Mobile Unwinding Station (e.g., Wheeled Conveyance) Patents (Class 242/557)
  • Publication number: 20030080236
    Abstract: A rolled wire net and fence dispensing device providing a convenient light-weight component reducing the number of workers required to install rolled wire netting prior to the application of stucco on structures and eliminate the arduous lifting of the netting rolls, along with the possibility of injury occurred when the rolls inadvertently recoil. The device allows the worker to set up a roll of wire mesh on a rotating platform of the device and thereafter pull a short sections of wire mesh from the roll mounted on the device and attach it to a structure. The rotating platform provides easy unrolling of the mounted wire mesh and the angled rear legs restrain the device from moving when the wire is pulled backwards while concurrently maintaining tension in the wire mesh unwound from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Gilbert B. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6554221
    Abstract: A system and method for unwinding cable from a cable spool typically using an all-terrain vehicle. The cable spool is typically rotatably mounted on a conventional jackstand provided on a trailer, and the cable unwinding system includes a roller drum rotatably mounted on the conventional rear rack of the all-terrain vehicle. According to the method of the invention, the free end of the cable is initially extended from the cable spool and looped around the roller drum, and a tether provided on the trailer or jackstand is removably fastened to the free end portion of the cable on one side of the roller drum. As the all-terrain vehicle is driven away from the cable spool, the roller drum pulls the cable from the cable spool as the rotating cable spool dispenses the cable. After a selected length of cable has been removed from the cable spool, the all-terrain vehicle is stopped and re-positioned for pulling another segment of cable from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Cecil R. Hinds
  • Patent number: 6543713
    Abstract: A wire fence roller apparatus includes a framework, a rotatable elongated drum, a pair of guide plates, and a wire guiding arrangement. The drum is mounted to a pivotal end portion of the framework for undergoing pivotal movement therewith. The drum is thus swingable with the pivotal end portion of the framework toward and away from a stationary end portion of the framework so as to dispose the drum in an operative position wherein the drum extends between and is rotatably mounted to the opposite end portions of the framework to permit winding or unwinding of wire fence about or from the drum with rotation of the drum and in an inoperative position wherein the drum is released from and angularly displaced away from the stationary end portion of the framework to permit loading and unloading of the wire fence onto and from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Frolander, Michael R. Frolander
  • Patent number: 6523776
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Doyle W. Elder
  • Publication number: 20030029960
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing roll stock material comprises a pair of rollers for receiving the roll stock material, the pair of rollers being axially offset. A base supports the pair of rollers and a wheel assembly is coupled to the base. The wheel assembly enables movement of the dispenser and rotation of the pair of rollers causes the roll stock material to be unrolled. The rollers are driven by a drive mechanism to deliver a free end of material to a workstation for processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Chris L. Boone, Arthur P. Schnare, Brian P. Donohoe
  • Patent number: 6481665
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing bin has a plurality of vertically spaced chutes, each of which are capable of receiving a plurality of rolls of web stock material and dispensing material from an end-most roll through guides located at the desired vertical position with respect to a work surface. The chutes are inclined at angles to allow roll web stock to advance to a movable gate which allows the next roll of web stock in line to be advanced to a dispensing station when one roll is depleted. Each dispensing space station includes horizontally spaced rollers on which the web stock rests. A keeper bar extends in front of the web stock for holding it in placed as material is dispensed therefrom. A lateral stop is provided for holding the web stock, which may be of different widths, in predetermined horizontal alignment with respect to the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: S2 Yachts Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20020157346
    Abstract: An apparatus is movable along a roof structure having a plurality of elongated purlins defining longitudinal axes. The apparatus includes a carriage movable along the length of the purlins. The carriage extends across the purlins. A plurality of support members are mounted on the carriage and engage with the purlins. Each of the support members includes a flange which abuts a purlin to prevent the purlin from twisting about its longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ernest C. Abney
  • Patent number: 6471154
    Abstract: An automatic roll tensioner for a material dispensing system enables a material, e.g., paper or plastic, to be unwound from a roll of the material by pulling the material from the roll while maintaining tension on the material when pulling suddenly stops. The roll of material is positioned in the roll tensioner such that it can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the roll by pulling the material from the roll to unwind material from the roll. A mechanism actuated by the weight of the roll of material applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the roll at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations on the periphery of the roll. An apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage advantageously employs the automatic roll tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Zsolt Design Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Publication number: 20020139890
