Holder For Coiled Strand Patents (Class 242/129)
  • Patent number: 5699974
    Abstract: A system for installation of optical fibre transmission lines into ducts by feeding coiled optical fibre packages from a container with an annular configuration. The optical fibre package comprises filamentary material coiled into a series of turns each offset from preceding turns and containing 360 degrees of torsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Peter D. Jenkins, Paul F. Wettengel
  • Patent number: 5695137
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a wound bobbin core and a tail end of a thread wound on the bobbin core. A vertical bobbin post is rigidly secured to the upper surface of a pallet. The bobbin core is detachably secured to the vertical bobbin post. A tail gripping post and a tail gripping wire are provided for grasping the tail end of the thread wound on the bobbin core when the bobbin core is secured on the vertical bobbin post. The tail gripping post is also rigidly secured to the upper surface of the pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Prospero, Erik Lunde, Harry Swanson, Lee Adams
  • Patent number: 5690301
    Abstract: A Stud Mounted Reel Support System for facilitating efficient spooling of wire from a wire spool by removably attaching to a conventional stud without a fastener inserted thereby elevating the wire spool off of the floor increasing the workable surface area of the floor. The inventive device includes an upper cuff secured around the rear edge of the conventional stud, a connecting bar secured at one end to the upper cuff, a lower cuff secured around the front edge of the conventional stud and secured to the end of the connecting bar opposite of the upper cuff thereby firmly gripping the conventional stud, a horizontal cantilever arm secured at one end to the lower cuff and where a wire reel rotatably surrounds the horizontal cantilever arm, and a flange at the tip of the horizontal cantilever arm thereby retaining the wire reel in position during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: Ron Shelton, Max Van Keuren
  • Patent number: 5667155
    Abstract: Suture dispensers for retaining armed sutures are disclosed. The dispenser disclosed is comprised of two flat panels of material that each have a central opening. A needle park is provided so that the needle is visible in and accessible though the central openings. In preferred embodiments, the needle park is made of a thin sheet of clear material. Several alternate needle park designs are also disclosed. The two panels are preferably locked together using edge locks in the form of corresponding slits and tabs formed on the panels themselves. In addition to being inexpensive, easy to manufacture and easy to fill, the disclosed dispensers is much thinner than current designs and thus requires less storage and shipping space. Methods of loading dispensers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Cerwin, Marvin Alpern, Yufei Huang
  • Patent number: 5651510
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing stranded media for hand-working includes a base frame; a vertical spindle unit having a shaft, and first and second flanges. A guide for the media is manually movable during operation of the crank for axially dispersing portions of the media being rewound between opposite ends of the spindle, the guide being selectively held stationary in an intermediate position for dispensing the media through the guide with limited axial displacements of the media from the supply. The apparatus can include a crank on the spindle shaft, part of the frame extending near the crank for manual support of the apparatus while cranking. The guide can be biased in one direction, and a control member coupled to the guide for movement in the other direction in response to downward finger pressure for rewinding with one hand turning the crank and the other hand holding the frame and moving the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventors: Robert L. Eble, Lola I. Eble
  • Patent number: 5575382
    Abstract: A package for retaining at least one ligature comprising a circular plate having a circular recessed base in the central portion thereof and a raised outer perimeter forming an inner wall that extends from and is substantially perpendicular to the base and an upper ring that extends from the inner wall and is substantially perpendicular to the inner wall and extends away from the base; and a flange member having a lower ring with an outer edge and an inner edge, extending from the outer edge is an outer wall which is substantially perpendicular to the lower ring, the outer wall having a top, extending form the top is an outer member that is substantially perpendicularly to the outer wall and extends away from the lower ring wherein the inner wall of the circular plate fits inside the inner edge of the lower ring and is adjacent thereto and the combination of the inner wall, lower ring, the outer wall and the upper ring defines a channel suitable for retaining a ligature said channel having an aperture for rec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Sobel, Robert J. Cerwin
  • Patent number: 5570853
    Abstract: A releasable cable holder assembly including pairs of pawl devices mounted on the winding wheel of a winding machine for winding a cable, and a knock-out control mechanism controlled to release the pawl devices from the finished winding of cable, wherein each pawl device includes a front holder plate and a rear holder plate fastened in an elongated slot on the winding wheel at two opposite sides, a spring-supported pawl fastened to a respective L-shaped through hole on each holder plate, and two wheels mounted in the L-shaped through holes of the holder plates at different elevations and disposed in contact with the spring-supported pawl at two opposite sides for guiding the pawl into a tilted position to release the winding of cable when the pawl devices are forced forwards by the knock-out control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: U Gear Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kui-Yu Teng
