Abstract: The invention concerns a method of SZ stranding into one strand a bundle of two or more flexible micromodules, each micromodule comprising one or more optical fibers. A first pulley is located with its winding surface adjacent to a longitudinal axis of a cabling line. The bundle of micromodules is guided over the winding surface of the first pulley, the first pulley being rotating around the longitudinal axis of the cabling line. The rotational speed, or the rotational direction of the first pulley, is alternating.

Abstract: Armoured cable (10) comprising: —a plurality of cores (12) stranded together according to a core stranding direction; —an armour (16) surrounding the plurality of cores (12) and comprising a layer of metal wires (16a) helically wound around the cores (12) according to an armour winding direction; wherein the at least one of core stranding direction (21) and the armour winding direction (22) is recurrently reversed along the cable length L so that the armoured cable (10) comprises unilay sections (102) along the cable length where the core stranding direction (21) and the armour winding direction (22) are the same. The invention also relates to a method for improving the performances of the armoured cable (10) and to a method for manufacturing the armoured cable (10).

Abstract: A composite cable that includes plural cables connectable to respective connection portions arranged on a substrate, and an outer coat that covers the cables, the composite cable including: a position fixation portion, in which the cables are fixed in positions so as to be parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction of the cables; and a twist portion, in which the cables extending from an end portion of the position fixation portion are twisted together, wherein in the position fixation portion, an arrangement pattern of the cables on a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cables is mirror symmetric to an arrangement pattern of the connection portions.

Abstract: A rotor bearing comprising at least one support disc pair, which is comprised of two support discs (40, 41, 42, 43), which are arranged in such a way that they form a wedge gap, and a spinning rotor (3) with a rotor shaft (4), which is mounted in the wedge gap. The invention is to provide a support disc bearing that is easy to produce. For this purpose, a rolling bearing (45) is arranged in the base body (44) of the support discs (40, 41, 42, 43) and the rolling bearings (45) are in each case applied on a fixed bearing bolt (50, 51, 52, 53). The invention furthermore relates to the support disc (40, 41, 42, 43) and a method for producing the support disc (40, 41, 42, 43).

Abstract: A plurality of individual elements are imparted with reverse axial twist and collectively twisted into a multi-element assembly. Each individual element has an axial twist direction in an opposite direction from the axial twist direction of the collective multi-element assembly. The reverse axial torsion in the assembly tightly binds the plurality elements in the assembly to resist separation.

Abstract: An upper frequency-range circuit (160) includes a load element (168) exhibiting a capacitive load impedance. A first matching network (166) includes at least one nano-scale Litz wire (100) inductor. The first matching network (166) exhibits an inductive reactance that nominally matches the capacitive load reactance. An electrical conductor for providing connections for radio-frequency signals includes a plurality of nano-scale conductors (120) that are arranged in the form of a Litz wire (100). In one method of making a Litz wire (142), a plurality of carbon nanotubes (144) is placed on a substrate (146). The carbon nanotubes (144) are woven according to a predefined scheme so as to form a Litz wire (142). An inductor may be formed by manipulating the Litz wire (100) to form a coil (150).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining and adjusting binder laylength during the process of manufacturing a selected fiber optic cable design. Specifically, a binder, having a distinguishing and physically detectable feature, is wrapped around fiber optic bundles or a buffer tube. A detection system detects the unique feature associated with the binder and thus creates a calculates a representative distance value. The distance value is calculated in relation the periodic spacing between two detected points on the physically detectable binder and is continuously monitored by a closed feedback loop. A computer receives status data from the closed feedback loop and compares the received data to a stored laylength parameter. In light of the comparison, an algorithm adjusts the binder head speed accordingly. This process repeats until the desired stored laylength is detected by the detection system.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting twist into a moving strand, including a first body including an orifice extending therethrough for permitting passage of a moving yarn. An air channel extends therethrough and communicates with the orifice. The air channel communicates with the orifice at a tangentially-offset angle to the path of the yarn through the orifice to create a cyclonic air circulation pattern in the orifice to insert a predetermined direction of twist into the yarn as the yarn passes through the orifice. The first body is adapted for being inverted relative to, and placed in overlying registration with, a second like body whereby the air channel of the first body inserts one predetermined direction of twist into the yarn and the air channel of the second body inserts another predetermined direction of twist into the yarn.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a first twisting device that dispenses a first wire and imparts a twist to the same, a second twisting device that receives the twisted first wire and twists the same about a second wire, and a metering device or capstan positioned on the outside of the second twisting device that controls the input velocity of the first and second wires. The apparatus can further include a third twisting device that dispenses a second wire and imparts a twist to the same. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second wires are back-twisted and the second twisting device receives the first and second back-twisted wires and twins or pairs the same. A tension transducer is also provided which measures the tension of the wires before they enter the second twisting device.

