Abstract: An improved machine for continuously twisting or cabling, as well as thermally treating of yarns includes a central stand capable of supporting a plurality of stations. Each station includes a direct cabling or double twist spindle for supporting and twisting or cabling a first yarn package together with a second yarn. The treatment zone is located downstream from the spindle wherein the yarn is delivered using a take-up which eliminates tension resulting from the cabling or twisting operation. The treatment zone includes a vertically disposed oven and adjacent cooling area. A take-up and return system adjacent the oven allows multiple passes to be taken through the oven, as needed, to treat the yarn under minimal tension to the cooling area and to a winding system.

Abstract: A yarn tensioning unit for use in a textile machine that includes a shaft having a pulley mounted for rotation thereon over which yarn is conducted. A pneumatic cylinder is slidably mounted on the shaft which contains a piston that is affixed to the shaft to form an expandable chamber with one end wall of the cylinder. The opposite end wall of the housing is magnetically coupled to the pulley to establish a magnetic brake for the pulley. The spacing between the cylinder end wall and the pulley is adjusted by controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the expandable chamber to vary the magnetic braking force exerted upon the pulley.