Multiply twisting machine for high speed helical winding of unitary strands to form a cable

A multiple twisting machine adapted to helically twist a plurality of unitary strands which are fed from feed bobbins along a predetermined path and to deliver a twisted cable to a windup bobbin, said machine comprising said bobbin and means for feeding said cable to said windup bobbin, at least two nested coaxial frames, said frames including a first central frame and a second external frame, a motor and means for reversing rotation, rotatably driving said frames in opposite directions and at substantially the same speed, each of said frames comprising at least two bearings and defining between said at least two bearings an eccentric portion of said cable path comprising a surface of revolution which encloses an internal space and which extends from a first end of said space to a second end outside of said space, said path passing axially within each of said at least two bearings whereby said cable receives two twists in the same direction when it passes through said at least two bearings of each of said frames, a shaft held within said first frame, a cradle rotatably mounted on said shaft, said cradle being held immobile and defining an end of said cable path, said path further comprising portions of each of said frames which extend between adjacent bearings on each of said frames, a cage, said means for reversing rotation comprising two rotatably and reciprocally driven pinions within said cage, said cage being pivotably and eccentrically mounted on an axis and generally having a stable position due to its weight, each of said pinions being coupled to one of said frames by a belt moving about two pulleys which are integral with said pinions.