Patent attributes
A sling manufacturing apparatus for constructing a synthetic sling having a cover and a core, includes a frame defining a longitudinal frame axis, a yarn feeder assembly associated with the frame, a drive roller connected to the frame, a tailstock movably mounted to the frame, an idler roller movably mounted to the tailstock, and an idler actuator secured to the tailstock. The drive roller is drivable to draw yarn from the yarn feeder assembly and the tailstock is movable relative to the frame substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler roller is movable relative to the tailstock parallel to the longitudinal frame axis. The idler actuator is configured to move the idler roller from a loading position spaced a first distance from the tailstock to a tensioned position spaced a second distance from the tailstock, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.