    Abstract: An automatic roll tensioner for a material dispensing system enables a material, e.g., paper or plastic, to be unwound from a roll of the material by pulling the material from the roll while maintaining tension on the material when pulling suddenly stops. The roll of material is positioned in the roll tensioner such that it can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the roll by pulling the material from the roll to unwind material from the roll. A mechanism actuated by the weight of the roll of material applies frictional resistance to the rotation of the roll at a plurality of circumferentially spaced locations on the periphery of the roll. An apparatus for converting sheets of paper into cushioning dunnage advantageously employs the automatic roll tensioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Publication number: 20020142905
    Abstract: A system for creating and dispensing cushioning dunnage is small and permits flexible installation configuration options for a single or for multiple packing stations. A compact apparatus of the system is capable of being pivotally mounted as a unit on a stand and includes a motor and a material feeding arrangement driven by the motor for pulling material from a supply roll of the material supported on a stand of the system, and feeding it through the apparatus. A plurality of material shaping members upstream of the feeding arrangement shape the material in the apparatus to convert it into a continuous strip of cushioning product. A perforator driven by the motor perforates the material at spaced locations along the length of the material to allow an operator to manually rip a desired length of cushioning product from the material being dispensed from the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Patent number: 6422504
    Abstract: In the wiring industry is often necessary to either run a number of individual wires together as a bundle or to use a variety of different types of wire on a regular basis. In either case it is cumbersome to have to handle a number of individual spools of wire while working on an installation. Therefore, the present invention presents an easily maneuvered, four wheeled cart upon which a number of spools of wire, or other spooled material, of either like size or different sizes, can be rotatably mounted along inclined plane such that wires can be pulled from multiple spools without becoming entangled one with another. A wire guide aids in bringing the various wires together as a bundle for pulling as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Doyle W. Elder
  • Patent number: 6419424
    Abstract: A tailer for transporting coiled pipe and assisting in the unwinding of the pipe for laying in a trench. A support cradle contacts the outer surface of the coil, thereby obviating the need for a reel. The cradle includes self-centering support rollers upon which the coil freely rotates during the pipe laying operation. Horizontal rollers are provided as a retainer for engaging the inner surface of the coil. The position of the retainer rollers is adjustable to accommodate a variety of coil diameters. To remove coil set from the pipe unwinding from the coil, a reforming assembly includes a straightener and rerounder. The pipe reforming assembly is mounted on rollers on the base of the trailer for translating back and forth to track the pipe during unwinding to maintain alignment. The rerounder and straightener are provided with a releasable gate and top portion respectively, to assist in the loading and unloading of the pipe in the reforming assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Null's Machine & Mfg., Inc., Mountaineer Gas Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Null, Robert L. Ronk, Franklin S. Boggs, Kendrall P. Waller
  • Patent number: 6419182
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a rolled wire dispensing unit that incorporates a wheeled cart with a deck, a post generally perpendicular to the deck over which a roll of wire may be placed, and a pivoting front yoke. The yoke is attached to the deck slightly rearward of the front edge of the deck so as to allow the front end of the unit to tilt upward and allow the wire roll to be pulled from the post prior to the wire breaking if the wire becomes overly taut. While the unit will allow the wire roll to pull off if the wire becomes overly tight, the unit uses the wire roll's own weight to maintain a degree of tautness as the wire is dispensed. These improvements benefit the user by providing a convenient wire dispensing tool, that eliminates the inconvenience and danger caused by wire snags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jimmy Jansky
  • Patent number: 6416010
    Abstract: A method for installing cable in a building wherein the cable is to be pulled from a central room or closet to multiple outlets in multiple offices, the method comprising providing a spool of cable to be installed, providing a cable guide device having a plurality of apertures therein and identifying indicia thereon for identifying the apertures and corresponding to the outlets to which the cable is being installed, inserting the free end of the cable through an aperture in the cable guide device, pulling the cable through the guide member to the outlet whose identification corresponds to the identifying indicia for the opening in the cable guide member through which the cable was pulled; also a cable guide member and a cable installation cart which supports multiple spools of cable to be installed and one or more cable guide having removable indicia thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas D. Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20020063184
