BACKGROUND ART It is commonly known that twine is hand winded to net needles and has nearly been the only method for a long time, which has been used at sea and land to best knowledge. A net maker has to stop working on the net each time, a net needle is out of twine-he then has to hand wind on to a net needle, which is time-consuming and delays the netting. When a net, a seine net or a trawl come out of the sea ripped there has to be enough of fully winded needles aboard the relevant fishing boat, so it's possible to commence fishing soon after repairs. If the tear in question is big, it might be needed to wind all the available needles many times before repairs are over-with the delays that follow.

From Canada there is never the less known a simple device for winding twine on to net needles without a tongue. The device is hand rotated but it is also available electrically driven. This device and the method, which it is built upon, comprises securing a net needle in a specially made needle holder, which sits on the end of a rotatable crank which goes through the device holder. On the top of the holder there is a control for the twine, which can be moved up, or down in specially made slots in the holder, according to needle size. The twine is then fully winded to the needle by hand rotating the crank and thereby the attached needle-or leaving the rotating to an electric motor.

The device and the method do not relieve a person of the work and it is only possible to put one needle at a time in the device. Also the loose ends

of the twine have to be tied to each new needle, which is placed in the device. The method is therefore no less time-consuming than hand winding the needle"the old fashioned way".

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The objective of the invention is to put forward a method and an automatic apparatus, which both relieves the winding work and increases performance and efficiency in netting and net repairing.

This objective is obtained by, that the method according to claim 1 is basically new and unique in that, the net needles are placed in a needle in-feed device in a vertical position with the pointed end facing down and they are automatically moved to the rotatable moving device, that grabs the needles, one and one at a time, with grab arms with the help of a thrusting device and moves to the winding device by turning 90° out of a circle, anticlockwise, and keep the net needles still and vertical, in a winding position, while the winding device winds the twine on to the net needles in a desired, adjusted amount, and the twine is taken of twine rolls in a roll holder device, threaded through blocks on swinging arms and on a base platform, which take the slack of the twine, to a winding device, and a moving device then moves fully winded net needles to a standstill by a burning-cutter device, where a burner wire melts the twine apart and the net needle comes away.

The objective is also obtained by that the method is new and unique according to additional claims 2-10 of the method..

The objective is furthermore obtained by, that the apparatus according to claim 11 is new and unique insofar that it is automatic and comprises basically of a needle in-feed device, a rotatable moving device, a winding device, a roll holder device and a support device; where a needle in-feed device consists of a sloping needle in-feed, a movable weight pad on wheels and a thrusting device; where a moving device has in particular two annular drums, an upper drum and a lower drum, which rotate around a fixed cam axle with an attached curve cam, at least eight fixed grab arms, that sit on the drums, at least four axles, which connect

drums together and there are at least four movable grab arms and also at least four spring grab arms attached on to connecting axles along with two tensile springs, also a burning-cutter device; where a winding device basically comprises of a chain-drive device, a winding needle assembly, which is secured approximately horizontal on to chains, a guiding device for twine, a guiding device for winding needle assembly and a vertical support column, which is secured on to the base platform of the apparatus and carries a winding device; where a roll holder device basically comprises of a holder frame, which is attached on to a base platform, with three demountable and horizontal axles, two swinging arms with two blocks, which can rotate, attached on to a top axle of a holder frame, also two blocks, which are attached to a base platform nearly straight underneath blocks on swinging arms; where the supporting device of the apparatus basically comprises of a base platform and a fundament, which carries a needle in-feed device and a moving device, and the fundament is secured on to a fastening plate, in movable and adjustable way with the help of an adjusting means, where the fastening plate is secured on to a base platform.

At the same time the objective is obtained by that the apparatus is new and unique according to additional device claims 13 - 25.

With the invention the following in particular is achieved: It is possible to put many net needles in the apparatus at the same time and the device fully winds adjusted amount of twine automatically on to all those needles, without the human hand having to come close to the job while it is being done, that is: It is not necessary to stop the apparatus to bind or fasten the loose end at each new needle, which has been placed in a winding position, -the device sees to it that it does not let go of a fully winded needle and cut the twine until the winding is finished on the next needle and it leaves the winding position, only then the twine is melted apart from the previous fully winded needle and it comes away from the apparatus-automatically.

'The device stops automatically before the needle magazine empties entirely of needles. That is done so that the twine does not come loose from the last fully winded needle and makes it possible to fill

the needle magazine again with needles and commence winding again, without having to bind the twine to a new needle in a winding position. A fully winded needle in a standstill holds on to the twine while a new needle is winded, as said before.

'It is possible to wind net needles evenly of all common sizes, which are both with and without a tongue, also to use twine of all common diameters-also double if needed.

'It is possible to control the speed of the winding and stop the device anywhere in the process.

A worker is not tied to the apparatus while one"magazine-round"is being winded-only in the beginning when twine rolls and net needles are set up in the apparatus and the twine is tied to the first needle and the apparatus is started. After that the apparatus only needs attention when new empty needles are lined up in the needle in-feed and the twine roll is replaced-in between doing that the worker can do his net repairs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be explained in further detail here below with reference to the figures of the drawings, where: Figure 1-shows a full figure of an apparatus (1), seen from a main side, Figure 2-shows a full figure of an apparatus (1), seen from the top, Figure 3-shows a transect of a B-B in a moving device (3) and a needle in-feed device (2), seen from the side, Figure 4-shows a transect of an A-A in a moving device (3) and a needle in-feed device (2), seen from the top, Figure 5-shows a moving device (3), seen from the top, Figure 6-shows the approach of a winding device (4a) with a needle without a tongue in a winding position, seen from the side, Figure 7-shows the approach of a winding device (4b) with a net needle with a tongue in a winding position-without a chain device, seen from the side,

Figure 8-shows the approach of a guiding pad on the support column of a winding device (4b), seen from the front, Figure 9-shows the approach of grab arms (20a, 26a), seen from the top, Figure 10a-shows the approach of grab arms (20b, 26b), seen from the top, Figure lOb-shows the approach of a curve cam (22), seen from the top, Figure 11-shows the approach of a guiding frame (46a) and a chain device on to the support column of a winding device (4a), seen from the front, Figure 12-shows the approach of a thrusting device (14) in a needle in-feed device (2), seen from the side, Figure 13-shows the approach of a thrusting device (14) in a needle in-feed device (2), seen from the top, Figure 14- shows the approach of a burning-cutter device (29), seen from the side, Figure 15-shows the approach of a burning-cutter device (29), seen from the top.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The Apparatus of the invention : As seen on figures 1 and 2 the invention of an apparatus (1) basically comprises of a needle in-feed device (2), a rotatable moving device (3), a winding device (4a, 4b), a roll holder device (5), a support device (6) and last but not least, an electric controlling and connecting device, along with movement detectors and end stops, although not shown on the figures.