Abstract: A process of producing an assembled yarn, including the steps of providing two or more yarns moving downstream from a supply to a take-up, inserting alternating-direction zones of twist into at least one of the yarns, the at least one yarn having an area of zero twist between said alternating direction zones of twist, combining the at least two yarns to form a single, integrated yarn strand, and intermittently exposing the yarn strand to an air blast to create a zone of intermingled yarns at spaced-apart points along the length of the yarn strand to prevent torsional movement of one yarn relative to the other yarn. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the step of exposing the yarn strand to an air blast includes the step of intermingling the yarns at the areas of zero twist.

Abstract: An electrical power cable includes plastic-insulated conductors and a single wire, which is enveloped by a lengthwise incoming insulating tape and is twisted together with the conductors, all of which are surrounded by a common sheath. The conductors and the single wire are twisted together with alternating stroke directions (SZ), and the tape is loosely placed around the single wire in the form of a strand with opposing edges of the tape having alternating directions of rotation along the length of the strand.

Abstract: A wire twist-preventing device in a winding machine of the invention comprises a flyer for forming a coil by winding a plurality of wires, which are arranged parallel with one another in a tape shape, around a winding frame having a plurality of winding stages which gradually increase upward in winding diameter, when the winding frame is lowered stage by stage, a dummy flyer which is rotated together with the flyer; and a dummy drum rotatably provided coaxially with the winding frame and having a circumferential length which is substantially equal to an average circumferential length of the winding frame, wherein the wires are wound around the winding frame by the flyer while they are wound around the dummy drum by the dummy flyer.

Abstract: A device for producing cable stranding from stranding elements (1) with changing direction of lay between stranding pulley (3) driven with alternating direction of rotation and stationary inlet pulley (5) on the wire inlet side with holes (8) to hold individual wires (1) to be stranded has several storage pulleys (4) likewise provided with holes (8). Storage pulleys (4) are pivotally mounted in machine frame (17). There is one drive (6) only for stranding pulley (3) and there is torsionally elastic connection (7,9,11,14,16) between stranding pulley (3) and storage pulleys (4), via which storage pulleys (4) are driven.

Abstract: Torsional fixation portions holding an SZ slotted body having spiral grooves turning over alternately in the surface of its column body are provided to prevent the SZ slotted body from being distorted, and between the torsional fixation portions, a groove fixation device with one or more protrusion projecting into the spiral grooves of the SZ slotted body to prevent the grooves front turning in the sectionally circumferential direction in provided. The SZ slotted body is passed through the groove fixation device while the SZ slotted body advanced straight. Optical fibers are introduced and stored into the grooves of the SZ slotted body in the vicinity of the groove fixation device, and immediately a pressing winding consisting of yarn, tape or the like is given onto the SZ slotted body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber, whereby a fiber is drawn from a molten extremity of a preform and is subsequently subjected to a torque, thereby causing a portion of the fiber to be twisted about its longitudinal axis and to be endowed with a spin. The torque is applied by running the fiber between a pair of wheels which rotate in mutually opposite senses about two different rotational axes, each wheel having a peripheral curved surface, the wheels being thus arranged that the fiber runs substantially tangential to their curved surfaces and is pressed therebetween, the wheels being moved back and forth relative to one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fiber so as to cause the fiber to be rolled back and forth between their curved surfaces.

Abstract: A device for making a wire strand with changing twist direction (SZ-stranding) from individual wires, includes a fixed guide (1) provided with bores for receiving the individual wires and a plurality of spaced apart storing disks (4) capable of being driven in changing directions and also having bores for receiving the individual wires to be stranded, and a laying disk (6) capable of being driven via drive disks (7) and transmission members (9), with a drive (8) common to at least a portion of the drive disks (7) being provided, wherein between the drive (8) and the drive disks (7) there is disposed a torsionally elastic shaft (15) having an arbitrary cross-section.