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing bin has a plurality of vertically spaced chutes, each of which are capable of receiving a plurality of rolls of web stock material and dispensing material from an end-most roll through guides located at the desired vertical position with respect to a work surface. The chutes are inclined at angles to allow roll web stock to advance to a movable gate which allows the next roll of web stock in line to be advanced to a dispensing station when one roll is depleted. Each dispensing space station includes horizontally spaced rollers on which the web stock rests. A keeper bar extends in front of the web stock for holding it in placed as material is dispensed therefrom. A lateral stop is provided for holding the web stock, which may be of different widths, in predetermined horizontal alignment with respect to the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Bruce W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20020050543
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a rolled fabric across the width of at least two longitudinal structural supports. In some embodiments, apparatus which is capable of forming a fall protection system which conforms to OSHA standards when constructing metal insulated roof systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventor: Gary E. Romes
  • Patent number: 6371401
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a floor covering is provided. The apparatus has a casing, and a drive therefore that is disposed in the casing. A fastening device, for the floor covering, is disposed on the outer surface of the casing. A support structure, for the casing, is disposed at at least one end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Janser GmbH
    Inventor: Max Ketterer
  • Patent number: 6360984
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling woven wire fencing which in use is attached to a farm tractor. Disposed vertically between upper and lower horizontal framing members within a rectangular frame are a removable shaft, a hinged gate, and a vertical guide bar. The shaft is used to hold the roll of woven wire fencing uprightly atop the metal disk. In use, the wire fencing is simultaneously unrolled and pulled rearwardly through the nearly-closed gate, straightening the fencing material. Guide rails within the gate direct the fencing material towards a pair of horizontal fingers, each rigidly connected to the vertical guide bar and the rear vertical frame member. Once enough fencing material has been unrolled to span at least the distance between two fence posts, the gate is swung shut, clamping the wire against the rear vertical frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip T. England
  • Publication number: 20010030258
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing and measuring a plurality of strands from a single spool of stranded material is disclosed. The device is comprised of a mobile portion on which a plurality of pulleys is mounted. The mobile portion includes a frame mounted on an axle to which tires are attached so that the mobile portion may be wheeled about readily. A stationary portion includes a plurality of pulleys and a supply spool of wire. Stranded material from the supply spool is routed back and forth between the mobile portion and the stationary portion, over the pulleys attached to each, until the number of strands between the mobile portion and the stationary portion corresponds with the desired number. Next the mobile portion is displaced away from the stationary portion a distance equal to the length of strands desired. A distance measurement device is mounted on the mobile portion to aid the user in ascertaining the distance that the mobile portion has moved, thereby indicating the wire length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: La Rhonda A. Lenski, William E. Webb, Gary Miller
  • Publication number: 20010030257
    Abstract: A method for installing cable in a building wherein the cable is to be pulled from a central room or closet to multiple outlets in multiple offices, the method comprising providing a spool of cable to be installed, providing a cable guide device having a plurality of apertures therein and identifying indicia thereon for identifying the apertures and corresponding to the outlets to which the cable is being installed, inserting the free end of the cable through an aperture in the cable guide device, pulling the cable through the guide member to the outlet whose identification corresponds to the identifying indicia for the opening in the cable guide member through which the cable was pulled; also a cable guide member and a cable installation cart which supports multiple spools of cable to be installed and one or more cable guide having removable indicia thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas D. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 6302156
    Abstract: The invention concerns a machine comprising: at least a brake coil, containing a wire to be strung; at least a roller for receiving, coiled about it, the wire unwound by the coil and for appropriately directing the wire for strining; and means for displacing the roller between a retracted position, where the roller is located on the near side the plane defined by two consecutive supports, and a projecting position, wherein the roller is located beyond the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Hubert Gentay
    Inventors: Pierre Lardet, Hubert Gentay
  • Patent number: 6260790
