heat damage due to friction when the knot is tied.

[0031] In one embodiment, the line humidifier includes a fluid applicator configured to apply fluid to the line.

[0032] In one embodiment, the knot sensor is positioned as a loop or ring through which the line passes after the knot has been tied.

[0033] In one embodiment, the knot tying device comprises two consecutively arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, and the distance between the knot sensors is selected according to a desired distance between knots in the line.

[0034] In one embodiment, the line collector comprises a second electric motor positioned in alignment with a second spindle by a second magnetic particle clutch, and a second spool supported on the second spindle for receiving a knotted line.

[0035] In one embodiment, the line collector includes a line guide configured to guide the knotted line onto a second spool.

[0036] In one embodiment, the controller comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive inputs, perform logical and arithmetic operations against a suitable instruction set, and provide outputs, as well as temporary and / or non-temporary electronic memory, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0037] A controller for an automatic knot-tying device is provided, comprising a line feeder, a line tensioner, a line operating assembly configured to operate the line to tie knots in the line, to which a tensioned line is operably supplied from the line feeder and line tensioner, at least one knot sensor, and a line collector, wherein the controller is configured to monitor and control the line feeder, line tensioner, line operating assembly, knot sensor, and line collector for use as a pattern rig to automatically and continuously tie spaced knots, such as dropper loops, along the line.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an automatic knotting method for tying knots in a line, The steps include supplying the line using a line feeder, The steps include applying tension to the above line using a line tensioner, The steps include: manipulating the line to tie a knot such as a dropper loop using a line manipulation assembly that is operationally supplied with line from a feeder and tensioner; The steps include using a line collector to retrieve the line with the knot tied on it, and An automatic bundling method is provided that includes this.

[0039] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of monitoring and controlling a line feeder, line tensioner, line operation assembly, and line collector using an appropriate controller in order to automatically and continuously tie separated knots along the line.

[0040] In one embodiment, the steps of operating the line include monitoring and controlling a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position the line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with the staged line for tying a knot.

[0041] In one embodiment, the steps of operating the line include: sequence the extension and contraction of a staging actuator and a binding actuator to create a loop in the line, wrapping the loop multiple times around an intersection of the line and passing the loop through a hole adjacent to the intersection; and controlling a line feeder and / or line collector to pull the line tightly to form a dropper loop knot.

[0042] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of wetting the line using a line wetting device during the tying process in order to minimize thermal damage caused by friction when the knot is tied.

[0043] In one embodiment, the step of operating the line includes sensing the interval between knots using two consecutively arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, the interval being selectable according to a desired interval between knots in the line.

[0044] A further aspect of the present invention provides an automatic knot tying device, a controller for the automatic knot tying device, and an automatic knot tying method for tying knots in a line, substantially as described and / or illustrated herein.

[0045] Please refer to the attached drawings for explanation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of an automatic knot-tying device according to an aspect of the present invention, configured to tie a dropper loop knot. [Figure 2-12] Figure 1 is a schematic close-up perspective view of the line operation assembly of an automatic knot tying device, illustrating the continuous movement of its components for tying dropper loops within the line. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Further features of the present invention are described in more detail in the following description of some non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention to those skilled in the art. This description should not be understood as a limitation to the broad summary, disclosure, or description of the invention above.

[0048] In drawings incorporated to illustrate exemplary embodiments, similar reference numerals are used throughout to identify similar parts. Furthermore, features, mechanisms, and aspects that are well known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as they are within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0049] Furthermore, the attached drawings do not represent technical drawings or design drawings, but only show a functional overview of the present invention. Therefore, features and actual structural details necessary for various embodiments may not be shown in each drawing, but such structural requirements are within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0050] In general, the present invention provides an automatic knot-tying device 10, along with an associated automatic knot-tying method for tying knots in a line. The device 10 is designed to automatically and continuously tie spaced knots along the length of a line 8, typically for use as a patterned star rig. The device 10 eliminates the need to manually tie repetitive knots, which require skill and practice to master.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 10 can be configured to tie various types of knots, such as dropper loop knots. Thus, while exemplary embodiments are described herein in relation to tying dropper loop knots, other knots are also appropriate and are included as part of a broader reference to dropper loop knots.