This electric part of the apparatus is really not part of this application and will therefore not be talked about, unless it is necessary for the context.

Supporting device (6) is a synonym for a few fundamental fastening units, which have the function to carry and fasten all the main functioning parts of the apparatus (1). The supporting device comprises mainly of a base platform (62), a fundament (63), a fastening plate (64) and an adjusting means (65), although the support column could also be mentioned (48) here, as it carries a winding device (4), but it has been decided to group it

with the winding device because of how interwoven it is with that part and its functions.

A base platform (62) is the main support unit of the device and it is rectangular, oblong, object of cast aluminum, which stands on four feet, which basically has a horizontal area on top, which is cut or planed even so that the bolted pieces sit right. On one side of the base platform, there is an elevation/a ledge for a gear motor (43) of the winding device (4), which goes right across the base platform. The ledge is made in the exact right height with cutting/planing so that the axle of a gear motor (43) fits with the lower sprocket wheel-axle (42) of the winding device (4), which sits on a support column (48) -see figures 1, 2 and 6.

Otherwise the line-up of the functional parts of the apparatus on to the base platform is like this, a roll holder device (5) sits on its (thinner) end, then comes a winding device (4) with a gear motor (43) on the said ledge and a support column (48) bolted on to the base platform by the ledge, further from a roll holder device so, a winding part of the device sits approximately over the end of the base platform nearer one of its corners.

On the same end of the base platform nearer its other corner is a fastening plate (64) bolted tight so it is reaching over the end. On this fastening plate sits a fundament (63), that carries a needle in-feed device (2) and a moving device (3), along with a gear motor (27) driving the moving device.

Fundament (63), which is also an object of cast aluminum, is mostly a rather narrow, oblong and thick object secured in a movable and adjustable way onto a fastening plate (64) so it is transverse to the longer side of a base platform (62) and is completely placed outside the end of the base platform-see figures 1-4. A moving device (3) is placed on one of the fundaments end opposite a winding device (4), but a needle in-feed device (2) is attached onto the other end, which is higher and tilts with reference to horizontal. A gear motor (27), which rotates a moving device (3) with a gear wheel (28) fixed to its gear axle, is attached under the fundament underneath the main part of the moving device. With the help of an adjusting device (65) it is possible to move the fundament on the fastening plate-to and from a base platform (62) and a winding device (4)

- and therefore with every object that is attached onto it with the purpose, to move the middle of a net needle (66,67), which a moving device (3) holds in a winding position, approximately in the same vertical plan as a middle (32) of winding needle of the winding device (4) is located in.

On figures 2-4 the approach of a needle in-feed device can be seen in closer detail (2) and how it is placed onto a fundament (63). The needle in- feed device consists of a needle magazine (13), a movable weight pad (11) on wheels (12), and a thrusting device (14), which is attached onto a fundament (63) on the same side as a magazine (13), as a base platform (62) and at the end, which is nearer to a moving device (3) -here after named the front end of a magazine.

Needle magazine (13) is rather narrow, oblong and sloping and consists of two thin, vertical sides (7,8), a rather thick material magazine base (9) and an adjustable land (10). The needle magazine is made to slope in the direction of a moving device (3) so, the higher end as well as the rear end is further away from a moving device (3), but the lower end as well as the front end, as described before, is directed to a moving device (3) and the preferable slope is about 20° with reference to the (horizontal) surface area of a base platform (62). A needle magazine is made to slope so to enable the net needles to slide forward, but a weight pad (11) also assists.

Magazine sides (7,8) are attached onto a magazine base (9) and their height is approximately the same as the length of the smallest net needles so as to give the needles the best control and guidance. The upper edges of the sides are bent outwards almost to a right angle and form paths for wheels (12) onto weight pads (11). At the same time side (7) is moveable both in the length direction of the magazine and right across so, it is possible to narrow and widen a magazine according to thickness of the net needles and move the magazine side forwards or backwards according to the needles width. Side (7) also has a recess (lOb) on its front end-see figure 12.

Land (10) has two right angle grab arms and sits vertically on the front end of side (8). The right angle grab arms bend inwards and are closing off

the end of a magazine and stop the progression of net needles in the magazine, i. e. the first net needle lies against the grab arms in a vertical standstill. The grab arms in question come at certain intervals on a vertical plan, so that grab arms (20,26) of a moving device (3) can grip around a net needle (66,67) in a standstill, without colliding with the land. Land (10) is removable/adjustable horizontally in the length direction of a magazine (13) with the help of an adjustable screw, so that it is possible to adjust net needles with variously thick edges into the exact right place for grab arms (20,26).

A weight pad (11) is made from rather thick material, it is quite wide and higher than it is wide and is adapted to the slope of a magazine (13).

Wheels (12) are attached onto the upper end of weight pad, two and two on each of its side and lie on the out bent upper edges of sides (7, 8) of a magazine so, the main part of a weight pad is inside the magazine and the pad reaches almost down to a magazine base. Therefore the pad can drive or run the full length of the magazine edges. Because of the pads weight it thrusts towards the backmost net needle in the magazine and assures that, the needles move steadily forward in the magazine, as the moving device (3) removes from it.