    Abstract: A coiled pipe dispensing rack for use in cooperation with a moving vehicle to effectuate the unrolling of plastic pipe, with the rack comprising a main cage, a hub and spindle assembly, and a mounting unit. The main cage comprises a first portion and a second portion which cooperate with each other to retain a coil of plastic pipe therebetween. Both the first and second portion each comprise a center plate, a plurality of strut arms, and an exterior side wall, with each of the strut arms connected to and radiating outwardly from the respective center plate, and with each of the strut arms connected to the respective exterior side wall. The hub and spindle assembly is positioned intermediate the main cage and the mounting unit. The mounting unit remains in contact with the moving vehicle as the pipe is unrolled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Kelly T. Harrah
  • Patent number: 6195958
    Abstract: An apparatus for propelling a carriage along a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement, and method of using same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage movable along the length of the purlins for dispensing a support sheet from a roll for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins so that the support sheet depends from the top portion of adjacent purlins. The apparatus further includes a puller assembly attached to the carriage. The puller assembly includes a driven wheel frictionally engaged with a surface a purlin, and a drive mechanism for rotating the driven wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglass Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Albert Neifer, Ernest Craig Abney, James Allen Martin
  • Patent number: 6179060
    Abstract: Sod-laying apparatus for mounting on a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of support arms, each with a proximal end secured to the frame for pivoting arm movement in spaced parallel vertical fixed planes, a horizontal transverse guide member secured to the distal end of each of the support arms, loading members on each of the guide members movable along the axis of the sod roll on opposite sides thereof between roll-unloaded and roll-loaded positions, and roll-insertable members on each of the loading members. Preferred embodiments include the guide members as sleeves and the loading members as bars slidably therein; hydraulic cylinders actuating the loading members; and certain advantageous configurations, including of the loading and guide members with the preferred vehicle tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas E. Halter
  • Patent number: 6116533
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Doyle Elder
  • Patent number: 6101782
    Abstract: A controller for propelling a carriage along a plurality of purlins, and method of using same are disclosed. A plurality of carriage sections are joined to form a continuous carnage spanning a plurality of purlins. A plurality of puller assemblies are attached to selective ones of the carriage sections. A controller is connected to the plurality of puller assemblies. The controller can be actuated to a master control mode which simultaneously engages the plurality of puller assemblies, thereby propelling the carriage along the purlins. The controller can also be selectively actuated to a selective mode which engages one of the puller assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglass Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Craig Abney, Don Albert Neifer, Mark Richard Waugh
  • Patent number: 6065714
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus for dispensing fence wire, especially barbed wire, at varying heights. The apparatus consist of a base, at least one support member secured to the top of the base. The support member extends in an upward direction. The apparatus further includes a cross support member secured horizontally to the top of the support member. In addition, there is at least one spool carrying member secured to the cross support member. The spool carrying member extends outward away from the base. There are two skid receptors secured to the bottom of the base. The skid receptors are secured to the base such that the apparatus can be lifted by a forklift or other such device. There is a traverse member secured to the cross support member and the traverse member extends toward the base and in an upward direction. The apparatus also includes a wire guide that is connected to the traverse member. A purpose of the wire guide is to help guide the fence wire from the apparatus to it intended attachment point on a fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Gregory Fondacaro
  • Patent number: 6059214
    Abstract: A front mounted attachment for sewer cleaning vehicles consisting of four-bar linkage assemblies and hydraulic cylinders. The tray supporting the discharge hose storage reel has three positions; a driving position, a use position and a maintenance position. The four-bar linkage assemblies include a ground, a crank, a connecting rod and a follower. The tray using the four-bar linkage assemblies and hydraulic cylinders is raised and lowered along an axis vertical to the ground. The tray does not move to and away from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Cleveland State University
    Inventor: Majid Rashidi
  • Patent number: 6059510
    Abstract: The delivery device is provided with sword-like flat parts (2) at which reels (6) having component belts (7) are individually held. The flat parts (2) are guided between circular guide disks (3) at their base end, the circular guide disks (3) being slipped onto a swiveling axis. As a result thereof, the operation of the delivery means is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Barnowski, Mohammad Mehdianpour
  • Patent number: 6059220