Abstract: Apparatus for stranding elongated elements into a bundle of reversely twisted strand sections includes a rotating accumulator drum, a rotating winding flyer at the first end of the drum, and a rotating unwinding flyer at the second end of the drum. A guide plate and collector die guide the elements into the winding flyer, and a twist blocking device guides the twisted strands out of the unwinding flyer. A first twist of the bundle is produced by the winding flyer in a zone between collector die the winding flyer. A second reverse twist is produced by the unwinding flyer in the zone between the unwinding flyer and the twist blocking device. The winding flyer, the drum and the unwinding flyer rotate around a common axis, in the same direction, but at different speeds which change in alternating winding phases. The speed of the flyers and the drum are different from each other, but constant within the particular winding phase.

Abstract: A stranding station (1) for SZ type stranding machines intended for the helical stranding of a plurality of individual wire strands (4a-4g). The stranding station (1) is characterized in that the accumulation element (50) is mounted so as to be free to rotate about and free to move axially along a support shaft (54) driven in rotation, in that the mechanism for driving the accumulation element in rotation includes an intermediate element (60) attached to the support shaft (54), arranged downstream of the accumulation element (50) in relation to the forward motion direction of the wire strands (4a-4g), and in that the intermediate element (60) has a driving surface (62), this accumulation element being driven in rotation by friction on the driving surface (62).

Abstract: An elongated rotating accumulator used for stranding together stranding elements, (KS1) has chambers (KA1-KA4) at least sections of which are inwardly open and in which stranding elements (VS1-VS4) can be fed to a stranding disk (VS) in each case separately from each other.

Abstract: A method for twisting a pair of moving strands uses a winder assembly 510, which is mounted on a first shaft 140 and rotates around a cylindrical drum 110. Twisted wire is wrapped in adjacent convolutions around an exterior surface of the cylindrical drum, which is mounted on a second shaft 150. The exterior surface is energized to advance the convolutions from its input end to its output end; and an unwinder assembly 520 is mounted on a third shaft 160 at the output end of the drum. The shafts are coaxial with each other and each is capable of independent rotational movement. The volume of strand material stored on the drum may be varied by changing the relative rotational speeds and directions of the different shafts. A twist in one direction is imparted onto the strand pair when the number of convolutions stored on the drum is increased; and a twist in the opposite direction is imparted onto the strand pair when the number of convolutions stored on the drum is decreased.

Abstract: A device for stranding elongated stranding elements, in which an axially extending supply member has a surface on which stranding elements are fed to a stranding disk. A first suspension device has a first receiving device for holding a first end of the supply member on an input side. A second suspension device has a second receiving device for holding a second end of the supply member on an output side. First and second locking devices respectively mount the first and second receiving devices in the first and second suspension devices, respectively, such that in a release position of a respective locking device, a respective receiving device is completely displaceable in an axial direction for installing or removing the supply member, and such that in a lock position of the respective locking device, the respective receiving device is secured against detachment during operation of the supply member.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for stranding together stranding elements, such as electrical and/or optical transmission elements. The apparatus includes a stranding disk and an elongated rotating accumulator for feeding the elements through the stranding disk, which gathers the elements into a cable. The rotating accumulator has a plurality of longitudinal chambers for accommodating respective elements. The chambers are radially open either inward or outward relative to the longitudinal direction, according to different embodiments of the invention. The invention also provides associated methods of stranding with such devices.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making alternate S and Z twist plied yarn from individual singles yarns includes the steps of tensioning the singles yarns as they move in a path through the process, twisting the individual yarns in either an S or Z direction, snubbing the yarn to restrain ply twisting so the twist in the singles yarn can equalize itself, stopping the forward movement of the yarn, then bonding the ply-twisted yarns at a node while applying twist, stopping the twisting operation, then repeating the procedure while twisting in the opposite direction. The ply twisted yarn has a lower defect level of less than 2.5 defects per 100 inch length of yarn.

Abstract: A device for the reverse-twisting of stranding elements (4), comprising a stationary guide disk (1) and a twisting disk (2) located at a distance from the guide disk and able to rotate around its axis. At least one filament-shaped, tension-proof support element (7) is located between the guide disk (1) and the twisting disk (2). At least one holding element (5) is mounted on the support element (7) and is located at a distance from the guide disk (1) on one side, and from the twisting disk (2) on the other. The holding element (5) contains axial passage holes (6) for the stranding elements (4). The ends of the support elements (7) are affixed in holders (9), which are able to tilt and/or rotate with respect to the twisting disk (2).