Approach of a thrusting device (14) of the needle in-feed device (2) is shown in closer detail on figures 12 and 13. It comprises basically of an electric jack (15), a vertical thrusting pad (16), a thrusting plate (17), a thrusting spring (78), two horizontal rods (79), a guiding base (83) and a vertical fastening plate (81), bolted onto a fundament (63). The thrusting device as a whole nearly sits horizontal on a fundament (63).

An electric jack (15) is attached at the back and is movable with quite a long guiding bolt (82) to a guiding base (83), which is screwed underneath a magazine base (9). Guiding bolt (82) sits in an oblong slot (84) in the guiding base (83) and can move around in the slot. The axle end of a jack (15) is attached to the lower end of the vertical, oblong thrusting pad (16), which sits on the other two horizontal rods (79), that goes through it. The thrusting pad can move around on the rods because of the force from a jack. Both ends of the rods (79) are attached both sides in a vertical pad

made for that purpose onto a fastening plate (81), in such a way to make a certain vertical interval in between the rods to avoid a strong torque of the force from a jack. Onto a thrusting pad (16) an oblong guiding sleeve (16a) is attached, which lower rod (79) goes into, to secure further more that the thrusting pad does not deviate nor get stuck from the force of a jack and/or a thrusting spring (78); but it sits on an upper rod (79) between the rear fastening pad on a fastening plate (81) and a thrusting pad (16) and acts with a force onto a pad in the moving direction of net needles (66, 67).

A thrusting plate (17) is attached in vertical position with movable and elastic device (80) at the upper end of a thrusting pad (16) and lies horizontally out from it along a magazine (13) so, the plate can both move perpendicular away from a magazine and turn to and from it. The thrusting plate has approximately two 30° bends close to its rear end so, it reaches a little bit inside the edge of a recess (lOb) on the front end of a magazine side (7). The front end of a thrusting plate is also bent almost 30° inwards and goes into net needles (66,67) and can therefore push them towards land (10) because of the force from a thrusting spring (78).

The reason for a horizontal position of a thrusting device (14) on a fundament (63) and therefore a horizontal force from a thrusting plate (17) onto net needles is, that the tip of the net needles lifts away from a magazine base (9), which tilts downwards, when the thrusting plate puts a force on a relevant needle towards land (10) and there is no enforcement, which otherwise could happen.

On figures 1-5 and 14-15, in particular on figures 3-5 a closer approach of a moving device (3) can be seen. It basically comprises of two plastic drums, a upper drum (18) and a lower drum (19), with a toothed gear edge on the lower edge, a cam axle (21) with an attached curve cam (22), at least eight fixed grab arms (20a, 20b), at least four movable grab arms (26a, 26b), at least four connecting axles (23), at least four spring grab arms (25) along with two tensile springs (24) and at last a burning- cutter device (29).

Plastic drums (18,19) are annular and can rotate on a cam axle (21), each drum on one of its end so, the axle ends go through holes that are made for that purpose on the drums middle. The drums lie towards humps on a cam axle, where the axle is wider around the middle, and an upper drum (18) is held in its position by a bolt, which screws into the axles end, but a lower drum is fixed when an axle is screwed onto a fundament (63). By doing this it makes a little interval in between the drums on the one hand for a curve cam (22), which is bolted onto the curve axle-almost onto the axles middle, and on the other hand for movable grab arms (26a, 26b).

Drums (18,19) are connected together with the four axles (23), sitting in the drums where they can rotate and go through holes and are close to edges of drums with a 90° interval. A gear motor (27) rotates a lower drum (19) with a gear wheel (28), which works on the toothed gear edge of the lower drum (19), and therefore also the upper drum (18) because of connecting axles (23). Drums rotate around a cam axle (21), which sits vertical with its lower end on a fundament (63) so, the end has a screw thread on the outside and goes through the fundament and is attached with washer and nut, that screws upwards onto the axle end and clamps the axle onto the fundament.

The annular drums (18, 19) are provided with at least eight fixed grab arms (20a, 20b) placed in holes on edges of the drums and attached with stop screws-at least four in each drum, pointing to the center with 90° interval, approximately opposite connecting axles (23). A few degrees difference is in the direction of a ray from the middle of drums to the position of grab arms (20a, 20b) on the one hand and on the other hand the position of the connecting axles. At the outer end of each grab arm there are specially made grab notches (20c, 20d).

Onto each connecting axle (23) one of the at least four movable grab arms is attached (26a, 26b) so, they sit approximately on the axles middle in between drums (18,19) and therefore approximately right between grab arms (20a, 20b) in the drums. At the outer end of each grab arm (26a, 26b) there are specially made grab notches (26c, 26d) of the same kind and are in the fixed grab arms (20a, 20b) and grab notches of the movable

grab arms (26a, 26b) face grab notches on the fixed grab arms, which are placed next to the top and underneath by each and every movable grab arm. That way the grab arms in question form four pairs of grab arms with a 90° interval onto the rotatable part of a moving device (3) so, a suitable grab interval is formed in between grab arms in each pair for net needles (66,67) of assorted thickness. This is caused by the suitable interval in degrees, which is on one hand in between the vertical plan of grab arms (20a, 20b) and on the other hand connecting axles (23) with attached grab arms (26a, 26b) in the pairs of grab arms in question, as described before.

On figures 3 and 5 it can be seen that connecting axles (23) reach out of the upper drum (18) and is attached with one spring grab arm (25) at the top of each connecting axle. Tensile springs (24) are connected in between the loose ends of the spring grab arms, which sit on axles (23), which are opposite each other in drums (18,19), i. e. have 180° in between. The spring grab arms are placed on the connecting axles so, the pull force from springs (24) pulls the movable grab arms (26a, 26b) on the rotatable connecting axles (23) to the fixed grab arms (20a, 20b) in each pair of grab arms. That way a grip hold is formed for net needles.

On figures 3,4 and 10b the position and approach of a curve cam (22) can be seen, which is attached approximately on the cam axle (21) middle in between drums (18,19) with reference to the height, like described before.

