Abstract: A method of controlling a yarn compensating arm at a workstation of a spinning machine, wherein the yarn is initially withdrawn from an intermediate vacuum storage device. Before emptying the yarn from the storage device, the compensating arm is deflected past its working and into an out-of-the-working-range position, wherein the yarn is captured by the compensating arm and also deflected to the out-of-the-working-range position to form a non-working yarn reserve. The compensating arm is retained by a force at the out-of-the-working-range position while the yarn is emptied from the storage device. Upon being emptied from the intermediate vacuum storage device, the yarn exerts a tensile force on the compensating arm that overcomes the retaining force causing the compensating arm to return to its working range position.

Abstract: In one example, a festoon system comprises a festoon module having a support assembly, and further comprises at least one upper sheave and at least one lower sheave, which are movable relative to one another by movement of at least one of the upper sheave or the lower sheave. At least one wire is configured to enter the festoon module at an entrance region, extend around a groove of the least one lower sheave and at least one groove of the at least one upper sheave, and then exit the festoon module at an exit region. A first coupling location of the support assembly is adjacent to the entrance region of the festoon module, and a second coupling location of the support assembly is adjacent to the exit region of the festoon module. Different modules are configured to be coupled to the second coupling location.

Abstract: A method for operating a textile machine is provided to produce roving from a fiber bundle with a consolidating means, the roving having a protective twist. The produced roving is wound onto a tube with a winding device. During the winding process, the roving is guided a guide element arranged between the consolidating means and the tube, wherein the guide element exerts a decelerating effect on the roving. The decelerating effect is controlled during operation of the textile machine such that the decelerating effect is lower during a start procedure while the roving leaving the consolidating means is brought into contact with a tube or during a tube change while a wound tube is replaced by an empty tube than during a winding process that takes place between the start procedure and the tube change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a presser finger (4) which is a component of a winder for winding a roving on to a rotating bobbin (1) with a longitudinal axis (10). The presser finger (4) has a carrying arm (40) with a longitudinal axis (8) and a roving 4 guide element. The presser finger (4) also has a guide plate (5) for guiding the roving on to a rotating bobbin (1). The presser finger (4) is alternatingly movable in the direction (X) of the longitudinal axis (10) of the rotating bobbin (1), and this movement of the presser finger (4) is provided by a drive means. The invention also relates to a roving winder with the aforementioned presser finger (4) and a method of winding a roving with the aid of the aforementioned presser finger (4).

Abstract: Device and method for constant tension feeding, threads or yarns fed to textile or winding machine or metallic wire to similar machine, in discontinuously with phase sequences. The thread motion has at least first and second feeding or absorption states following each other in time. A controller, connected to a tension detector and thread accumulator, intervenes on the accumulator based upon tension value from the detector. A compensator, between the accumulator and tension detector, cooperates with thread to compensate variation of feeding or absorption state of the thread upon passage between each first and second feeding or absorption state. The controller intervenes to modify the accumulator's action on thread and maintain tension value detected by the detector at set value. Interaction between thread and compensator keeping constant tension value during the changing phase of the feeding state. The compensator freely moveable under action of thread relative to a resting position.

Abstract: A cable brake system for deployments of cable comprising: a frame configured to be mounted on a ship; a repeater supporting track mounted longitudinally to the frame, the supporting track being configured for slidingly supporting a plurality of repeaters; a spool positioned exterior to the frame, the spool having the cable wrapped therearound and being capable of supplying the cable to an interior of the frame; at least one planar surface on an interior of the frame, the planar surface being positioned approximately parallel to the repeater supporting track; and a plurality of brake sub-assemblies being supported by the planar surface in a manner so as to establish a serpentine path for the cable and to impart variable frictional resistance to the cable.

Abstract: A tensioning device is described for mounting between a knotter and a twine supply roll in a baler. The device comprises a spring biased tensioning arm 210 for taking up slack in the twine 216 and a clamp 220 for gripping the twine 216 at a location between the tensioning arm 210 and the supply roll. In the invention, the clamp 220 is coupled to the tensioning arm 210 in such a manner that the force applied by the clamp 220 to grip the twine 216 varies with the position of the tensioning arm 210.

Abstract: A cord tensioning mechanism for a tire cord applicator head includes a closed loop timing belt extending between spaced apart pulleys and a tension adjustment pulley pressuring the cord laterally against the timing belt sufficiently to place the cord into a desired tension.