  • Patent number: 5551773
    Abstract: A mobile work bench including a top with a lip for preventing parts from rolling off and as a gripping surface to move the bench. A container under the top for storing parts and tools, a hinged door provides access to the area. A recessed area at one end and under the top, recessed and provided with supports for holding wire spools. The workbench has four wheels with brakes, two wheels on one end swivel for ease and convenience of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Rickey E. Cottrell
  • Patent number: 5544831
    Abstract: A yarn caddy including a generally tubular body for holding a sequence of skeins, the body having an open top end and an open bottom end; a rigid end cap removably sealing the bottom end of the body and with the end cap openable for allowing access within the body for loading and unloading skeins; and a lid hingeably coupled to the body for removably sealing the top end thereof and with the lid having a bore disposed therethrough for slidably receiving a strand from a skein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Alice H. Van Netta
  • Patent number: 5522561
    Abstract: An inside fiber optic payout system uses winding and packaging techniques th an inner stabilizing tube to ensure reliable cable payout. Stiff, elastic cable is rapidly non-precision wound onto a collapsible core spool at a preferred winding pitch. Stand-off attachments are installed over the outer cable layer between opposed spool flanges to support the cable pack when the collapsible core is removed. Duct tape is wrapped around the stand-offs and the outer cable layers to assist in keeping the cable pack stable (without collapsing) even up to its last few layers. The stand-offs also prevent the tape from being drawn out as the final layers of cable are dispensed. A shroud is installed over the tape and stand-offs. Payout preparation includes removing the spool's collapsible core leaving a central aperture in at least one flange of the spool. A circular payout guide is placed over this aperture and a rubber diaphragm is attached to the guide to provide friction for payout back tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Anthony H. Koyamatsu, Herbert L. Mummery, deceased, Warren L. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5513816
    Abstract: A dual pivoted hook line stowing or flaking system is provided for storing coiled line either vertically as on a mast or horizontally as on a deck, in which both of the hooks contain tabs rotatable in a plane parallel to the plane of the loops from outwardly pointed positions to inwardly pointed positions. The rotation of the tabs to the interior of the coiled or looped line permits easy removal of the line for rapid lowering of the sails or to permit unfettered casting or throwing of the line from a coiled position on deck. In one embodiment, the pivoted hook includes a two part structure, with a fixed flange base and an integral fixed barrel into which is inserted a rotatable barrel with the top secured to the top of the rotatable barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Peter J. Grubb
  • Patent number: 5407071
    Abstract: A package for an elongated flexible fiber. The package comprises a pair of package portions which define a fiber receiving cavity therein. Lips around the perimeter of the package allow a fiber to be wrapped thereon and passed between the lips into the fiber receiving cavity. Each package portion defines a fiber end receiving cavity therein, each fiber end receiving cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the fiber. Each fiber receiving cavity may be deflected away from the opposite package portion, thereby freeing the corresponding end of the fiber. The natural spring action of the elastically flexible fiber will cause the end of the fiber to pop radially outwardly from the package. Terminals, operating tips and other devices may be attached to the ends of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignees: MyriadLase, Inc., MicroBioMed Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey A. Lawhon, William W. Gardetto
  • Patent number: 5374005
    Abstract: A technique for handling filamentary material, specially optical fiber packages, in which the filamentary material is coiled into an annular pan in a series of turns each of which is offset from preceding turns. The turns each contain 360 degrees of torsion which is relieved when the filamentary material is paid out from the pan. A rosetting head for laying the pattern sequence is located in the center of the annular pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Peter D. Jenkins, Paul F. Wettengel
  • Patent number: 5348241
    Abstract: A Romex wire dispenser for use by the building trade in constructing buildings. The coiled cable usually packaged in 250 foot rolls is centrally located on rotatable radius bars. A spindle mounting assembly pivotally supports the radius bars at one end and contains a pair of spaced apart U-shaped members attached to each other by cantilever arms at the other end. The U-shaped members are adapted to fit over opposite sides of a conventional two by four stud member which are usually located 16 inches on center. The cable is dispensed from the periphery of the coil through a wire guide assembly that is pivotally attached to the spindle mounting assembly below said rotatable radius bars. The rotatable radius bars are frictionally restrained thereby allowing the construction worker to pull a selected amount of wire from the rotatable radius bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Dennis M. Huette