By dividing the rotation process of a moving device (3) in to four 90° quarters I. -IV., where quarter I. reaches from the starting position of the front end of a needle magazine (13) to a net needles winding position at a winding device (4) and so on, anticlockwise back again to the starting position of a needle magazine (13), where quarter IV. ends, a curve cam (22) is placed onto a cam axle (21) with reference to the rotation process, that it sits partly in quarter III. (approximately 30°-45°) and nearly in all of quarter IV. (not drawn exactly right on figure 4). The curve cam has a specific shape/curve on its outer surface, also at both its ends-see figure lOb. Thus its outer surface has the shape of circumference with a fixed radius, but its ends are cut differently askew with rounded outer corners so, the front end has a slope or is pointing to the curve axles

middle (21), but the rear one who is closer to a needle magazine (13) is approximately crosscut and the inner corner of the end is also cut to form a ledge (86). By doing this, gr, ab arms (26a, 26b) can turn more in the closing direction, when the smallest net needles are being used.

Furthermore the inner ends of the movable grab arms have a specific shape of a circumference with a fixed radius, like shown on figures 9 and 10a.

The approach of grab notches (20c, 20d, 26c, 26d) in grab arms (20a, 20b) and (26a, 26b) are variously shaped depending on whether the net needles being winded are without a tongue (66) or with a tongue (67). Grab notches (20c, 26c) are for net needles without a tongue (66) and are alike in the fixed and the movable grab arms (20a, 26a), but grab notches (20d, 26d) are for net needles with a tongue (67) and are also alike in the fixed and the movable grab arms (20b, 26b). This is shown in details on figures 9 and 10.

On figure 9 it can be seen that grab notches (20c, 26c) for net needles without a tongue (66) are approximately V-shaped, where the inclined portion of a notch has approximately 60° slope and has an extension step in the middle, and the outermost edges of notches are made relatively narrow so, the grab arms do not reach more than approximately 1 mm into the winding area of net needles.

On figure 10 it can be seen that grab notches (20d, 26d) for net needles (67) with a tongue (68) are approximately shaped as a semicircle and have a oblong casing with a ribbed inner surface, and the outer edges of notches are kept relatively thin so, the grab arms do not reach more than approximately 1-2 mm into the winding area of net needles. It can also be seen on figures 9 and 10, that notch-ends of the grab arms in both the approaches are rounded on the backside. By doing this twine does not get stuck on the ends during winding.

On figures 1 and 2 the position of a burning-cutter device (29) can be seen by a moving device (3) on the side turning away from a needle in-feed device (2), i. e. the interface of quarters III. and IV. rotation process of the moving device. Closer approach of a burning-cutter device (29) can be

seen on figures 14 and 15. There it can be seen that a burning-cutter device (29) sits on a fastening plate (74) attached to a fundament (63) by a moving device (3) on the base when net needles without a tongue (66) are being winded, but on the top when net needles with a tongue (67) are being winded.

Burning-cutter device (29) consists of a vertical support rod (73), which sits on a fastening plate (74), a support frame (72) with a right angle, which is attached on the top of a support rod (73) where it can rotate and a spring (75) holds a support frame (72) in an approximately vertical position in a neutral state. Also a shield plate (31), which is attached in a rotatable way inside a support frame (72) and a spring holds (76) the plate in a upright position in a neutral state, and a shield plate has (31) nearly right angle bend (31a) onto its loose end. Furthermore there is an adjustable stop pin (71) for a shield plate (31), which sits in either of the vertical right angle grab arms of a support frame (72). At the same time a burning-cutter device (29) consists of a electric burner wire (30), which is attached in between vertical right angle grab arms of a support frame (72) at the top and the burner wire is one of the most : important part of this device.

On figures 6-8 two various approaches of a winding device (4a, 4b) are shown: One of the approaches (4a), which is shown on figure 6, is for the winding of twine (70) onto net needles without a tongue (66). The other approach (4b) is for the winding of twine (70) onto net needles with a tongue (67) and is shown on figures 7 and 8, but without a chain and drive device (39,40, 41,42, 43), which although is also a necessary part of this approach.

Winding device (4a) for winding of twine (70) onto net needles without a tongue (66), according to figure 6, basically comprises of a chain and drive device (39,40, 41,42, 43), a winding needle assembly (77) along with a guiding device (47), a guiding device (44,45, 46a) for twine (70) and a vertical support column (48), which is attached onto a base platform (62) of the apparatus (1) and mostly carries the winding device (4a, 4b).

The chain and drive device embodies in particular two endless and vertical chains (39) that go on two chain wheels (40) on an upper axle (41) and two chain wheels (40) on a lower axle (42), which is driven by a gear motor (43). The axles (40) sit approximately horizontal on a support column (48).

Winding needle assembly (77) is attached approximately horizontally to chains (39) and basically comprises of a horizontal axle (33), which is placed in a housing (37), which is attached to chains (39), and the axle can move horizontally and rotate in a housing (37). Also a rotatable arm (34), which is attached to, an axle (33) outside housing (37) and a bearing (35) is on the outer end of the arm. Furthermore there is a spring (36), which sits around an axle (33) inside a housing (37) and thrusts an axle into the innermost position in'the direction of a support column (48). At the same time a winding needle assembly (77) consists of a winding needle (32), which is hollow and is on the outer end of art axle (33), i. e. which is further away from a support column (48) and it faces a moving device (3).

A winding needle (32) goes through the axle end and is attached in a way so, it is interchangeable and has different diameter both inside and out- according to diameter of a twine (70). Also a roll ( : 38) is attached onto an arm, which is attached onto an axle (33) close to a. winding needle (32) so the roll sits over the winding needle.

On a support column (48) of a winding device (4a) close to its middle there is a hole through the support column for twine (7C)). Three guiding rollers (44) are attached in between two fastening plates (45), which are bolted onto each side of a support column by the hole. One guiding roll is placed on the side of a support column, which turns towards a roll holder device (5) above a hole in a support column, but two guiding rollers are placed on the side of a support column, which is facing a winding device (4), on both sides of a hole in a support column. These guiding rollers are meant to steer the twine and decrease friction, in particular when thick and/or double twine are being used.