Abstract: An apparatus to reverse-twist cable elements in the discharge direction, while at the same time the resulting twisted discharge is taken up in a storage path includes a mandrel for expanding the cable elements prior to the twisting thereof in the discharge direction.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement in connection with reverse stranding, comprising drawing conductors through a stationary divider, peripheral tubes peripherically surrounding a central tube and twistable around the central tube recurrently in opposite directions and a twisting device rotatable in opposite directions, into a stranding nozzle or similar. To achieve longitudinal strip winding, a strip is fed into the central tube. The strip is guided to pass through the rotatable twisting device and further between the desired conductors ahead of the stranding nozzle or similar, the stranding nozzle or similar bending the edges of the strip in the desired direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable whereby stable transmission characteristics, such as length and tension, are maintained throughout a specified length of the cable. A slotted rod having spiral grooves formed longitudinally on the surface thereof is hauled by a hauling device, optical fibers or optical fiber ribbons are inserted into the spiral grooves, and a binding is applied onto the outer surface of the slotted rod to form the basis for an optical fiber cable stranding. The optical cable stranding with the optical fibers or the like inserted in the spiral grooves and with the binding applied thereon is wound around a guide wheel, thereby maintaining stable transmission characteristics throughout a specified length of the cable, and then further hauled. The guide wheel is rotatable about a rotary axis perpendicular to the hauling direction of the slotted rod.

Abstract: A reverse stranding apparatus for the reverse stranding of conductors. The apparatus comprises a stationary divider plate, a twisting plate rotatable in different directions, and a central element disposed between the parts, and peripheral tubes surrounding the central element, the central element and the peripheral tubes being pressed against each other at least during the twisting step of the conductors, and the conductors to be stranded being adapted to pass through at least the peripheral tubes. To allow high speeds of rotation, the peripheral tubes are connected substantially for their entire length to the central element by a substantially radial part.

Abstract: A winding device for multiple wire wrapping a stationary object supplies the wires in a twist-free manner to a flyer that rotates around the stationary object. The wires are wound around the object by means of this flyer. Furthermore, one auxiliary arm is coupled to the flyer, which arm rotates synchronously with the flyer and which is provided with a guide device which guides the wires. A wire wrapping that changes winding directions is rendered possible in that at least one intermediate drum is provided, which is rotatably supported coaxially to the axis of rotation of the auxiliary arm and by way of which the wires are supplied from a stationary magazine to the guide device, whereby under the effect of force, the wires are able to be axially shifted on the intermediate drum from a winding point to an unwinding point. The circumference of the intermediate drum is smaller at the point where the wire unwinds than the wire length wound onto the object during a rotation of the flyer.

Abstract: A reverse stranding apparatus for the reverse stranding of conductors to produce cables or the like and to a method in connection with stranding and reverse stranding. The conductors are drawn from a distributor into a nozzle or equivalent through peripheral tubes circumferentially surrounding a central tube and being twistable about the central tube recurrently in opposite directions. To facilitate the passage of the conductor, a pressurized fluid is fed through the peripheral tubes upstream ends and into the peripheral tubes during the drawing of the conductors to produce oscillation, whereby the conductors passing through each peripheral tube remain substantially detached from the inner surfaces of the peripheral tubes.

Abstract: An alternate reverse or so-called SZ-twisting method and apparatus and cable product produced by alternate reverse twisting method and/or apparatus. Elements (2 ) which are to be alternately reversely twisted may be wires, leads, optical fibers, their groups and which can also include quads of wires, leads, optical fibers. Elements (2) to be twisted and a possible core element (9) are drawn from a fixed divider (3), preferably a perforated holeplate, through a twister (6), preferably a perforated holeplate, rotating periodically in opposite directions, to a presser (7), preferably a nipple, in which the elements to be twisted and the possible core element are pressed together, to form an alternately reversely twisted product (8). Between the divider (3) and the twister (6) pipe group (4, 5) is provided for defining the feedpaths of the elements (2) to be twisted and the possible core element (9).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the line speed of an S-Z strander by applying a tensile force to the elongated accumulator of the strander, between 124 pounds and less than the elastic limit of the material from which the elongated accumulator is made, while the elongated accumulator is rotated in a reversing manner about its longitudinal axis and coated optical fibers and/or elongated tubes containing optical fibers are S-Z stranded thereabout.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an SZ cable. The apparatus includes supply spools for providing a number of conductors to be formed into the cable, positioned at the upstream end of the apparatus, and a take-up reel for advancing the conductors downstream and for taking up the completed cable. A fixed guide ring having openings for passage of the conductors is located downstream of the supply means, and a rotatable guide ring is positioned downstream of the fixed guide ring. A first motor is provided for rotating the downstream guide ring. The apparatus further includes an accumulator tube having an outside surface for receiving turns of the conductors, with the tube being movable back and forth relative to the direction of travel of the conductors. An intermediate guide ring is carried by the tube adjacent its downstream end. The apparatus also includes a second motor for rotating the intermediate guide ring and the tube with the tube being movable between a downstream position and an upstream position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for reverse-stranding (SZ-stranding) at least one stranding element of a cable, in particular a stranding element containing a beam waveguide, about a central element, a laying device being arranged between the oscillating lay plate and the fixed lay plate, which laying device takes up and pays out a lay of the stranding element at alternating periods, and comprises a stress controller for evening out the pull-off speed from the supply reel, which is arranged between the fixed lay plate and the supply reel.