  • Patent number: 5333808
    Abstract: A manual unreeling device for a spool of wire is adapted to be pulled over the surface of the ground in a first position in which the rims of the spool act as wheels for rolling support of the device and an inverted second position where a pair of integral skids supports the device for sliding movement over the ground and holds the spool above and out of contact with the ground surface. The first position allows better control of the payout of the wire from the spool and the second inverted position is utilized when skidding of the rims on the ground because of the increasing differential between rim diameter and remaining wire coil diameter inhibits effective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Joe Klumpjan
  • Patent number: 5320301
    Abstract: The invention disclosed here is a wire reel that is designed to be used in connection with an automated wire handling system. The reel has a generally planar stiffback, and a circular flange that is releasably connected to the stiffback. The stiffback and flange together define a circular winding space for coiling a wire onto the reel. The stiffback also carries two, spaced-apart clamps which are positioned outwardly with respect to the outer perimeter of the flange. These clamps hold the opposite ends of the coiled wire. The stiffback is shaped so that it is suitable for gripping and handling by a robotic arm or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Dan A. Cross
  • Patent number: 5316232
    Abstract: A tangle-free wire dispenser for transporting and simultaneously dispensing single and multiple wires in any direction. The wire dispenser comprises of a boxlike outer frame, with wheeled legs, a parallel inner shaft, with perpendicular spool holders thereon, and spool tension bars. The top outer frame contains individual wire guide windows, which permit omnidirectional dispensing of wire, and wires, from spool holders without repositioning the dispenser. The inner shaft comprises an extendable transport handle inserted within its long axis, wherein the spool holders and tension bars are mounted and divided at right angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: John A. Lambert, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5285981
    Abstract: A spooled wire dispenser cart (20) including a central frame (22) and a plurality of spaced spool bars (62). At the free end (66) of each spool bar (62) is a "spool retainer" (74). Each spool retainer (74) includes an elongate element (76) which has an "unblocking position" relative to the spool bar (62) wherein wire spools can be freely slid over the free end of the spool bar (62); and a "blocking position" relative to the spool bar (62) such that wire spools are prevented from sliding over the free end of the spool bar. A preferred wire cart (20) also includes a folding handle (46) which has an extended position useful for maneuvering the cart (20), and a folded position wherein handle (46) is compactly folded against the central frame (22) of cart (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Steven M. Pavelka
  • Patent number: 5277314
    Abstract: A retainer ring for a container of low twist welding wire which container includes a cylindrical outer wall, a lower partition and an upper opening through which the welding wire is drawn from a hollow, cylindrical spool of welding wire formed from a multitude of convolutions of wire in layers provided in the container wherein the retainer ring comprises a generally flat outer portion with an outer periphery fitting into the outer wall of the container, minimally contacting the wire surface, and comprising a number of projecting lobe portions whereby the outer periphery of the ring contains alternate areas first being closer to and then being farther from the outer walls of the container when the retainer ring is resting upon the hollow spool of welding wire in the container and an inner bell mouthed portion extending upwardly and defining an innermost wire extraction opening with a diameter substantially smaller than the spool of wire in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: The Lincoln Electric Company
    Inventors: William D. Cooper, Herbert H. Matthews, III, Lee E. Seufer, Steven J. Tokarz
  • Patent number: 5267705
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and unwinding wire rolls containing electrical conductors that are not wound on a reel but form coils by their own semi-rigid structure. The apparatus is a rigid container formed by a first side panel spaced from a second side panel by a series of rotatable rollers that form a U-shaped configuration to accept and facilitate the unwinding of a roll of wire through the open top of the apparatus. Two opposing face panels attached to the vertical edges of the side panels and a base panel complete the basic container structure. A spring loaded interior panel located between, and parallel to, the first and second side panels provides necessary horizontal force to hold a roll of wire in a vertical position while the rollers support the wire roll from below. Carrying handles in the side panels are provided for transporting the device while a similar handle on the interior panel allows the user to manually move the panel for loading or unloading wire rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventors: Peter Hofrichter, John C. Hofrichter
  • Patent number: 5263585