Also a winding device (4a) is provided with an oblong rounded guiding frame (46a), which can be seen in closer approach on figure 11. A guiding frame is attached with two relatively long rods to a support column (48)

so, the guiding frame is inside a closed chain (39) and reaches just outside of a outer chain (39) -see figure 6, which is closer to a moving device (3).

Twine (70) is threaded through this guiding frame on its way to a winding needle and is meant to prevent twine getting tangled in chains (39) and furthermore, it contributes to a lesser slack on twine when winding.

On a base platform (62) opposite chains (39), the side where winding needle assembly (77) comes down onto its rotation process around a net needle (66), a guiding means (47) is placed for a winding needle assembly (77). The guiding means has both a flat and sloping surface, which is partly with a rubber coat for softening the stroke of bearing 35 onto the guiding means.

Approach of a winding device (4b) for winding twines (70) onto net needles with a tongue (67), according to figures 7 and 8, consists of the same chain-and drive device (39,40, 41,42, 43), a winding needle assembly (77) and a vertical support column (48), which is attached onto a base platform (62) of the apparatus (1) and carries mostly a winding device (4a, 4b) like a winding device (4a). But instead of guiding rollers (44), guiding frames (46a) and a roll (38) of a winding device (4a) a winding device (4b) has three guiding rings (46b) for twine (70) that sit on right angle arm for guiding rings (46c), which is attached on a top of a support column (48) at the back so, the horizontal arm of the arm for guiding rings reaches well above a winding needle assembly (77) in top position on its circumference and over a net needle (67) in a winding position.

Also a winding device (4b) is provided with a guiding device (49,50, 53) for a winding needle assembly (77), comprising of an upper guiding pad (49) and two lower guiding pads (50). An upper guiding pad (49) is attached on the top of a support column (48) and has two-inclined portion (49b) with interval in between the inclined portion. The other two lower guiding pads (50) with inclined portion (52) are loosely attached. through inclined slots (51) onto a right angle shaped pad holder (53) attached far down onto a support column (48). That part of the pad holder (53), which is horizontal and comes out from a support column (48), replaces a guiding pad (47) in the approach (4a) of the winding device.

Roll holder device (5) of an apparatus (1) can be seen on figures 1 and 2.

The roll holder device, attached onto a base platform (62) onto either one of its ends, like described before, basically comprises of a holder frame (54), two swinging arms (56) and also two blocks (60), which are attached to a base platform (62) with a fastening (61), nearly straight underneath blocks (58,59) on swinging arms (56) -seen from the arms side.

Holder frame (54) sits on a base platform (62) and has three horizontal and detachable axles (55), for twine rolls (69) and swinging arms (56), which are attached onto the top axle (55) where it can rotate. Swinging arms (56) are provided with weights (57) and blocks (58, 59) so, weights (57) are attached in an adjustable way onto the rear end of swinging arms, but blocks (58,59) are attached onto the front end of swinging arms, where it faces a winding device (4a, 4b), and a set interval is made between the blocks.

The method-functionality of the device : The method of the invention is executed with the help of the automatic, electric and computer controlled apparatus (1), as described before.

Basically the method involves placing net needles (66,67) in a needle in- feed device (2) in a vertical position and they move automatically to a rotatable moving device (3), that grabs needles with grab arms (20,26) with the help of a thrusting device (14) and moves them to a winding device (4a, 4b). Twine (70) is taken from twine rolls (69) in a roll holder device (5), threaded through blocks (58) on swinging arms (56), down through blocks (60) and again up through blocks (59) onto swinging arms (56), to a winding device (4a, 4b), which winds a desired, adjusted amount of twine onto net needles (66,67), which is held in a vertical winding position by a moving device (3), according to needle size and the diameter of the twine. Moving device then move fully winded net needles to a standstill by a burning-cutter device (29), where a burner wire (30) melts the twine apart and the net needles come away.

Closer approach of the method and the device functionality is in particular like this:

Empty net needles (66,67) are placed in a sloping needle magazine (13) of the needle in-feed device (2) in a vertical position so, the pointy ends of the net needles point down. The net needles are held in a vertical position in a needle magazine (13) by a weight pad (11), which rests on wheels (12) on top of the out bent edges of sides (7,8) of the needle magazine and can slide in them. The weight pad then pushes the needles down in a needle magazine (13) in the direction of a moving device (3) because of its weight and the slope of a magazine so, the front needle lies towards a vertical, adjustable land (10) onto the front end of a needle magazine. There the needle is held securely fixed by a thrusting device (14) in a standstill while grab arms (20a, 20b, 26a, 26b) of a moving device (3) grip around the edges of the side of a net needle, which are facing towards a rotatable moving device (3).

Thrusting device (14) works so, the front end of a thrusting plate (17) goes into internal angle at the edge of net needles (66a) because of an approximately 30° bend on the end and can that way push them towards land (10) because of compressive force from a thrusting spring (78)-see figures 12 and 13. A thrusting plate (17) reaches a little over the edge of a recess (lOb) on the front end of the sides of a magazine (7) because of two approximately 30° bends close to its rear end and its possible side movement (80), perpendicular to a magazine (13). That way the thrusting plate force the front net needles up against magazine side (8) at the same time as it pushes the front needle towards land (10) and keeps them at bay. Because of the option of a perpendicular side movement the thrusting plate can receive and hold net needles of various thickness.

When grab arms (20a, 20b, 26a, 26b) have gripped around a net needle (66a, 67a) in a magazine, a jack (15) gets a contraction message so, it pulls a thrusting pad (16), which moves on rods (79), and compresses a spring (78), where a jack fastening (82) sits in an end of a guiding slot (84). When this happens a thrusting plate (17) is pulled back away from an edge of net needle (66a), the inner bend rim of a. thrusting plate bumps a edge of a recess (lOb) in side (7) of a magazine and then swings away from the needle magazine. Then the grab arms and a moving device (3) can move the relevant net needle away without the needle or the grab

arms bumping into a thrusting plate (17) and the thrusting plate does not bump into the next needle (66b, 67b).

