Abstract: A single-twist stranding machine includes a stranding disc and nipple for stranding together a plurality of filaments, wires, conductors or the like, a rotatably mounted take-up spool onto which the stranded-together elements are wound, a flyer coaxial with the spool and including a frame and deflection pulleys to run the stranded-together elements from the stranding means to the spool, the flyer revolving about the spool, and a common drive motor. The specific improvement disclosed includes a differential gear transmission having two input gears and an output gear; a first transmission for drivingly connecting the drive motor to the flyer, one of the input gears of the differential gear transmission is a part of the first transmission; a second transmission drivingly connects the output gear to the spool for causing the spool to rotate; and a control drive operates the other input gear to vary the speed relation of flyer and spool in dependance upon the input speed of the stranding elements.

Abstract: A device for unwinding elongated material from a coil which includes a plate which is placed on top of the coil, with the plate including a rotatable guide means for guiding unwound material, and at least two elongated arcuate members which extend into the coil interior and define a cylindrically shaped shell. The arcuate members are pivotally mounted to the plate, and are provided with a means which exerts a force against the arcuate members to press the arcuate members against the coil interior to hold the interior windings as the coil is unwound.