    Abstract: A package for an elongated flexible fiber. The package comprises a pair of package portions which define a fiber receiving cavity therein. Lips around the perimeter of the package allow a fiber to be wrapped thereon and passed between the lips into the fiber receiving cavity. Each package portion defines a fiber end receiving cavity therein, each fiber end receiving cavity being adapted for receiving an end of the fiber. Each fiber receiving cavity may be deflected away from the opposite package portion, thereby freeing the corresponding end of the fiber. The natural spring action of the elastically flexible fiber will cause the end of the fiber to pop radially outwardly from the package. Terminals, operating tips and other devices may be attached to the ends of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignees: MyriadLase, Inc., MicroBioMed Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey A. Lawhon, William W. Gardetto
  • Patent number: 5222683
    Abstract: A wire dispensing apparatus which comprises a housing adapted to receive a spool or coil of electrical wire. In one embodiment, the wire dispensing apparatus comprises a housing which is provided with a cylindrically-shaped container sized to receive spools of wire. One end of the wire is trained through an elongate slot on the housing so that the wire may be pulled from the spool through the elongate slot. The housing may be designed to mount on a conventional wire rack or so-called caddie. In another embodiment, the housing may be constructed in the form of a suitcase in which a plurality of different spools of wire may be located and which is provided with elongate slots for pulling coils of wire therefrom. The device is also capable of dispensing heavy insulated wire, such as Romex or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Glen M. Blackshire
  • Patent number: 5222677
    Abstract: A device for drawing a thread, ribbon or the like off from a package (1), in which the thread or the like can be withdrawn overhead from the package and, in order to obtain a practically twist-free drawing off of the thread, ribbon or the like, the thread, ribbon or the like is withdrawn alternately over one of the two opposite end surfaces (1', 1'') of the package (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Sobrevin Societe de brevets industriels-Etablissement
    Inventor: Alberto G. Sarfati
  • Patent number: 5193758
    Abstract: A receiving device consists of a base element and a reinforcing arrangement. It is designed to receive a coil and serves both for storage and to facilitate manipulation when a coil is being unwound. The base element is provided with openings through which supporting elements can be inserted in order to raise the coil, for example during unwinding, from the base element of the receiving device. The supporting elements may be rollers or a central mandrel, which are arranged on a handling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Bruderer AG
    Inventors: Georg Laager, Ingomar Summerauer
  • Patent number: 5193756
    Abstract: A figure eight linear dispenser (10) having an optical fiber winding configuration adapted to dispense an optical fiber waveguide (14) at high speed. The dispenser (10) is built up of a series of flat winding layers, with each layer comprising an interlaced figure eight pattern. More particularly, the dispenser (10) comprises a housing having a pair of bobbins (12a, 12b) respectively centered on a pair of half-circular outer guides (13a, 13b). The optical fiber waveguide (14) is wound around the bobbins (12a, 12b) inside the outer guides (13a, 13b) in a series of layers (15a-15e) of figure eight loops (16a-16e). An optional cover may be disposed over the bobbins (12a, 12b) and the guides (13a, 13b) in order to enclose the waveguide (14). The waveguide pay-out of the dispenser (10) through a properly spaced eyelet (17) is nearly helix-free and linear as a result of cancellation of the angular momentum in the paired figure eight loops (16a-16e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Ronald B. Chesler
  • Patent number: 5188314
    Abstract: The subject device is a balloon weight and holding device having and storing a balloon tether means and adapted to be attached to a balloon and functioning to prevent a balloon filled with a lighter-than-air gas from rising above a given tethered length, such device comprising in general a spool member having a central cylindrical shaft flanked on each end by opposing circular plate members, each such plate having a circumferential rim. The spool member has the balloon tether wrapped around it to be unravelled at will. Integrally disposed between the inner face of such circular plate members are integrally affixed means to retard the process of unravelling of the balloon string so that the balloon string and thus the balloon do not become beyond the control of the person holding the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Inventor: William H. Peters
  • Patent number: 5139210
    Abstract: A wire dispensing apparatus (10) and method for dispensing wire or sheathed electrical cable (14) from an annular coil (13) mounted within a storage container (12). The wire dispensing apparatus (10) includes a support axle (24) dimensioned for insertion into a central opening (16) of the coil, and having opposed ends (28, 30) and a length dimension (L) therebetween which is at least about equal to the height dimension (H) of the coil (13). The wire dispensing apparatus further includes a coil retaining assembly (34) which is mountable to the exterior of the container (12), generally in alignment with the opposed ends (28, 30) of the support axle (24) cooperate with the axle (24) to retain or hold the container side walls (20, 22) against the axle ends (28, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: Henry D. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 5131538