When a jack is fully depressed it gets a message right away to extrude again. Then a spring (78) takes over and compresses a thrusting pad (16) along with a thrusting plate (17,,) forwards until the thrusting plate reaches over the edge of a recess (lOb) and swings again to a magazine and needles and its front end falls into the next net needle (66b, 67b) and pushes it forward towards land (10) and stops. Because the displacement of a jack (15) is longer than the longest possible displacement of a thrusting pad (16) and a spring (78), a fastening bolt (82) of a jack moves up along a slot (84) until full displacement is obtained and a jack stops.

Because of this it does not matter how big or wide the net needles are, a jack can always thrust itself up along a slot (84) in a guiding base (83) as needed with a reference to an end of a thrusting plate (17).

The reason for approximately horizontal position of a thrusting device (14) on a fundament (63) and therefore a vertical force from a thrusting plate (17) onto net needles is, that the tip of net needles lifts from a channel base (9), which tilts downwards, when the thrusting plate compresses the relevant needle towards land (10). By doing it this way there is no constraint, which otherwise could happen.

Oblong guiding sleeve (16a), which is attached in a thrusting pad (16) and a lower rod (79) moves along, is to secure further more that the thrusting pad does not deviate nor get stuck by the force from a jack (15) and/or a thrusting spring (78).

A moving device (3) then moves net needles (66,67), one and one at a time, into a winding position by a winding device (4a, 4b) by turning 90° out of a circle, anticlockwise, driven by a gear motor (27) through a gear wheel (28) and a toothed gear edge on a lower drum (19) of the moving device and there it holds the net needles still and vertical in the winding position, while a winding device (4a, 4b) winds twine (70) onto the needles.

Rotation process of moving device is divided into four 90° quarters as described before, with a starting point at the first net needle that is in a standstill in a needle magazine (13).

A winding method of a winding device is approached in two ways, a) and b), depending on if the net needles are net needles without a tongue (66) or net needles (67) with tongue (68).

When net needles without a tongue (66) are winded it is executed with approach (4a) of the winding device by moving a winding needle assembly (77), which is attached onto two vertical, endless chains (39), and there with twine (70), which is threaded through a hollow winding needle (32), around the net needle. Also there are used grab arms (20a, 26a) in a moving device (3) with a specially shaped grab notches (20c, 26c) at its outer ends for the needles without a tongue (66).

But when net needles (67) with a tongue (68) are on the other hand winded it is executed with approach (4b) of the winding device by moving a winding needle assembly (17) back and forth from the lowest position on the circumference of chain (39) one side of a needle, up and over a needle and down into the lowest position on the other side of a needle and then back again and hook twine (70,) over a tongue (68) in each lowest position separately with the help of a guiding pad (49,50, 53) and a guiding arm (34,35). Then on the other hand grab arms (20b, 26b) are used in a moving device (3) with specially shaped grab notches (20d, 26d) in its outer end for the net needles with a tongue (67).

Approach a) of the winding method is as described hereunder: Twine (70) is drawn of a winding device (4a) of a twine roll (69) -one or two depending on if single or double twine is being winded-which is placed in a roll holder device (5). The twine is threaded in through blocks (58) on swinging arms (56) in through fastening blocks (60) onto a base platform (62), from there through blocks (59) on the front ends of swinging arms (56) and in through a hole approximately on the middle of a support column (48).

The swinging arms (56) take the slack from the twine on the path from blocks (60) to a winding needle assembly (77), by the movement of the winding needle assembly up and down onto the circumference of chains (39), at the same time the swinging arms pull more twine out of twine rolls (69) with a relatively soft pull as they swing upwards. Thereby the twine remains suitably tight at all times while winding is being performed and

there is no danger of tangles.

Guiding rolls (44), that sit on both sides of a hole on a support column, prevent twine from rubbing onto the edges of the hole and decrease the friction and thereby the force required to draw the twine, specially when blackened twine and/or double twine is winded. From a hole on a support column twine (70) moves in between vertical legs of chains (39) and in through a guiding frame (46a), from there over a. roll (38) in a winding needle assembly (77) in through the hollow winding needle (32). Guiding frame or a frame (46a) prevents the twine from becoming tangled up in chains (39) and it also causes the slack, which swinging arms (56) have to pick up, from becoming as big as it could be. The winding needle (32) then sees to it that the twine is steered approximately into the middle of a net needle (66) without a tongue and the winding needle rotates easily around an axle (33) so, its direction always follows the direction of the twine- from a rotation of an axle (33),, and winding needles to a variable point of contact of twine to a winding area onto a relevant net needle, depending on the position of a winding needle assembly (77) onto circumference of chains (39) -unless when it approaches the lowest position of the chain circumference. Then a bearing (35) of an arm (34), which is attached onto an axle (33), bumps onto a guiding means (47), which is attached onto a base platform (62), and points the winding needle down and in the direction of the net needle and forces the winding needle in between the split, pointy ends on the sides on the front end of the net needle without a tongue and holds it while the winding needle goes through with the twine, so that it lies onto the winding part of the net needle. Then the winding needle keeps going upwards on the other side of the net needle and over it and down again in a circle. Guiding means (47) has an inclined portion and has partly a rubber coat for softening the blow when a bearing (35) bumps on it and to make the turn of a winding needle flawless when the bearing is leaving the means. Winding needle (32) is kept as thin as possible with regard to the twine and also rather oblong so that it can easily move in between the pointy ends on the sides of net needles and spread them apart for the twine.

Chains (39) move anticlockwise around their rotating axles and the starting and end position of a winding method a) is as described hereafter, a winding needle assembly (77) is positioned right : by the lowest position

on circumference of chains (39), i. e. a bearing (35) is about to bump on a guiding means (47), and a winding needle (32) points approximately straight up. A moving device (3) starts with a fully winded needle, rotates anticlockwise approximately 90° out of a circle, drives the needle over the winding needle so, the winding needle goes through the split on the needle point and moves the needle into a standstill by a burning-cutter device (29). Simultaneously the moving device brings again a new, empty needle in a winding position and winding can start again. Twine (70) is not ripped in between and the needle in a standstill holds it thigh while the new needle is being winded.