[0052] Referring here to the attached drawings, one embodiment of such an automatic knot-tying device 10 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 10 generally comprises a line feeder 14, a line tensioner 16, a line operation assembly 18, at least one knot sensor 20, and a line collector 22, all of which are typically monitored and controlled by a suitable controller 24. In a typical embodiment, the line feeder 14, line tensioner 16, line operation assembly 18, knot sensor 20, and line collector 22 are arranged on a suitable platform 26, such as a desktop platform.

[0053] The controller 24 is generally positioned to communicate with, monitor, and control the line feeder 14, line tensioner 16, line operation assembly 18, knot sensor 20, and line collector 22. Such monitoring is generally performed via appropriate sensors such as position sensors on actuators, line tension sensors, and knot sensing in the line. In this way, the controller 24 can be configured to facilitate the automatic and continuous tying of spaced knots, such as dropper loop knots, along the line 8, which finds a particular application as a pattern rig.

[0054] Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller 24 may comprise any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive inputs, perform logical and arithmetic operations against a suitable instruction set, and provide outputs, as well as temporary and / or non-temporary electronic memory, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The actuator position may be sensed via a well-known limit switch or similar transducer, thereby enabling the controller 24 to sense and acquire feedback to determine the operating state of the components of the device 10.

[0055] The line feeder 14 is generally configured to supply line 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the line feeder 14 includes an electric motor 28 positioned in alignment with the spindle 30 by a magnetic particle clutch 32. If necessary, a line spool 34 is supported on the spindle 30 to supply a continuous line to the line operation assembly 18. Variations thereto are possible and anticipated.

[0056] The line tensioner 16 is generally configured to apply tension to the line. In an exemplary embodiment, the line tensioner 16 is positioned between the line feeder 14 and the line operating assembly 18, as shown in the figure. The line tensioner 16 is configured to apply tension to the line, facilitating the line operating assembly 18 to manipulate the line to tie knots within the line.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, a line feeder 14 and a line tensioner 16 are monitored and controlled by a controller 24 to selectively apply tension to the line supplied to a line operating assembly 18. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 24 is typically configured to control the electric motor 28 and clutch 32 of the line feeder 14 according to the monitored tension of the line. To this end, in exemplary embodiments, the line tensioner 16 comprises a pulley assembly 36 and a biasing element 38, such as a spring, positioned to apply tension to the line. In exemplary embodiments, the line tensioner 16 comprises a load cell 40, and the controller 24 is configured to monitor the tension of the line 8 via the load cell 40. In exemplary embodiments, the pulley assembly 36 comprises three pulleys, two of which are substantially coplanar, and a third pulley positioned above it, with the line operably passed through all three pulleys, the upper pulley comprising the load cell 40. The pulley assembly 36 is generally configured, for example, via a mechanical guide, to ensure that the line remains on the pulley regardless of line slack.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing element 38 is positioned behind the pulley assembly 36, as shown in the figure, to bias the line 8 substantially transversely to its movement. The biasing element 38 generally takes up undesirable slack in the line 8 due to the movement of the operating assembly 18, as will be described in more detail below. In an exemplary embodiment, the line tensioner 16 includes an aligner 42 configured to facilitate the supply of the line to the line operating assembly 18.

[0059] In this way, the line operation assembly 18 is operably supplied with a tensioned line from the feeder 14, and the operation assembly 18 is configured to operate the line to tie a dropper loop within the line. To this end, the line operation assembly 18 comprises a plurality of staging actuators 44 configured to receive and position the line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators 46 configured to interact with such staged line to tie a dropper loop knot.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the staging actuator 44 comprises a plurality of linear actuators that are controllable to extend from or retract into the platform 26 to receive and position lines for tying. Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, the tying actuator 46 comprises a plurality of linear actuators that are controllable to extend or retract to manipulate lines for tying. Such linear actuators can take various forms well known in the art, including electromechanical actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, and the like. As known in the art, such actuators may include position sensors and / or appropriate position feedback so that the controller 24 can determine the position of the actuators.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, the knot actuator 46 generally extends or retracts in a direction substantially transverse to the direction in which the staging actuator 44 extends or retracts. In exemplary embodiments, the knot actuator 46 extends or retracts in a plane substantially coplanar with the plane in which the line 8 moves through the line operation assembly 18; that is, the line 8 moves coplanar with the platform 26, and the knot actuator 46 moves substantially parallel to the platform 26. Importantly, the staging actuator 44 and the knot actuator 46 each include a specific line engager 50 configured to engage with the line 8 to facilitate interaction between the specific actuator and the line during the knot tying process.