Abstract: Apparatus monitoring and/or adjusting tensile force in a yarn (10) including at least three consecutive yarn deflecting elements (11, 12, 13) of which the central deflecting element (12) is displaceably held by a retention device (14) that is supported in such a way that the motion and/or position of the deflecting element (12) is substantially a function only of the tensile force F1 in one yarn segment, such segment being situated between the displaceable deflecting element (12) and only one of the two neighboring deflecting elements (11 or 13).

Abstract: A parallel spinning process, in particular for filaments, e.g. for textile or industrial applications, made from polymers such as, for example, PET or PA, in each case having a thread interlacing device between two godets for each individual thread, the godets being moved in relation to one another during the piercing or feeding operation in such a way that each individual thread is automatically threaded into its interlacing device associated therewith, and the angle of wrap in the operating mode is at least from 85° to at most 200°, preferably from 175° to 185°.

Abstract: A pipe lay vessel with a reel for carrying a length of pipe and first drive part for controlling rotation of the reel. A substantially vertical guide structure includes at its upper end a deflection member for deflecting the pipe from a first trajectory extending between the reel and the guide structure to a second, substantially vertical trajectory. A clamping member carries the vertical pipe section and has second drive for feeding the pipe along the vertical trajectory. A movable tension compensator (7) is provided at the first pipe trajectory for lengthening or shortening the first pipe trajectory to maintain a substantially constant tension of the pipe along the first trajectory during unwinding of the reel.

Abstract: A device for collecting yarns on conical reels which compensates for the take-up pulsations of the thread winding onto the conical reel. The device comprises a fixed bar compensator at an adjustable oblique angle with respect to the winding line of the thread which varies the length of the free path of the traversing thread.

Abstract: An optical fibre tensioning device, receiving at its input an optical fibre from a traction device and capable of supplying the optical fibre from its output to a device for storing the fibre. The tensioning device comprises at least one fixed pulley on which the optical fibre is wound for a first length, and at least one movable pulley on which the optical fibre is wound for a second length. A device for measuring the tension applied to the fibre and a motorized device for moving the movable pulley interact with each other to control a distance (Dp) between axes of the pulleys in such a way as to automatically keep the tension applied to the fibre essentially constant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of winding optical fiber onto a spool. The method includes varying a target, tension applied to a fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool such that the percentage change in lateral load is greater than about −3.4% for each change of about 0.25″ in pack radius. The method also includes varying the target tension such that the change in lateral load per change in pack radius includes an amount greater than about −18.0 N/m2. Additionally the invention includes varying the target tension applied to the optical fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool, such that the target tension applied to the fiber at the end of winding fiber onto the spool is at least about 0.1% or greater than the target tension at the start of winding fiber onto the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the tension of a traveling yarn includes a rake tensioner having stationary and displaceable yarn tensioning elements in engagement with the traveling yarn, and an electrical coil to which electrical current is supplied by a regulating device. The displaceable yam tensioning elements and the electrical coil are disposed on a common pivot lever. The electrical coil is pivotable in an air gap through which magnetic field lines pass. The tension of the traveling yarn is controlled as a function of the current supplied to the electrical coil. The present invention, thusly, improves the control of the tension of the traveling yarn in spinning or bobbin winding machines.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for winding conductive wires for a stator of an electric motor. In one embodiment, a hysteretic tensioning apparatus is utilizing to substantially stabilize tension in a conductive wire supplied to a winding machine. The hysteretic tensioning apparatus includes a support member, a brake member, and four idler arms. The brake member is rotatably mounted to the brake member and configured to engage the conductive wire. The idler arms each are spring mounted to the support member and also are configured to engage the conductive wire. The conductive wire is extended across the support member so that it extends between adjacent idler arms and the brake and is inserted into the winding machine.

Abstract: A yarn brake includes a fixed frame, fixed and spaced-apart yarn guide elements defining together a straight yarn path through the yarn brake, a rotation drive, and at least one braking element projecting from the rotation drive beyond the straight yarn path. The braking element is controlled by the rotation drive to move through an angular stroke about a rotation axis that is spaced from and essentially parallel to the straight yarn path. The angular stroke has a starting position on one side of the path and a braking position on the other side of the path. An adjustment device varies the degree of deviation of the yarn by varying the braking position of the braking element. The distance between the rotation axis of the braking element and the straight yarn path is variable.