Winding onto variously wide net needles (66) is centered with an adjusting means (65), which moves a fundament (63) with an attached needle in- feed device (2) and a moving device (3) towards or away from a winding device (4a) so, a center of a net needle in a winding position is always approximately straight underneath a winding needle (32).

Approach b) of the winding method is as described hereunder: Twine (70) is drawn of a winding device (4b) of a twine roll (69) as before- one or two depending on if single or double twine is being winded-in through blocks (58), (60), (59) and from there through three guiding rings (46b) on a right angle arm (46c), which is attached onto the backside of a support column (48) near the top. This guiding-or steering device for the twine replaces guiding rolls (44), a guiding frame (46a) and a roll (38) in a winding device (4a). A right angle arm (46c) reaches well above a winding needle assembly (77) in top position onto circumference of chains (39) and beyond a net needle (67) in a winding position. From that guiding ring (46b), which is at the front of the arm, the twine is threaded in through a winding needle (32) and from there onto a net needle, which has been adjusted, with a side movement of a fundament (63) with the help of an adjusting means (65), so the needle comes across the right interval exactly in between a tongue (68) and a side of a needle.

The start and end position of winding method b) is as described hereafter, a winding needle assembly (77) is positioned in the top position on circumference of chains (39) and is ready to start going down behind a net needle (67).

The reason for this modified approach considering method a) is that, net needles with a tongue (67) are not split on the pointed front end like net needles without a tongue (66). The winding needle (32) does not get through needles (67) in its lowest position, chains (39) movement must be stopped in the lowest position to, hook twine (70) with a winding needle over a tongue (68) and then change the moving direction of chains and the winding needle goes back up and over a net needle and down the other side-behind the needle, as described before.

Furthermore the fully winded net needle with a tongue is required to get past the winding needle (32), when a moving device (3) moves it away into a standstill by a burning-cutter device (29) and brings a new and empty needle into a winding position. The only place, a winding needle assembly (77) with a winding needle (32) can be safe while this happens, is exactly said top position onto circumference of chains (39).

Side movement of an axle (33), of a winding needle (32) and thereby even winding of twine (70) onto a net needle (67) is controlled by guiding pads (49,50), like said before, and by a inclined portion (49b, 52) on them, along with a spring (36) on an axle (33). Winding begins with a winding needle assembly (77) in top position and a winding needle (32) over the middle of a net needle (67). If this is the first net needle of this type/size or a new twine roll (69) is in a roll holder (54), a end of a twine needs to be tied onto the needle-otherwise not. The end of an axle (33) rests on the straight surface of a guiding pad (49), but then moves down onto a inclined portion (49b), when chains (39) begin to move clockwise and a winding needle moves down behind the net needle-with the twine through it-and sinks over to the left side, which although is pointless on the way down, but harmless-and gets purpose when a needle goes up again.

End of an axle (33) moves down of a end of a pad (49) but comes right away up onto a inclined portion (52) on a guiding pad (50), by that the axle moves over to the right and the winding needle comes opposite the right interval in between a tongue (68) and a cheek of a needle (67). When a bearing (35) on a arm (34), which is attached onto an axle (33), comes upon the horizontal part of a pad holder (53), which is attached onto a support column (48), a winding needle turns down in the direction of the

net needle in approximately horizontal position and directs the winding needle along with the twine into the right interval between a tongue (68) and cheek of a needle (67). Now the oblong and thin shape of a winding needle (32) is convenient.

When the winding needle has moved down below a tongue (68), the end of an axle (33) goes down of the edge of an inclined portion (52) and an axle and a winding needle shoot over to the left because of a spring (36) and the twine follows and thereby hooks over a tongue (68). The winding needle assembly (77) is then in its lowest position onto the circumference of chains (39) behind a net needle and begins to move up again, i. e. a gear motor (43) changes a moving direction with the help of a stop switch.

An end of an axle is now underneath an inclined portion (52) end and lifts a pad (50) up in an incline because of inclined slots (51) and loosely fastening of the pad, until it is released of an axle and falls down into its place again. When an end of an axle comes again upon an inclined portion (49b) pad (49) on its way up, a winding needle assembly (77) and a winding needle (67) moves over to the centerline of a net needles on its way to the top position of chain circumference, moves over a needle and down the other side and the process repeats itself.

When a desired, adjusted amount of twine (70) has been winded on a relevant net needle (66,67) in both winding methods a) and b), the winding stops and a moving device (3) rotates again 90° out of a circle, anticlockwise, it moves the fully winded needle from a winding position to a standstill by a burning-cutter device (29) -without severing twine (70) away from the needle. At the same time grab arms (20a, 20b, 26a, 26b) of a moving device (3) grip a new and empty needle from a needle in-feed device (2) and moves it into a winding position by a winding device (4a, 4b). Winding begins again and when it finishes the moving device rotates 90° in the same direction again as before, moves the newly fully winded needle into a standstill like before, brings a new and empty needle into a winding position, but at the same time lets go of the first needle, which was fully winded and was in a standstill so, it falls down and twine (70) bumps onto a burner wire (30) of a burning-cutter device (29), which melts it apart and the fully winded net needle comes away from the apparatus.

Burning-cutter device (29) is positioned by a moving device (3) side, opposite needle in-feed device (2), underneath the moving device opposite the lower end of net needles (66) when winding method a is in question, where twine (70) is stretched between the lower end of a needle in a winding position and relevant needle in a standstill by a burning-cutter device.

So that a burning-cutter device (29) can melt twine (70) apart a moving device (3) is required to keep turning with a net needle (66) from a standstill and a little into the III. quarter of the circumference-past the burning-cutter device-and let go of the needle as described before. But so that the net needle itself does not bump on a burner wire (30) and get damaged, the end of a needle bumps on a shield plate (31) of the burning- cutter device-see figure 14-and pushes it forwards so, its nearly right angle bent end (31a) lies on top of burner wire until it comes upon a stopper (71), but then a support frame (72) is forced down and the net needle goes over. Support frame (72) and shield plate (31) spring up again into their previous positions because of springs (75, 76) and a burner wire (30) is uncovered again-relevant grab arm (26a) of the moving device comes upon the outer end of a curve cam (22) and turns because of it and opens a relevant pair of grab arms, which lets go of the net needle so that it falls down-the twine (70) bumps on top of the burner wire, which without further ado melts the twine apart.