[0062] In a typical and exemplary embodiment, as roughly shown in Figures 2 to 12, the controller 24 is configured to sequence the extension and contraction of the staging actuator 44 and the binding actuator 46 to create a loop in the line, wrap the loop multiple times around the intersection of the line, and pass the loop through a hole adjacent to the intersection. Simultaneously, the controller 24 is further configured to control the line feeder 14 and / or line collector 22 to pull the line tightly as needed during this sequence of actuators 44, 46, resulting in a dropper loop knot.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the staging actuator 44 comprises three linear actuators 44.1, 44.2, and 44.3 that are extendable from and retractable within the platform 26, the three linear actuators 44.1, 44.2, and 44.3 arranged around a loop lift actuator 48 to facilitate wrapping the loop multiple times around the intersection of the line.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the binding actuator 46 comprises four linear actuators 46.1, 46.2, 46.3, and 46.4 arranged around a staging actuator 44, including two binding actuators 46.3 and 46.4 positioned to stage lines on the staging actuator 44, one actuator 46.1 positioned to be extendable and vibrate (i.e., able to move up and down) to facilitate wrapping a loop multiple times around a line intersection, and one actuator 46.2 positioned to pass a loop through a hole adjacent to the intersection. In particular, the complementaryly positioned extendable and vibrate actuator 46.1 interacts with the loop lifting actuator 48 to facilitate wrapping the loop multiple times around a line intersection.

[0065] Referring particularly to Figures 2 to 12 of the attached drawings, an example of a knot-tying process is shown, which requires a specific ordering of actuators 44, 46 by controller 24. Those skilled in the art will understand that variations of such ordering of actuators are possible and within the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, knot actuator 46.3 interacts with the supplied line to position the line on staging actuator 44.3, and staging actuator 44.3 rises (typically immediately afterward) together with staging actuator 44.2. Similarly, knot actuator 46.4 extends to hook the line onto staging actuator 44.1, which rises appropriately from platform 26.

[0066] When line 8 is formed into such a loop, the extendable and vibrating binding actuator 46.1 interacts complementaryly with the loop lift actuator 48 to facilitate wrapping the loop around the line intersection multiple times, that is, the actuator 46.1 receives the line from the vibrating loop lift actuator 48 and wraps it repeatedly around the main line, as shown in Figures 7-9.

[0067] Once the line has been wrapped around the main line the desired number of times (e.g., three, four, etc.) as needed, the tying actuator 46.2 is activated to pass the loop through the hole adjacent to the intersection between the wrapping sections on both sides of the intersection. As shown in Figures 10-12, the line feeder 14 and line collector 22 are also typically activated to pull the line tightly to form a dropper loop knot.

[0068] In one possible embodiment, the line operation assembly 18 may further include a line wetting device (not shown) configured to wet the line during the tying process to minimize thermal damage due to friction when the knot is tied. In one embodiment, the line wetting device includes a fluid applicator (e.g., a water sprayer for wetting the line) configured to apply a fluid to the line. In another embodiment, the line wetting device may include a wet sponge or the like for rubbing against the line. In yet another embodiment, the pulley assembly 36 may include another pulley with a water bath, thereby guiding the line through the water bath before being supplied to the operation assembly 18. Again, variations of this specification are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] The device 10 further includes at least one knot sensor 20 configured to sense knots tied in line 8. In exemplary embodiments, the knot sensor 20 is positioned as a loop or ring through which line 8 passes after a knot has been tied. In typical embodiments, the tying device 10 comprises two consecutively positioned knot sensors 20 through which the line passes, as shown, and the spacing between the knot sensors 20 is selected according to a desired spacing between knots in the line. For example, a first knot sensor 20 can sense when a knot is tied, and the line is fed through the operating assembly 18 until a second knot sensor 18 senses the knot, at which point the controller 24 restarts the knot tying sequence described above.

