Abstract: In a method for splicing filaments, respective end portions of two filaments are held in overlapping condition in a holding device comprising two axially spaced rubber holders, each holder having a radial slot for receiving and retaining the overlapped end portions. One of the holders is rotated relative to the other to twist together the overlapping end portions. The holders are then fixed against relative rotation, and the twisted together end portions are fused together to form a splice of substantially circular cross-section. The method and device are useful for splicing plastic coated glass yarn used to reinforce telecommunications cables.

Abstract: A core unit and method and apparatus for making it in which conductor pairs or units having a single direction of twist and in which angles of twist lay change along lengths of the conductor pairs. In a preferred and practical construction, the angles of twist lay of all pairs change along their lengths on a continuous basis. This angle change is cyclical and with the cycles of the angles of the pairs being out-of-phase with one another. This achieves average twist lays of the units which are substantially equal to one another from conductor pair-to-pair. The structure is achieved in a tandem operation of twisting conductors into pairs and then forming them into the core unit, preferably by stranding.

Abstract: Cable core unit forming apparatus having a plurality of wire guide means, each for stranding wires together. The guide means are laterally spaced and each extends along a longitudinal axis to be non-rotatable about the axis at its upstream end. It is rotationally flexible to be torsionally twisted by rotatable twisting means at its downstream end. Each guide means are disposed at one of two or more twisting stations. Feedpaths for wires from other twisting stations converge to a stranding station for the core unit. Wire separation tubes prevent the wires from stranding into pairs until immediately before the stranding station. Each separation tube is rotated about its axis which is maintained curved to follow one of the converging paths and the tube is flexible to enable its curved axis position to be maintained during rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stranding two or more wires together comprising a wire guide means extending in a wire pass direction to a twisting station, the guide means held against rotation about an axis at its upstream end and being rotationally flexible to be torsionally twisted by a rotatable twisting means in the twisting station connected to the downstream end of the guide means. A wire separation tube extends from the twisting means along a fixed curved path section to a stranding station to prevent wires stranding together until they reach the stranding station. The separation tube is rotatable about an axis coinciding with the fixed curved path section and has flexibility to enable the tube to be maintained in its curved configuration along the path with torsional rigidity to avoid build-up and retention of twist.

Abstract: Wire stranding apparatus having tubular means having passage means to provide wire feedpaths, the tubular means being rotationally flexible about an axis, being held against rotation about this axis at an upstream end and having twisting means to cause alternating torsional twisting at its downstream end. The feedpaths are held in fixed positions apart either along the whole length of the tubular means where the tubular means is a single tube with at least two side-by-side passages or comprises tubes with their outer surfaces in continuous contact. When the tubular means comprises two or more spaced tubes, these are held in fixed relative positions at spaced locations along the tubes. To accommodate axial contraction and extension during twisting, the tubular means has an axially acting resilient means which maintains axial tension on the tubular means.

Abstract: Wire stranding apparatus having elongate wire guide means which is rotationally flexible about its axis and defines individual feed paths for the wires with means to prevent rotation of the guide means at its upstream end and a twisting means to cause torsional twisting of the guide means in alternate directions at the downstream end. Direction changing means is provided to change direction of twist after a predetermined amount of twist in each direction. The changing means includes a trigger device (e.g. an arm) secured to the guide means towards its upstream end and initiating means which senses the position of the trigger device after the predetermined twist in the guide means to initiate the change in direction of drive. The upstream position of the trigger device gives it small rotational movement around the guide means compared to the rotational movement of the downstream end of the guide means.

Abstract: Wire stranding apparatus having a single tube defining a single axial passage providing at least two side-by-side feedpaths for wire, the passage being shaped to prevent wires from moving across from one feedpath to another. The tube is rotationally flexible to torsionally twist it in alternating directions by use of a twisting means at its downstream end while the upstream end is held against rotation. Change in twist direction occurs after a predetermined number of rotations of the twisting means. To accommodate axial contraction and extension during twisting, the tubular means has an axially acting resilient means which maintains axial tension in the tubular means.

Abstract: An accumulator for twisting or stranding cable having planet gears revolving around a sun gear. Each planet gear carries an accumulator roll in a position spaced from the planet gear axis so that during rotation of the gears each accumulator roll travels alternately towards and away from the axis of the sun gear. The accumulator rolls move in synchronism and thus the accumulator capacity which is dictated by the distance between accumulator rolls, changes between maximum and minimum capacities dependent upon the accumulator roll movement. With two accumulators in series and operating with the accumulator rolls of one accumulator out of phase with the other by 1/2.degree., an `SZ` twist is provided.