Abstract: Method and apparatus for handling textile yarn strands in which textile yarn strands subjected to a heat treating operation are continuously directed from the heat treating apparatus by a stream of air through an oscillating tube onto a moving conveyor belt to deposit and accumulate the yarn strand thereon in a substantially tensionless condition for cooling. The yarn strand is removed from the accumulated yarn on the belt surface in a direction generally parallel to the surface and to the direction of movement of the accumulated yarn thereon to minimize tangling of the yarn, and the strand is subjected to a cooling air stream directed oppositely to its direction of movement to detangle the same prior to collection on a package. The speed of yarn package take up is controlled by means of a photoelectric sensing device located above the conveyor belt to sense the amount of yarn accumulated on the belt, and to ensure that a predetermined amount of yarn is maintained on the belt during the cooling operation.