Abstract: When one strand, which is formed by gathering a multiplicity of glass filaments having a diameter of 9.mu. or less and formed by drawing molten glass flowed out through a multiplicity of orifices formed in the bottom portion of a bushing, is wound around a collet, the strand is wound to form a square-end cheese package by traversing the strand by a traversing device having a constant amplitude, while the strand is brought into contact with a rotative drum of a tension relaxing device to reduce the tension acting on the strand. Thus, the quality of a package of non-twisted glass yarn having a monofilament diameter of 3 to 9.mu. can be improved, a large quantity of the package can be formed, and the package can easily be transported.

Abstract: A tension control apparatus includes at least two guide rollers and at least one dancer roller disposed so as to be movable relative to said guide rollers, and applies a predetermined amount of tension to a linear body wound about the guide rollers and dancer roller. This apparatus has a tension control device for variably controlling the tension applied to the linear body by adjusting an angle between a vertical line and a line connecting respective rotational centers of the guide rollers and dancer roller.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for dancingly controlling tension in a web of fabric such as for disposable garments. The apparatus preferably includes a dancer frame, a first set of a plurality of spaced-apart fabric guides connected to the dancer frame, a track connected to the dancer frame, and a tension yoke mounted for slidably following the he track. The tension yoke preferably includes a second set of a plurality of spaced-apart fabric guides positioned for slidably following the movement of the tension yoke when following the track. The apparatus also preferably includes a weight tension control assembly connected to the tension yoke for weightingly controlling the tension applied from the tension yoke to a web of fabric positioned thereon to thereby readily increase and decrease the tension applied to the web.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melt spinning a plurality of downwardly advancing multifilament polymeric yarns, and winding the advancing yarns into respective packages. Each of the advancing yarns is brought into contact with a separate yarn delivery mechanism which acts to control the yarn tension before the yarn is wound into a package. Thus, the yarn tension of all of the yarns can be made substantially the same when they are wound into packages, which permits all of the packages to have the same winding structure and the same packing density.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a warp tensioner of a weaving machine. The apparatus contains a spring member that is in working connection with the warp tensioner and a control system that has a container communicating via a 2/2 way valve with the spring member in order to vary the spring stiffness of the spring member and the position of the warp tensioner from a terminal at the side where the weaver stands by increasing and decreasing the effective volume of the spring member.

Abstract: The arrangement can control the pulling tension of a thread 1 during its wind-off or wind-up, from or to a spool 3. The arrangement includes a thread brake 5 having a local portion 6 and a portion 8 movable relative thereto, between which the thread 1 is pulled during the wind-up or wind-off and which provides a frictional force upon thread 1. Furthermore, the arrangement includes an actuator 13 for applying a frictional force applied by thread brake 1 to thread 1 may be controlled. Preferably included is a piezoelectric sensor 14 which may be deformed by the force applied by the thread to the sensor 14. In the prior art, the actuator comprises a setting nut and a spring whose operation is time-consuming.

Abstract: A system for bringing ground warp threads under tension on a beam stand comprises first and second rollers on which the ground warp threads run. The first roller is mounted on a support which is movable in relation to the second roller. A mechanism for exerting force on the support is provided whereby the ground warp threads on the beam stand are brought under tension. The mechanism includes a hydraulic element that is connected to a hydraulic pressure vessel by a pipe provided with an apparatus for controlling or regulating the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: In order to regulate the thread tension force of a traveling thread to a predeterminable set value, a comb tensioner with stationary thread guide elements and displaceable thread guide elements is provided, wherein the displaceable thread guide elements can be displaced by means of an electrodynamic drive mechanism which has a current-force-proportional characteristic curve and whose current supply is changed by a thread tension force regulating device, whereby the comb tensioner is employed both in a function as a thread tension force sensor and in a function as a thread tensioner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a moving string of waxed thread at a tension. A tensioner mounting frame has a thread input opening for receiving waxed thread from a thread supply, and a thread output opening for outputting the string of waxed thread at a preset tension. A tensioner arm with a plurality of eyelets affixed thereto is provided for guiding the string of waxed thread. The tensioner arm is pivotally connected to the tensioner mounting frame. A plurality of tensioner rods are also provided for guiding the string of waxed thread, the plurality of tensioner rods are rigidly affixed to the tensioner mounting frame. A spring, having a first end coupled to the tensioner mounting frame and a second end coupled to the tensioner arm, creates a tension in the string of waxed thread. A heating device is affixed to the tensioner mounting frame and is provided for warming the apparatus during its operation.