    Abstract: A wire dispensing rack for holding a wire spool such that wire may be dispensed from the spool includes a first frame assembly. At least first and second support rollers are carried by the first frame assembly. The support rollers are adapted to seat different sized spools holding wire to be dispensed. A puller roller is carried by the first frame assembly below said first and second support rollers. A wire spool is placed on the support rollers and the wire to be dispensed is passed under the puller roller. When the wire to be dispensed is pulled, the wire engages the puller roller creating a downward force on the spool pulling it into the support rollers. The spool is thus retained on the wire rack through the force of dispensing wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel T. Lassiter
  • Patent number: 6056231
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage which is movable in a downstream direction along the length of the purlins. As the carriage moves in the downstream direction, a support sheet for support of insulation material is payed out so that the support sheet depends from adjacent purlins. The apparatus further includes a plate which is attached to the carriage. The plate supports a roll of insulation material which is unsupported axially. The insulation material is connected at the upstream end of the roof structure and is payed out on top of the support sheet as the carriage moves along the length of the purlins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Neifer, Dennis K. Wenrick, Ernest J. Plant
  • Patent number: 6042046
    Abstract: A device for unreeling and/or reeling spools of material. The device has a horizontal frame assembly formed of a drawbar and a cantilever frame wherein the drawbar is for connection to a vehicle; a vertical frame that is affixed to the horizontal frame and for connection to a vehicle; a rotatable shaft pivotally attached to the horizontal frame, dimensioned for receiving a spool of material thereover, and having a base for supporting the spool of material near the pivot end; and a winch or cylinder for lowering the shaft from an upright to a horizontal position and for selectively raising the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony W. Beyer, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6041568
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a carriage along a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement, and method of using same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a grappling member mounted for movement along the length of a first one of the plurality of purlins. The grappling member is adapted to be temporarily placed into a locked position so that the grappling member is fixed with respect to the first purlin. A tension member operatively connects the grappling member to the carriage. A pulling device is used to pull on the tension member so as to shorten the distance between the grappling member and the carriage, thereby advancing the carriage along the length of the purlins in a direction towards the grappling member when the grappling member is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Alderman, James E. Taylor, Ernest Craig Abney, Ernest Abney
  • Patent number: 5988555
    Abstract: An apparatus for winding material (such as cable, rope or paper or plastic webs) cable about a small reel from a large supply reel in which the cable is stored in bulk includes two arm units. One arm unit contains a first major arm section. A reel is carried between the distal ends thereof. Each arm unit also contains a minor arm extension. Each arm extension is connected to the major arm section by a vertical pin. There is a base. On that base, there are two upright brackets that are spaced apart. One bracket supports a first major arm section and the second bracket supports the second major arm section. There is a pivot on each bracket so that the major arm section can pivot up and down sort of like a modified teeter totter. Furthermore, the distal ends of the major arm sections can move either closer together or further apart. The inner ends of the major arm sections are connected to minor arm extensions by a vertical pin pivot. A cone is rotatably secured to the distal end of each major arm section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Completed Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Unruh, Merle Koehn
  • Patent number: 5988289
    Abstract: A three wheeled sod laying apparatus is provided that employs a hydrostatic power system which allows the drive function and sod dispensing function to be operated at different speeds. This configuration enables the operator to vary the speed at which the sod is dispensed from the apparatus in relation to its forward speed to compensate for varying terrain or for inconsistences in the sod roll itself. The three wheeled configuration allows for a highly maneuverable vehicle that can straddle new sod as it is laid. Thus, the present invention allows for the laying of sod from large commercial sod rolls while avoiding the problems of sod buckling or tearing encountered while using presently available equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Holland, Steven Douglas Ishaug
  • Patent number: 5956923
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved implements and methods for dispensing and retrieving protective crop covering materials (PCCM) onto/from rows of crops, particularly vineyard crops, to protect the plants from nuisance birds and weather conditions which cause damage to the crops. Basically, there is disclosed herein a system for layout of PCCM from a bulk roll of PCCM onto crops, a system for retrieving the PCCM from the crops and disposing it or storing said PCCM on reusable spools and a system for layout of the PCCM from the reusable spools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Leucadia, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew J. Andros, Roger M. Castadio, Scott J. Welcher, Michael R. Taber, Lon M. Martin
  • Patent number: 5944280
