Abstract: A clamping mechanism for temporarily clamping cables and the like for the purpose of tensioning or stressing such cables comprising a clamping wheel rotatably mounted at a carriage. A plurality of guide elements for the cable to be tensioned arranged about the periphery of the clamping wheel. These guide elements each comprise two clamping jaws. The clamping jaws of each pair can be pressed against one another by the force of spring means in order to fixedly clamp a section of cable disposed therebetween. Means controlled by the rotating clamping wheel are provided in order to release or eliminate the clamping action of the cooperating pairs of jaws for selectively receiving and releasing the cable at predetermined portions of the revolving path of travel of the clamping wheel. As control element there is employed a single large roller which is eccentrically mounted with regard to the axis of the clamping wheel.

Abstract: A machine for winding a body, such as a container, tubular member or the like with a tension cable which is tensioned with an adjustable force, comprises a machine carriage movable at a predetermined speed about the body to be wound. The carriage has a drive shaft, a main drive motor for driving the drive shaft, a clamping wheel mounted for rotation on the carriage for tensioning the cable, and a mechanism for maintaining substantially constant the force in the cable. This mechanism incorporates a brake which is driven by the clamping wheel and is mounted to pivot about a fixed pivot axis upon being so driven, and an auxiliary motor for auxiliary drive of the carriage. The brake transmits energy taken-up during braking to the auxiliary motor. A spring resists pivotal movement of the brake about the pivot axis, so that the brake assumes a pivotal position about the shaft dependent upon the rotational moment transmitted to the brake by the clamping wheel.