Abstract: A yarn tension control device of an automatic winder which includes a variably controlled tensioning device for each of a multitude of spindles of a winding unit; a tension detecting device for specific one of the multitude of spindles; and control devices for controlling the tensioning device for the specific spindle by the tension detecting device and for controlling the tensioning device for other multitude of spindles on the basis of an output value to the tensioning device for this specific spindle.

Abstract: In a thread brake, which comprises at least one brake element (B) adapted to be moved relative to a counter brake element (B.sub.G), said brake elements acting on the thread in braking positions and being adapted to be displaced up to and into a threading position in which the thread can be moved undecelerated through the thread brake, and in the case of which a brake element adjustment device is provided, the threading position of the thread brake (F.sub.K, F.sub.L, F'.sub.L) can be established with the aid of a drive means (A) of said adjustment device, said thread brake having provided therein air guide surfaces (L), which, in the threading position, define an air guide passage used for automatic, pneumatic threading of the thread (Y) by means of a stream of air.

Abstract: A vertical type dip treating device for applying adhesives to a cord to be used for a tension member of belt, etc. This device comprises dip tanks for applying adhesives to a cord, heaters and dryers arranged above the dip tanks for heating and drying a cord to which adhesives have been applied in the dip tanks, coolers adjacent to the heaters and dryers for cooling a cord heated and dried by the heaters and dryers, hot air supplies connected adjacently to the heaters and dryers for supplying hot air to the heaters and dryers and exhausts connected adjacently to the heaters and dryers and arranged vertically beneath the hot air supplies for discharging exhaust from the heaters and dryers.

Abstract: A thread brake includes a plurality of fixed thread guide elements, at least two movable thread guide elements mounted on a rotatable body which, through rotation, can be brought in opposite directions to cross a path of a thread being guided by the fixed thread guide elements and thereby engage the thread such that the thread is bent in two places, thereby braking the thread. Rotation of the movable thread guide elements may be restricted during braking by taps appropriately positioned.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a web accumulator, at least one pneumatic cylinder actuator has a chain loop connected to opposite ends of its piston rod. Translation of the chain in response to pressurizing the cylinder causes the chain to drive two spaced apart axle shafts in the same rotational direction. An arm is fastened to each axle shaft and there is a row of rollers on each arm and a roller on each axle shaft. Web is threaded in loops back and forth between rollers on the respective arms. When the web infeed rate to the accumulator and the outfeed or rate at which the web is drawn out by a web consuming device are equal, the regulated air pressure to the actuator drives the arms apart to thereby accumulate a long length of web. When web infeed is interrupted while outfeed or draw persists, the arms are pulled toward each other and they pay out the stored length of web.

Abstract: An automatic winder is provided with a tension sensor for detecting the tension of travelling yarn in each winding unit and a tensor for controlling the tension of yarn in accordance with a yarn tension variation signal provided from the tension sensor, to thereby eliminate the variation of yarn tension.

Abstract: A roller door is provided with a flexible door leaf, wound on a winding roller which is mounted rotatably above the door opening. Fast with the winding roller is at least one drum on which there is wound, in contrary direction to the door leaf, a flexible traction member (belt, rope, chain) which is loaded with a counterweight for balancing the weight of the door leaf. In order also to tauten the door leaf, with a separation of the functions of weight compensation and tautening of the door leaf, there is integrally rotatably connected with the winding roller at least one second drum on which is wound, in contrary direction to the door leaf, a further flexible traction member (belt, rope, chain) guided around a guide roller, which is mounted stationarily at the base of the door opening, and connected with the door leaf, and a tensioning roller presses with a transverse force against the portion of the further traction member which runs between its drum and the guide roller.

Abstract: A tension compensator for a textile strand includes an electronic closed loop arrangement for use intermediate means delivering the strand which may be at constant speed and a take up or other consuming apparatus such as a package onto which the strand is being wound at a varying rate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for braking a moving thread are described, in which the braking effect is not brought about by a clamping of the thread but by looping same around braking elements. The braking effect can be adjusted in several ways, whereby an adaptation to the material and the working conditions can be achieved. In addition, the thread can be braked continuously or discontinuously.