    Abstract: A shipping container for fiber optic coils includes a pair of semicircular ody elements forming a generally circular body providing a circular chamber and having axially and outwardly extending flanges abutting along their mating edges thereof and radially extending projections at their axial ends. A pair of end caps have a cylindrical sidewall portion abutting the axial ends of the circular body, an end wall spaced therefrom, and radially extending projections aligned with those of the body. Fastening elements secure the flanges and projections in assembly. The container may be assembled about a coil supported on a winding mandrel by placing the two elements thereabout and securing the flanges to retain the coil therewithin. The body and coil may be removed from the winding mandrel and the end caps placed thereon. To remove the coil, one end cap is removed and the container aligned with the coil mounting fixture; the other cap is then removed and the coil moved outwardly of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert C. Thibodeau
  • Patent number: 5109983
    Abstract: A package for handling and shipping optical fiber jumpers which permit testing during manufacturing and by the end user, which package includes a sheet having allochiral halves each with cut-outs to form ears upon which to spirally wind a length of optical fiber having a connector plug formed on each end. The halves are folded together and subsequently the length of fiber bridging the fold line can be cut to provide two pigtails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James P. Malone, Warren J. Biskupek, Edward B. Lurie
  • Patent number: 5100077
    Abstract: A reel for unwinding a coil of wire of relatively stiff material rotatably supports the coil on its outer periphery. The coil is unwound by pulling on the innermost spire through a fixed guiding channel located between the center and the periphery of the coil. The channel is perpendicular to a radius of the coil and slightly tilted relative to the plane of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventors: Denis Gagne, Sylvio Noiseux
  • Patent number: 5078332
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing coiled flexible electrical conduit includes a base having a fixed portion and a rotating portion and the rotating portion of the base is adapted to receive a container of the flexible electrical conduit. A form is placed within the container and within the coils of the flexible conduit within the container and is secured to the container and the rotating portion of the base to provide joint rotation of the rotating portion of the base, the container, and the form as flexible conduit is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: E. Ray Carter
  • Patent number: 5042737
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multiple wire dispensing assembly which is interconnected to a three-point hitch assembly on a farm tractor assembly so as to be movable vertically and pivotally about a horizontal axis. The multiple wire dispensing assembly includes 1) a hitch connector assembly pivotally connected to the three-point hitch assembly on the farm tractor assembly; 2) a spindle support member connected to the hitch connector assembly; and 3) a plurality of spaced spindle support assemblies connected to the spindle support member. The spindle support assemblies each includes a spool support disc secured to the spindle support member; a central support member secured to a center of the spool support disc and, additionally, secured to the spindle support member; and an upright support shaft secured to the spindle support member and extended upwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Ernest R. Sigle
    Inventors: Ernest R. Sigle, Christian P. Sigle
  • Patent number: 4974789
    Abstract: A dispensing package for a fiber-optic cable comprised of two mating members and a separator disposed therebetween. The two mating members have centrally located openings and are joined at their mating edges and define a cavity therebetween. The separator is secured between the mating members to divide the cavity into first and second cable receiving chamber. Each cable receiving chamber accommodates a circularly coiled cable portion. A fiber-optic cable passes through the separator and opposite cable ends exit respectively from the central apertures of each mating member to allow cable to be payed out from opposite sides of the package. A series of apertures in the mating members and separator define a plurality of flow passages through the package for sterilization purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Trimedyne Laser Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Milburn
  • Patent number: 4967978
    Abstract: A wire storage reel includes a pair of resilient walls forming inner and outer annular wire storage cavities together with closure means which selectively operates to separate the cavities. The closure means comprise applying external pressure to the wall portions of the outer end of the inner cavity to close the inner cavity. In use, the wire is clamped to a winding mechanism and is initially wound on the reel with the inner cavity closed. The inner cavity is opened when the desired length of wire is wound on the reel. The winding mechanism is then released from the reel and the inner cavity is opened so that the winding mechanism may be rotated to a position wherein the leading and trailing ends of the wire protrude from the reel in a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: EEL Limited
    Inventor: Christopher H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4953810
    Abstract: A holder and dispenser for a coiled article including a turn-table having a co-axially extending post and a plate mounted for slidable movement over the post. The coiled article is positionable on the turntable with the plate on a side of the coiled article opposite to the turntable side. A combination article guide and turntable brake is provided on the plate and includes an aperture through which the coiled article is pulled during dispensing of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Allen L. Stadig
  • Patent number: 4944472