Abstract: A stranding device having a rotatable tube store and method of stranding with the tube store characterized by lubricating a surface of the tube store by either applying drops of lubricant to the surface, moistening the elements being stranded prior to engaging the surface, or both, to reduce the friction of the surface of the tube store engaged by the elements being stranded.

Abstract: A drawing wheel is intended for exerting tension on a grooved ring while optical fibers are being laid in helical grooves in the core, in order to stretch the ring in a cabling line. The invention is aimed at defining a radius for the wheel in terms of the dimensional characteristics of the ring so that the fibers are kept longer than the grooves as the ring leaves the cabling line and reverts to an initial tension-free state. The radius of the wheel is such thatR'>(p.sup.2 /(4.pi..sup.2 r))-(r+h)where p and h respectively denotes pitch and depth of the helical grooves, and r denotes radius of a central portion of the core circumscribed by bottoms of the grooves. The wheel radius is preferably on the order of one meter or more.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising two concentrically arranged tube stores, a device for passing a cable core through the inner tube of the concentrically arranged tube stores and a stranding nipple characterized by a device for applying adhesive to a web being spun onto the tube store so as to secure the spun covering thereon. Preferably, the spun covering is applied in an SZ stranding manner with the inner covering reversing directions of twist at a point different than the outer covering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables stranding a skein-like element with reduced backtwist characterized by a stranding nipple, a tubular store having an axis, means for rotating the tubular store on its axis in both a first and second rotational direction and means for moving the tubular store longitudinally along its axis as it is being rotated. The change in direction of rotation is selected to occur during displacement from an initial position spaced from the stranding nipple to a final position adjacent the stranding nipple so that during a first portion of a cycle, lays are accumulated on the tubular store then with reversing of the rotating direction, the lays are decreased and finally during a third portion of the cycle the tubular store is shifted from the final position back to the first position for repeating the cycle.

Abstract: In the manufacture of bundles of at least ten twisted pairs or quads of electric wires, a compact design of the first twisting stage and a servicable guiding system for guiding the pairs from the first twisting stage to the twisting closer of the second twisting stage is obtained by having at least two groups of SZ-twisting devices in the first twisting stage, the rotating twisting heads of the two stages radially staggered and the guide pulleys of the respective inner twisting head which are arranged at the transition from the first to the second twisting stage provided with several guiding grooves for the twisting units so that they can guide twisted units from both the inner and outer twisting heads.

Abstract: In order to eliminate tension variations in the metal wires in the operation of a tubular accumulator SZ twisting machine for the ceander shaped application of elements on a core the length l.sub.0 of the cylindrical tube arranged between a stationary and an oscillating perforated disc satisfies the condition:l.sub.0 .gtoreq.100D.sup.2 /bwhereD=the outside diameter of the tube, andb=the period of the ceander-shaped twist. The new twisting machine is particularly useful for stranding twisting elements of an optical cable on a core.

Abstract: The driving device for the twisting head of an SZ stranding machine assures short switching times with little equipment even for a multi-step change of the rotary motion by associating with one or both magnetic clutches of the twisting head either one driving shaft rotating at changing speed, or at least two driving shafts revolving at constant speed and each having a magnetic clutch for coupling rotation to the twisting head clutch.