Abstract: In an automatic winder, the tension device provided on each winding unit has a tenser in contact with a yarn to apply a resistance thereto, and a driving actuator of said tenser member, and each of the actuators provided on each winding unit is associated with a control device positioned separately from each winding unit, and adjustment of the tenser member is remote-controlled. The control device is used to vary the yarn tension in accordance with amount of yarn layer on a package, winding speed of a yarn and the like.

Abstract: A yarn storage and return device for yarn being wound on a conical bobbin driven at a constant speed. The device comprises a lever system for storing and returning the yarn and for regulating and monitoring the amount of stored yarn. The yarn is drawn into the storage position by an arm of the lever system and is then released (i.e. returned) from this storage position. This returning operation releases the yarn from its storage position and replaces it (returns it), to its normal feed path. The device also comprises a yarn tension measurer, an electric comparator, and an electric control unit to measure and compare the yarn tension, and to process an electric controlling signal to activate a drive motor. The drive motor actuates a tensioning element which affects the storage operation of the device.

Abstract: A device and method for winding conical bobbins with yarn withdrawn at constant speed from individual spinning units, and comprising: a deflecting roller, which moves backwards and forwards by a swinging arm, which compensates for the different speeds at which the yarn is collected on the bobbin under formation wherein yarn is drawn into the storage position and is then released from this storage position, (i.e. returned). This returning operation releases the yarn from its storage position and replaces it (returns it), to its normal feed path; two proximity sensors which defines the range of swing of the yarn storage and return arm; an electronic control unit which receives an electrical signal from the proximity sensors when the arm swings stray outside the regular range to generate, an electrical control signal which activates a pressure variator which varies the pressure on a disc yarn tensioner. This changes the tension on the yarn to return the storage swing to within the regular range.

Abstract: A yarn storage and return device for yarn being wound on a conical bobbin driven at a constant speed. The device comprises a lever system for speed. The device comprises a lever system for storing and returning the yarn and for regulating and monitoring the amount of stored yarn. The yarn is drawn into the storage position by an arm of the lever system and is then released (i.e. returned) from this storage position. This returning operation releases the yarn from its storage position and replaces it (returns it) to its normal feed path. The device also comprises a transducer, and electric comparator, and an electric processor control unit to convert, compare and process an electrtic controlling signal to activate a drive source. The drive motor actuates a tensioning element which affects the storage operation of the device. The device further comprises a bidirectional drive unit to obtain a variation in the average yarn winding speed to restore the storage operation to a predetermined range of values.

Abstract: A device and method for winding conical bobbins with yarn withdrawn at constant speed from individual spinning units, and comprising: a deflecting roller or similar element, which is connected to and moved backwards and forwards by a swinging flat element for yarn storage and accumulation, to compensate the variation in the speed at which the yarn is collected on the conical surface of the bobbin under formation wherein yarn is drawn into the storage position and is then released from this storage position, (i.e. returned).

Abstract: A yarn storage and return device for yarn being wound on a conical bobbin driven at a constant speed. The device comprises a lever system for storing and returning the yarn and for regulating and monitoring the amount of stored yarn. The yarn is drawn into the storage position by an arm of the lever system and is then released (i.e. returned) from this storage position. This returning operation releases the yarn from its storage position and replaces it (returns it), to its normal feed path. The device also comprises a transducer, and electric comparator, and an electronic processor control unit to convert, compare, and process an electric controlling signal to activate a drive motor. The drive motor actuates a tensioning element which affects the storage operation of the device.

Abstract: The yarn tensioning device for flat knitting machines has for each yarn (20) to be processed a pivotable support (23), for yarn guide members (25-31), located in the region of an end of a needle bed, preferably outside a covering panel (16) of the machine. Each pivotable support 23 has on a projecting part (23b) a yarn clamp (35) which enters the covering panel (16) through an aperture (22) and constitutes an auxiliary member during threading of the yarn. The pivotable support (23) also carries the yarn take-up (31/32) and a number of adjustment and control members of the yarn tensioning device.