    Abstract: The cable dispenser generally comprises a collapsible stand, a collapsible reel and a hook which interconnects the reel and stand. The collapsible stand includes two inverted, generally U-shaped legs with an apex intermediate the ends of each leg. The legs are pivotably coupled together at their apexes. The legs are movable between a collapsed position in which the legs are alinged one over the other and an in use position in which the legs are crossed. The collapsible reel includes a flat base. A pair of inverted generally V-shaped rods are pivotably mounted to the base. The rods are movable between an in use position in which the rods stand upright on the base and a collapsed position in which the rods lie next to the base. The hook interconnects the reel and the stand, so that when the stand and the reel are in their respected in use positions, the reel rotates freely within the legs and when the stand and the reel are in their respective collapsed positioned, the apparatus is flat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignees: Ira R. Stahl, John Siemiarowski
    Inventor: Ira R. Stahl
  • Patent number: 4921186
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in withdrawing yarn from a wound package in an over-end direction includes a body having a circumferential surface coaxial with the yarn package that extends beyond the bobbin upon which package is wound and touches the end of the yarn package over which the yarn is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Joseph G. Plasky
  • Patent number: 4913369
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing reel for borescope insertion tubes which has a reel compartment for the coiled tube and an inner foam filled storage compartment for the proximal end of the tube and the associated control modules therefore. The entire reel is arranged for rotation about its axis and has a cover to secure and protect the apparatus stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Lia, Alan S. Knieriem, Timothy K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4858846
    Abstract: An audio wiring harness apparatus is set forth to remove slack from existing coaxial type cable utilized in the electrical association of various electronic components. A container is provided with a plurality of telescoping heads positioned therein in an aligned orientation to one another wherein their ends are directed towards "U" shaped openings on either side of the container to orient and secure cable thereabout and direct same through the associated openings. Alternatively, spring biased spools may be utilized positioned between the "U" shaped openings to enable a tensioned withdrawal of unused cable within the container. A friction-fit closure positioned over the container enables ready access interiorly of the container and simultaneously closes the "U" shaped openings to capture cable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Rodney L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 4856729
    Abstract: A device to hold and permit coiled wire to be smoothly unwound without inserting kinks or knots into the unwound lengths. The device includes a conically shaped coil holding assembly which includes a plurality of flexible coil support members that directly support the coiled wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Patents Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned D. Maraman
  • Patent number: 4846343
    Abstract: A container for storing a coiled fiber optic cable having at least one connector at its end comprises a base and an openable lid on the base. The base and lid from a first arcuate compartment for receiving the windings of the coiled fiber optic cable, and a second compartment separated from the first compartment for receiving the connector. The base and lid are releasably secured to each other by edge portions which meet in a press-fit relationship. Desirably, the base and lid are formed from a clear polyvinyl chloride material in the manner of a blister package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Martin R. Rupert
  • Patent number: 4844376
    Abstract: A wire reel dispenser and holder for high tension steel cable. The dispenser includes an inner reel element including first and second side frames coupled together in axially spaced relation for receiving a wire coil therebetween. The assembled reel together with a coil of wire are inserted into an outer support frame which has a centrally disposed shaft corresponding to a hub provided on the inner reel. In this manner, the reel is rotatable within the outer support structure. The outer support structure has an interior height which is at least equal to an preferably greater than the height of the inner reel whereby the inner reel is caged within the outer support frame such that explosion of the high tension steel cable therefrom is prevented. Further, the inner reel and the outer support preferably each include a clamping structure for respectively anchoring opposite longitudinal ends of the wire or cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Patents Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned D. Maraman, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4826100
    Abstract: A device for use in assisting a person in unwinding or re-winding coil wire includes a base adapted to rest on a horizontal surface and a coil holder rotatably mounted on the base and sized to accommodate the coil wire. The coil holder has a disc having a top surface and a bottom surface. A wire guide projects upward from the top surface of the coil holder and an axle having a circular flange projects downward from a boss on the bottom surface. The base includes a mounting hole into which the axle of the disc is inserted until the boss rests upon the base. The base also includes a barrier which is generally cylindrically shape and which is situated so as to prevent the wire from becoming caught between the disc and the base as it is being unwound or rewound. To unwind coil wire, a user places the coil on the top surface of the coil holder in such a way as to encircle the wire guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Inventor: Robert C. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 4796939