When winding method b) is in question a burning-cutter device (29) is on the other hand positioned by the upper edge of a moving device (3) opposite the upper end of net needles (67)-where twine (70) is stretched in between the upper end of a needle in a winding position and a relevant needle in a standstill by a burning-cutter device. The burning-cutter device is although still by a moving device (3) side, opposite needle in-feed device (2), like before. The burning-cutter device also works in the same way as before to melt the twine apart-except in the way, that instead of a net needle forcing a burning-cutter device down to get past, then the burning-cutter device is provided with special side movement device so, the net needle pressures a burning-cutter device in whole outwards so that it can get past. The burning-cutter device then moves again into its

original position because of a pulling spring, when a needle has gone past.

No need is therefore for a shield plate (31) and it is skipped in this approach. This is not shown on figures. The release of a net needle (67) is executed in the same way and on the same place and described before.

The following is for both approaches of the winding method: Curve cam (22) on a cam axle (21) has the role to open the pairs of grab arms in a fixed position in the III. quarter of the circumference (85) of a moving device (3) and close them again at the end of the circumference in quarter IV. by turning the movable grab arms (26a, 26b). For that purpose it has a specific shape/curve, which can be seen on figure 10b and is described before. Also the inner end of the movable grab arms has a specific shape/curve, like shown on figures 9 and 10. The purpose is that the opening and closing of the pair of grab arms is as soft as possible and without flaws and slams, to protect the net needles. Curve cam (22) is also cut on the inner corner of its rear end by a cam axle (21) and there is a ledge (86) formed. This is done so grab arms (26a, 26b) can rotate furthermore towards the closing direction, when the smallest net needles are winded.

On the III. quarter of the circumference of a moving device (3) the inner end of a relevant movable grab arm (26a, 26b) comes upon the front end of a curve cam (22) which is attached onto a cam axle (21) and then a grab arm (26a, 26b) along with an axle (23) to which it is attached onto rotates and thereby opens a pair of grab arms (20a, 20b and 26a, 26b) and lets go of a fully winded net needle (66,67), which was in a standstill by a burning-cutter device (29), so that it falls down and comes away from an apparatus (1).

Curve cam (22) holds a grab arm (26a, 26b) in an open position in approximately 120°-135° on quarters III. and IV. of the circumference of a moving device (3) so, the grab arm gets past the front net needle in a standstill by land (10) in needle magazine (13), then the curve cam lets go of the grab arm because of its special shape and the shape on the rear end of the grab arm (26a, 26b) so, the grab arm rotates softly and without flaws because of the pulling force from a spring (24) and grabs around a

side edge of the net needle opposite a grab arm (20a, 20b), which by then has lied up against the other side edge of the net needle.

The springs (24) then connect two and two grab arms (25) on a connecting axle (23) together, which have a 180° interval. When a pair of grab arms with a net needle stops by a winding device (4a, 4b), a pair of grab arms opposite is letting go of a needle so, the movable grab arm (26a, 26b) is held fully open by a curve cam (22). By that the relevant spring (24) is stretched to the maximum and therefore the biggest cramping-/closing force is created with the pair of grab arms, which is required to keep a needle fixed in a winding position.

Twine (70) can be of variable diameters, from very thin twine up to 6 mm in diameter, even more. It is also possible to wind double twine of all diameters onto net needles (66,67) and then there are two twine rolls (69) put in a in a roll holder device (5) and twine (70) threaded through blocks (58, 59) onto each swinging arm (56) and both blocks (60) by leading each twine to a winding device (4a, 4b). Also the various diameter of twine needs various size and width winding needles and they can be replaced in a relatively simple way.

The role of swinging arms (56) with weights (57), along with blocks (60), is above all to keep twine (70) suitably stretched and take the slack, which is formed by the winding and the interplay of the two blocks (58,59) on swinging arms and the two fixed blocks (60) is especially technically approached for that purpose. Each time a winding needle assembly (77) is on its way from a top to a lowest position onto its circumference to the mid position the twine has a slack, where the distance from a winding needle (32) to blocks (60) is shortened again with reference to highest or lowest position. Because of the weight of weights (57) on the rear ends of the swinging arm, which have'been positioned exactly right (with adjust screws) to give a suitable torque, the arms now swing up and blocks (59) pull in the slack on this part of the twine. When the swinging arms go up blocks (58) pull twine of twine rolls (69), where the twine part in between blocks (58) and (59) nearly stands still with regard to blocks (60), (the blocks rotate little or not at all), but twine rolls have to give out the

required twine, so that the grab arms can swing up. By this the pull force onto twine rolls becomes softer than, if the winding needle assembly pulled straight on the rolls.

Also a guiding frame (46a) of a winding device (4a) helps to decrease the slack which is formed, as the distance, which is all the time alternately getting longer and shorter by the up and down movement of a winding needle assembly (77), is shorter than it would otherwise be.

Grab arms (20a, 20b) are unmovable, but grab arms (26a, 26b) are movable along with axles (23), which can rotate in drums (18,19), and the grab arms have specially made grab notches (20c, 20d, 26c, 26d) in its outer end and the grab arms grip around the other side/the cheek on net needles (66, 67) so, edges of a needle cheek go into the grab notches and the grab arms keep the relevant needle fixed on the I. , II. and partly on the III. quarter of the circumference of a moving device (3) because of torques from arms (25) on the top of axles (23) which tensile springs (24) react on.

Control device of the apparatus stops the device before a needle magazine (13) empties entirely of net needles, also there is one needle in a winding position and one fully winded needle in a standstill by a burning-cutter device and the twine is uncut between them. Thus the apparatus is ready to commence winding again as soon as the needle magazine has been filled and the starting button has been pressed-without having to bind the twine.

The invention, which has been described, is not limited to this description, but the invention can be approached in many other ways, without leaving the main content of the inventive method and apparatus.