Abstract: A method and apparatus satisfactorily controls the tension of filamentary material during winding of the material into a layered package. In the method, filamentary strand is conveyed from a source to a rotating contacting means having a drive means to drive the contacting means during the contact in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the filamentary strand or in a similar direction but at a slower velocity than the direction of movement of the filamentary strand. The filamentary strand during or after contacting the rotating contacting means is moved in a reciprocating traversing movement for collection on a rotating collecting means. The rotating collecting means provides the movement of the strand from the source to the collecting means and collects the strand into a package of strand.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing continuous strand mat which provides for more uniform density of the mat across the width of the surface on which it was prepared by using gaseous fluid directed mat edges to fold loose strands at the edges under the mat and to align the edges of the mat in a substantially straight line. The gaseous fluid, preferably air, is directed at the conveyor surface on which the mat is formed against the flow of the mat on the conveyor and in a downward direction so that portions of the mat at the sides are lifted by the air as the stray strands are folded under to form the straight edge. A further embodiment includes the formation of an edge on a continuous strand mat having an already formed substantially straight edge, during a needle operation to minimize edge waste during needling.