    Abstract: An assembly for effecting the lifting of a paper roll wherein the roll includes a hollow axial core, the assembly including a support designed to interlock with the core at one end thereof and a lifting sling engaging, at one end, the support and extending therefrom through the hollow core of the paper roll so that it will protrude from the other end of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: CorSling, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Symonds, Kenneth R. King, William N. Smith
  • Patent number: 4786213
    Abstract: A device for storing wire in a wire bolting arrangement, which device comprises a reel which supports a ring-shaped wire coil, and a supporter on which the reel is mounted for rotation. In order to prevent unintentional unwinding of the coil, and in order to simplify the replacement of the device, the reel is formed as an essentially closed housing which encloses the wire coil and which is provided with a central opening for drawing out a wire. The housing and the supporter are preferably formed as a separate, replaceable cassette fastened on the carrier of the bolting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: OY Tampella AB
    Inventor: Jarmo Leppanen
  • Patent number: 4768732
    Abstract: The carrier has a foot which is suspended from the wheeled carriage of the same and lowered into engagement with a supporting surface therebelow. The foot and carriage are adapted to rotate in relation to one another, moreover, so that when the foot is so engaged, the carriage can be rotated about the foot on the wheels of the carriage. In this way, the carriage can be used as a rotary dispensing reel for the cable, as well as a mobile carrier for it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph M. Greenleaf
  • Patent number: 4765560
    Abstract: A device for unwinding a coil of cable comprising: a base having a hole; a radial bearing fixedly mounted in the hole in the base, the bearing comprising an inner race and an outer race, the inner race circumscribing a hole; a shaft having a means for engaging the inner race of the bearing while the shaft passes through the hole circumscribed by the inner race of the bearing; a cable support having a hole through which passes the shaft, the cable support being seated on the bearing in engagement with the inner race of the bearing so that the cable support can rotate freely with respect to the base to allow cable to be unwound from a coil of cable which is placed on the cable support, the coil of cable being placed on the case support so that the shaft passes through the center of the coil; and a cable guide which is mounted on the shaft by means of a hole in the cable guide, the cable guide being mounted on the shaft after the coil of cable has been placed on the cable support and being mounted so that it abu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Robert J. Branback
  • Patent number: 4763854
    Abstract: In the representative embodiment of a container for continuous supply of wire described in the specification, a coil of wire is supported between two side members joined at their outer peripheries. One of the side members has a continuously circular opening formed by a bar with a central circular section and axially spaced ends extending in opposite directions to the periphery of the side member. Wire from the inner surface of a coil of wire held in the container is supplied through the circular opening and the end of the wire from the outside of the coil is disposed above one end of the bar and below the other end of the bar so that it can be connected to another coil of wire and wire can be supplied continuously from successive containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: A. Johnson Metals Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Borowski
  • Patent number: 4741492
    Abstract: An improved carrying device for a coil of barbed wire having chordal supports and a handle. Each chordal support has an end section extending inside of the coil of wire and a central section within the hollow, central core of the coil. The handle includes hooks that interconnect to the central sections of the chordal supports. Even though the chordal supports rest only within the top section of the coil of wire, the entire coil may be lifted by raising the central section of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Keystone Steel & Wire
    Inventor: Richard D. Reysen
  • Patent number: RE34376
    Abstract: A device for unwinding a coil of cable comprising: a base having a hole; a radial bearing fixedly mounted in the hole in the base, the bearing comprising an inner race and an outer race, the inner race circumscribing a hole; a shaft having a means for engaging the inner race of the bearing while the shaft passes through the hole circumscribed by the inner race of the bearing; a cable support having a hole through which passes the shaft, the cable support being seated on the bearing in engagement with the inner race of the bearing so that the cable support can rotate freely with respect to the base to allow cable to be unwound from a coil of cable which is placed on the cable support, the coil of cable being placed on the case support so that the shaft passes through the center of the coil; and a cable guide which is mounted on the shaft by means of a hole in the cable guide, the cable guide being mounted on the shaft after the coil of cable has been placed on the cable support and being mounted so that it abu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Robert J. Branback