Abstract: A method of producing steel-wire-reinforced conveyer belts. The steel wires, which are conveyed at a uniform tension through the production apparatus, each have associated with them a respective hydraulic tensioning cylinder. The cylinders, which communicate with one another, are acted upon by a pulsating fluid pressure. In this way, varying movement resistances can be reduced, resulting in extensive uniformity of the tension state of all of the wires.

Abstract: A mechanical device for controlling the tension in a traveling textile yarn includes a base, a flutter member pivotably mounted on the base and a cylindrical post eccentrically mounted rotatably on the base adjacent the post, the flutter member and post being independently biased toward one another and yieldably movable independently away from and toward one another. A yarn monitoring arm is integral with the post and extends outwardly therefrom for engagement with a traveling yarn passing between the post and the flutter member. Tension increases and decreases in the yarn act on the monitoring arm to effect movement of the post in its rotational directions away from and toward the flutter member to increase and decrease the frictional drag and thereby offset the tension change. The flutter member yields to yarn thickness fluctuations and is adapted for flutter-like pivotal movement in response to yarn ballooning and untwisting actions to dampen same while maintaining the frictional drag on the yarn.

Abstract: A method and system for tensioning and applying a foam core tape having pressure sensitive adhesive faces to a body side molding. The method is effected to obtain the necessary stretch in the foam core tape to coordinate with any dimensional changes which may occur in the body side moldings to which it is bonded. The system includes a tensioning roll disposed between a supply roll and the point of application of the tape to the body side molding. The peripheral surface of the tensioning roll frictionally engages the foam tape and the rotation of the tensioning roll is controlled by suitable braking mechanism to effect a desired stretch in the tape prior to its application to the body molding.

Abstract: To guarantee a permanent continuous delivery of sheets of material (12), packaging material, on packaging machines, sheet stocks (14) are formed, and these guarantee that the sheet of material 12 can be stopped temporarily in a region preceding them, without conveyance being interrupted in the region where it is conveyed further. During this time, the sheet of material (12) is drawn off from the sheet stock (14). A supply rocker (10) to form the sheet stock (14) is designed such that, in an initial position, the sheet of material (12) is free of deflections or loops.

Abstract: A lowering device for lowering a person or other load comprises a line for lowering the load and a support structure through which the line runs during lowering. In some modes of operation a free end of the line is secured to a fixed point, and the support structure is secured to the person and travels with the person down the line. In other modes the support structure is secured to a fixed point, and the load is secured to a free end of the line and is lowered downwardly away from the support structure. Pivotably mounted on the support structure is a transverse guide member carrying a fixed guide element at each end thereof and a rotatable guide element at the center thereof. The line passes around the guide elements and under the effect of load tension the transverse member pivots to bring the guide elements on the member into a pinching effect with guide elements which are fixed on the support structure.

Abstract: A thread tensioning device includes spaced first and second thread passages A and B between which a brake member 18 is carried and a thread tensioning cylinder 28 is carried between the second thread passage and a third thread passage C whose position relative to the second passage means is variable to vary the extent of thread contact with the tensioning cylinder 28. In the event of machine stoppage, thread brake 18 holds the yarn against seat 16 to maintain thread taut about cylinder 28 to avoid thread breakage upon start-up.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the tension of a filament yarn, especially useful for those filament yarns applied to a warping machine, which apparatus being simple in structure and being provided between the pirn of the filament yarn and a take-up beam and arranged so that the filament yarn released from the pirn is passed through this apparatus longitudinally from one end to the other end thereof on a plurality of rotatable roller-like transverse guide members and also through at least one ring-like guide member movably supported, between two adjacent roller-like transverse guide members, on a fixed longitudinal supporting means positioned lower than the rod-like guide means.

Abstract: A tension compensator for use on a package winder has two spaced pins projecting from a rotatable member about an axis, the pins extending generally in the direction of the axis. The member is biased to rotate in a predetermined direction toward a stop so that a strand passed between and over said pins in a zig-zag fashion moves the pins against the bias to straighten the strand under higher tension and permit the bias to move the pins to store the strand under lower tension. The compensator has a strand guide for guiding the strand preparatory to loading in a path forwardly displaced from the pins. An actuator is provided to rotate said member to a loading position and to thereafter release the strand from the strand guide so that it drops between the pins whereby the strand is loaded between and over said pins in zig-zag fashion.