Abstract: Long lengths of large diameter electric cable can be laid in underground ducts by supporting each cable to be laid in the duct on its own rotatable reel, introducing the cables simultaneously and separately from the reels to the duct, lubricating the cables, and pulling the cables simultaneously through the duct. A guide is used for introducing the cables into a conduit such as the duct and lubricating the cables. The guide comprises a body portion sized to fit within the conduit, the body having a plurality of longitudinal channels along its periphery for forming a plurality of spaced-apart cable guide passages in cooperation with the internal wall of the conduit. A lubricant can be introduced into each channel.

Abstract: The cable dispensing device of the present invention has one or more reels with cable wound thereabout rotatably supported upon a mandrel. Drive means are provided for each reel supported on the device. Accordingly to the method of the invention, control means are operative independently to control the torque applied to each of the reels by the drive means to assist in the rotation of the reels and dispensing of cable wound thereabout. Application of a torque to the reels reduces the tension on the cables when pulling the cables through a duct system adapted to house the cables.

Abstract: A portable reel jack stand has dual reel support units which are oppositely positioned and adapted to lift and support a reel rotatably therebetween. Each support unit has retractible rollers operative to permit movement of the reel support units when the reel is not being supported thereby. A reel engaging unit carried upon telescopic members slidably engaged with each of the reel support units is adapted to facilitate rotation of the reel. At least one of the reel engaging units has a braking assembly operative to control reel rotation. A hydraulic jack is operative to cause upward movement of the telescopic members thereby occasioning lifting of the reel.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for lifting a reel having cable wound thereabout for dispensing the cable includes oppositely positioned bearing housings operative to support spindle assemblies which are receivable into the reel to occasion rotation of the reel about its mandrel apertures or central axis. At least one of the bearing housings has a disk brake assembly operative therewith and associated controlling mechanisms for resisting rotation of one of the spindle assemblies. A braker arm attached to the spindle assembly operative with the disk brake assembly imparts a torque opposing the rotation of the reel for braking the reel. The apparatus is adapted to receive the forks of a forklift truck and be suspended thereby.

Abstract: A guide is used for simultaneously laying a plurality of cables in a conduit. The guide comprises a body portion sized to fit within the conduit, the body having a plurality of longitudinal channels along its periphery for forming a plurality of spaced-apart cable guide passages in cooperation with the internal wall of the conduit. A lubricant can be introduced into each channel.