Abstract: A method and device for manufacturing optical transmission elements which contains a SZ-stranded bundle of several optical waveguides received in a tubular jacket characterized by stranding the waveguides into the bundle while they are moving in a vertical direction, applying a filling material to the waveguides adjacent a stranding point to prevent the unstranding of the bundle until at least the tubular jacket has been applied. Preferably, the application of the jacket is by extruding the jacket onto the bundle and the method can include the application of an additional filling material to complete the filling of the jacket.

Abstract: A pipe store for SZ stranding of electrical and/or optical stranding elements is constructed of carbon fibers bonded with adhesive material, whereby the weight is lowered and friction is reduced.

Abstract: An S-Z twisting machine including a twisting disc operated reversibly at the speed n.sub.1 and a tubular accumulator driven with the lower speed n.sub.2. The elements to be twisted which are applied to the tubular accumulator via an aperture guide disc, are preferably conducted through a further aperture guide disc which is rigidly connected to the tubular accumulator near its center to insure that the loops before and behind the further guide disc are equal per unit length of the tubular accumulator.

Abstract: Cable core unit forming apparatus having a plurality of wire guide means, each for stranding wires together. The guide means are laterally spaced and each extends along a longitudinal axis to be non-rotatable about the axis at its upstream end. It is rotationally flexible to be torsionally twisted by rotatable twisting means at its downstream end. Each guide means are disposed at one of two or more twisting stations. Feedpaths for wires from other twisting stations converge to a stranding station for the core unit. Wire separation tubes prevent the wires from stranding into pairs until immediately before the stranding station. Each separation tube is rotated about its axis which is maintained curved to follow one of the converging paths and the tube is flexible to enable its curved axis position to be maintained during rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stranding two or more wires together comprising a wire guide means extending in a wire pass direction to a twisting station, the guide means held against rotation about an axis at its upstream end and being rotationally flexible to be torsionally twisted by a rotatable twisting means in the twisting station connected to the downstream end of the guide means. A wire separation tube extends from the twisting means along a fixed curved path section to a stranding station to prevent wires stranding together until they reach the stranding station. The separation tube is rotatable about an axis coinciding with the fixed curved path section and has flexibility to enable the tube to be maintained in its curved configuration along the path with torsional rigidity to avoid build-up and retention of twist.

Abstract: A device for SZ-stranding, which includes a tube store mounted in a frame for rotation on its axis, at least one stranding disk associated with the tube store and a device for rotating said tube and disk in a reversing fashion characterized by a tubular sleeve being concentrically disposed on a portion of the tube store and being mounted in the device to rotate at a speed different than the speed of rotation for the tube store. The tubular sleeve can be disposed either adjacent the input which is usually defined by a guide disk or adjacent to the exit and the stranding disk. In one embodiment, two tubular sleeves are provided with one being adjacent the entrance and the guide disk and the other being connected to rotate with the stranding disk at a speed different than the speed of rotation for the tube store.

Abstract: Several embodiments of reduced crosstalk ribbon cable having alternating twisted and straight sections of indefinite length are disclosed, crosstalk being reduced by differing starting positions of alternate twisted pairs, differing lay of alternate twisted pairs, and variation in lay along the length of alternate twisted pairs. A preferred embodiment uses offset starting positions, and a lay in alternate twisted pairs substantially longer than that of adjacent pairs, becoming shorter to minimize the nontwisted portion resulting from the time to bring adjacent pairs into planar alignment. An apparatus for making such cable is also disclosed, having several wire supply twisters and several second twisters, removing the twist inserted by the wire supply twisters while forming twisted pair ribbon cable sections, allowing indefinitely long twisted sections. Twisters are provided in two groups operating in opposite directions, preventing curl of the cable.

Abstract: The cable is made by cascaded SZ pattern stranding of elements (individual conductors, or bundles) in a first stranding level by means of multiple units each having a stationary aperture disk, a reversably revolving aperture disk, a tube between them, and a stranding head downstream from the revolving disk, with a wrapping station between them, resulting in plural, stranded bundles serving as stranding elements in a further unit for second-level stranding and being basically similarly constructed as each of the first-mentioned units.

Abstract: A device for covering stranding elements with a cover or retaining spiral characterized by a spinning member being carried on a first tube which is supported for rotation on a support tube and a pipe store capable of SZ stranding of elements into the interior of the support tube and terminating in a stranding disc which is supported for rotation in the first tube and removably attached to the end of the pipe store so that the elements being stranded pass through the interior of the support tube as the spinning member applies the retaining spiral or cover.