[0070] The line collector 22 is generally configured to collect the line to which the dropper loop knot 12 is tied, as shown in the figure. In an exemplary embodiment, the line collector 22 comprises a second electric motor 28.2 positioned in alignment with a second spindle 30.2 by a second magnetic particle clutch 32.2, and a second spool 34.2 supported on the second spindle 30.2 for receiving the line to which the dropper loop knot 12 is tied. In an exemplary embodiment, the line collector 22 further comprises a line guide 54 configured to guide the knotted line onto the second spool 34.2. Such a line guide 54 may be under the control of a controller 24 to wind the knotted line evenly onto the second spool 34.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention generally includes an automated knotting method for tying knots, such as dropper loops, within a line using a device 10. The method typically includes the steps of supplying the line using a line feeder 14, applying tension to the line using a line tensioner 16, and manipulating the line to tie a dropper loop using a line manipulating assembly 18, from which the line is operably supplied from the line feeder 14 and the line tensioner 16. Finally, the method typically includes the step of collecting the line with the dropper loop knot 12 tied using a line collector 22.

[0072] Any embodiment of the present invention may be said to be more widely available, either individually or collectively, in any or all combination of two or more parts, elements, or features, and where a certain number of components that have known equivalents in the art to which the present invention relates are referred herein, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if they were individually described. In the exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0073] In the context of describing various embodiments (in particular in the context of the claimed subject matter below), the use of the terms “a,” “an,” “said,” “the,” and / or similar referents should be interpreted as encompassing both singular and plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or unless it is clearly inconsistent with the context. The terms “comrising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as non-restrictive terms (i.e., “including, but not limited to”) unless otherwise specified. Where used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more items from the enumerated items relating to the subject matter. Nothing in this specification should be interpreted as indicating that unclaimed subject matter is essential to the implementation of the claimed subject matter.

[0074] Spatially relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “directly below,” “downward,” “below,” “up,” and “top” may be used herein for ease of explanation to indicate the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature(s), as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned upside down, an element described as being “below” or “directly below” another element or feature would be located “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “downward” may encompass both upward and downward orientations. The device may be oriented in a different way (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0075] It should be understood that the “one example” or “an example” of the present invention, or similar exemplary terms herein (e.g., “etc.”), are not used in an exclusive sense. Thus, one example may illustrate a particular aspect of the invention, and other aspects are illustrated in different examples. These examples are intended to assist those skilled in the art in carrying out the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g., modified and / or improved forms) of one or more embodiments described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading this application. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will adopt such variations as needed, and the inventors intend that the claimed subject matter may be carried out in ways other than those specifically described herein.

[0076] Any method steps, processes, and actions described herein should not necessarily be construed as requiring their execution in a specific order described or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

1. A line feeder configured to supply line, A line tensioner configured to apply tension to the aforementioned line, A line operation assembly configured to be operationally supplied from the feeder and to operate the line to tie knots such as dropper loops, At least one knot sensor configured to detect a knot tied to the line, A line collector configured to retrieve a line with a knot tied to it, A controller is configured to communicate with the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line operation assembly, the knot sensor, and the line collector, and to monitor and control the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line operation assembly, the knot sensor, and the line collector, in order to automatically and continuously tie spaced knots along the line for use as a pattern rig. An automatic knot-tying device equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The automatic knot-tying device according to claim 1, wherein the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line operation assembly, the knot sensor, and the line collector are arranged on a platform.

3. The automatic knot-tying device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the line feeder comprises an electric motor positioned in alignment with a spindle by a magnetic particle clutch, and a spool of line supported on the spindle for supplying to the line operation assembly as needed.

4. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the line tensioner is positioned between the line feeder and the line operation assembly and is configured to apply tension to the line in order to facilitate the line operation assembly from operating the line.

5. The automatic knotting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the line feeder and the line tensioner are monitored and controlled by the controller to selectively apply tension to the line supplied to the line operating assembly.

6. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the line tensioner comprises a pulley assembly and a biasing element such as a spring arranged to apply tension to the line.

7. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the line tensioner comprises a load cell, and the controller is configured to monitor the tension of the line via the load cell.

8. The automatic knot tying device according to claim 7, wherein the pulley assembly comprises three pulleys, two of which are substantially coplanar, and a third pulley is positioned above, and the line is operably passed through all three pulleys, the upper pulley comprising the load cell.

9. The automatic knot tying device according to claim 6, wherein the biasing element is positioned after the pulley assembly to bias the line in the transverse direction of movement.

10. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the line tensioner comprises an aligner configured to facilitate the supply of line to the line operation assembly.

11. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller is configured to control the electric motor and clutch of the line feeder according to the monitored tension of the line.

12. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the line operation assembly comprises a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position the line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with the staged line for tying a knot.

13. The automatic knot-tying device according to claim 12, wherein the staging actuator comprises a plurality of linear actuators that are controllably extendable or retractable to receive and position the line for tying.

14. The automatic knot tying device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the tying actuator comprises a plurality of linear actuators that are controllably extendable or retractable to operate the line in order to tie a knot.

15. Automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to sequence the extension and contraction of the staging actuator and the tying actuator to create a loop in the line, wrap the loop multiple times around an intersection of the line, and pass the loop through a hole adjacent to the intersection, and the controller is further configured to control the line feeder and / or the line collector to pull the line tightly to form a dropper loop knot.

16. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the staging actuator comprises three linear actuators that are extendable from the platform and retractable within the platform, the three linear actuators being arranged around a loop lifting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop multiple times around the intersection of the line.

17. Automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the tying actuator comprises four linear actuators arranged around the staging actuator, two actuators arranged to stage the line on the staging actuator, one actuator arranged to be extendable and vibrable to facilitate wrapping the loop multiple times around the intersection of the line, and one actuator arranged to pass the loop through a hole adjacent to the intersection.

18. An automatic knot tying device according to claim 17, wherein one actuator, which is arranged in a complementary manner so as to be extendable and vibrable, interacts with the loop lifting actuator to facilitate wrapping the loop around the intersection of the line multiple times.

19. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the tying actuator extends or retracts in a direction substantially transverse to the direction in which the staging actuator extends or retracts.

20. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the tying actuator extends or retracts in a substantially coplanar plane within the plane in which the line moves through the line operation assembly.

21. The automatic knot-tying apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the staging actuator and the tying actuator each include a specific line engager configured to engage with the line to facilitate interaction between a specific actuator and the line during the knot-tying process.

22. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the line operation assembly comprises a line wetter configured to wet the line during the knot-tying process in order to minimize thermal damage due to friction when the knot is tied.

23. The automatic knot-tying device according to claim 22, wherein the line wetting device comprises a fluid applicator configured to apply a fluid to the line.

24. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the knot sensor is arranged as a loop or ring through which the line passes after the knot is tied.

25. The automatic knot tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising two consecutively arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, wherein the distance between the knot sensors is selected according to a desired distance between knots in the line.

26. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the line collector comprises a second electric motor positioned in alignment with a second spindle by a second magnetic particle clutch, and a second spool supported on the second spindle for receiving the line with the knot tied.

27. The automatic knot-tying device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the line collector comprises a line guide configured to guide the knotted line onto the second spool.

28. A controller for an automatic knot-tying device, comprising a line feeder, a line tensioner, a line operation assembly configured to operate the line to tie knots such as dropper loops within the line, at least one knot sensor, and a line collector, wherein the controller is configured to monitor and control the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line operation assembly, the knot sensor, and the line collector for use as a pattern rig to automatically and continuously tie spaced knots along the line.

29. An automatic knotting method for tying knots within a line, The steps include supplying the line using a line feeder, The steps include applying tension to the line using a line tensioner, Using a line operating assembly to which the line is operably supplied from the feeder and tensioner, the steps include operating the line to tie a knot such as a dropper loop, The steps include: using a line collector to retrieve the line with the knot tied to it; An automatic bundling method including [details omitted].

30. The method according to claim 29, comprising the step of monitoring and controlling the line feeder, the line tensioner, the line operation assembly, and the line collector using an appropriate controller in order to automatically and continuously tie apart knots along the line.

31. The method according to claim 29, wherein the step of operating the line includes monitoring and controlling a plurality of staging actuators configured to receive and position the line for tying, and a plurality of tying actuators configured to interact with the staged line for tying a knot.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the steps of operating the line include: sequence extending and contracting the staging actuator and the binding actuator to create a loop in the line, wrapping the loop multiple times around an intersection of the line and passing the loop through a hole adjacent to the intersection; and controlling the line feeder and / or the line collector to pull the line tightly and as a result form a dropper loop knot.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, further comprising the step of wetting the line using a line wetting device during the tying process in order to minimize thermal damage due to friction when the knot is tied.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the step of operating the line includes sensing the interval between knots using two consecutively arranged knot sensors through which the line passes, the interval being selectable according to a desired interval between knots in the line.

Images