Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for bending a metal conduit. A structural framework defines an elongated rectangular planar layout surface sized to continuously contact the metal conduit in support while making a bend mark on the metal conduit. A coordinate reference measures a placement of the bend mark on the metal conduit. A grooved bending shoe is mounted to the framework and configured to bend the metal conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for lifting a workpiece. An upright frame operably supports a lead screw for selective rotation. A carrier threadingly engages the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw in one rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lifting direction and rotation of the lead screw in the opposite rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lowering direction. A mechanical power inlet is adapted for receiving an input torque from a user. A mechanical power transmission assembly has a first gear fixed in rotation with the mechanical power inlet and a different second gear fixed in rotation with the lead screw, the first and second gears sized so that the input torque imparted on the first gear is less than an output torque imparted by the second gear to the lead screw.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for bending a metal conduit. A structural framework defines an elongated rectangular planar layout surface sized to continuously contact the metal conduit in support while making a bend mark on the metal conduit. A coordinate reference measures a placement of the bend mark on the metal conduit. A grooved bending shoe is mounted to the framework and configured to bend the metal conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for lifting a workpiece. An upright frame operably supports a lead screw for selective rotation. A carrier threadingly engages the lead screw so that rotation of the lead screw in one rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lifting direction and rotation of the lead screw in the opposite rotational direction linearly advances the carrier in a lowering direction. A mechanical power inlet is adapted for receiving an input torque from a user. A mechanical power transmission assembly has a first gear fixed in rotation with the mechanical power inlet and a different second gear fixed in rotation with the lead screw, the first and second gears sized so that the input torque imparted on the first gear is less than an output torque imparted by the second gear to the lead screw.

Abstract: A transport system may be provided for transporting spools of flexible material, such as wire or tubing, about a construction site and for dispensing the material from a spool rotatingly mounted on an angled support of the transport system. The angled support may form an acute angle at its lower end with a central member of a mobile assembly and an acute angle at its upper end and a central member of an upper assembly, so that the angled support and central members are vertically coplanar along a longitudinal centerline of the transport system. In this manner, more spools of material may be carried between the extents of the central members than would be possible if the angled supports were perpendicular to the central members. Furthermore, the angled supports may resist racking forces resulting from longitudinal movement of the system and from resistance to dispensing of material from the spools.

Abstract: A wheeled dispenser for dispensing wire from spools. The dispenser has a rectangular frame, three stationary vertical posts, and two rotatable vertical posts each located between two stationary posts. Each rotatable post has a plurality of laterally projecting rods for supporting spools. The rotatable post can be rotated to a first position such that the rods are accessible for loading spools, and rotated to a second position wherein each rod can latch to an adjacent stationary post, with the spools held parallel so that they all pay out wire in one direction. The dispenser has wheels and a handle which can incline relative to the frame. A pin arranged to close a clevis secures the handle in a substantially upright position relative to the frame. The frame has upright stanchions bearing receptacles disposed to enable bars to span two stanchions and be held in the receptacles in a horizontal position, so that additional spools can be carried.