    Abstract: A hand carried wire spool rack for dispensing wire is disclosed. The rack includes a frame having a pair of horizontally extending parallel members for rotatably supporting at least one removable wire spool. The members are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the diameter of the spool. An upper member is secured to the frame and extends parallel with one of the parallel members. The upper member is positioned upwardly and outwardly from one of the parallel members. The wire spool is positionable in a first position in rotatable supported engagement with the pair of parallel members. The wire spool is movable to a second position in rotatable supported engagement with one of the parallel members and the upper member when a dispensing force is exerted on the wire spool which is generally greater than the relative weight of the wire spool. A method of forming the rack is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Angelo S. Dimitri
  • Patent number: 5934604
    Abstract: A center driven unwind system for core-equipped parent rolls includes a frame for supporting the parent roll while it is being unwound, a parent roll placement cart for moving a parent roll from a loading position to the unwinding position on the frame, and a core removal cart for removing an unwound parent roll from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Paper Converting Machine Company
    Inventor: Wayne D. Klimek
  • Patent number: 5913639
    Abstract: A mechanized cable puller. By combinig a hydraulic track-mounted excavator with a winding spool the present invention provides underground machinery for pulling underground electrical cable from an underground conduit into an underground cable vault, without requiring the temporary installation of direction-changing pulleys in the cable vault. By using a square bar as part of the underground machinery, the cable can be pulled from any of four different directions, spaced ninety degrees apart, in a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: George E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5911385
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a roof structure having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. The apparatus includes a carriage which is movable in a downstream direction along the length of the purlins. The carriage pays out a support sheet for support of insulation material as the carriage travels along the length of the purlins so that the support sheet depends from the top portion of adjacent purlins. The apparatus further includes at least one roller mounted on the carriage mounted to roll along the top portion of at least one purlin and thus support and guide the carriage along the downstream direction. The roller includes a frustum portion to hinder movement of the carriage in a direction lateral to the downstream direction and thus help to maintain the carriage in alignment with the purlins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Neifer, Dennis K. Wenrick, Ernest J. Plant
  • Patent number: 5904314
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing wire from a spool for construction of a wire fence includes a frame adapted to be attached to a towing vehicle. A plurality of wire spool receiving compartments are attached to the frame. Each of the compartments includes a vertically oriented spindle adapted to receive a spool of wire. The compartments include a first row of laterally-disposed compartments and a second row of laterally-disposed compartments. The second row of compartments is disposed at a vertical location that is above the first row. Each of the compartments has an associated guide arrangement for guiding a strand of wire from a spool disposed in the compartment to a ground location as the apparatus is moved behind a towing vehicle. Each of the guide arrangements is laterally separated from its adjacent guide arrangements so that the strands of wire extending from the compartments are deposited in a substantially parallel orientation to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Lloyd A. Babcock, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5884449
    Abstract: A method for providing a roof structure of the type having a plurality of purlins spaced apart from one another in a parallel arrangement is disclosed. A first section of the roof structure, which includes purlins, a support sheet, insulation material, and hard roofing material, is completed. A carriage is then moved in a first direction along the length of the purlins and away from the first section of the roof structure to define a gap between the completed first section and the carriage. The movement of the carriage pays out a support sheet from the carriage so that the support sheet depends from adjacent purlins in the gap. A wind barrier, which is in a generally horizontal position to prevent wind from blowing vertically through the gap, is provided, thereby hindering wind disturbance of the support sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Alderman, James E. Taylor, Dennis K. Wenrick
  • Patent number: 5878474
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stretching and installing a flexible face sign panel is disclosed. A frame-like trolley structure is provided which is positioned on a frame structure, preferably on a service station canopy fascia. A roll of sign panel material is positioned on a spindle which is held in place on the trolley frame structure by collar members. A roller member is provided to assist in applying the material onto the face of the frame structure. One of the collar members can be adapted to firmly hold the spindle from rotating under certain conditions. A handle member is provided to allow rotation of the spindle and thus tightening and stretching of the flexible face sign panel. Releasable securing members are provided on the frame structure to secure the trolley in position as desired along the frame structure while a portion of the sign panel is being stretched and installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Marketing Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Yasnogorodskiy, David U. Hillstrom, W. Douglas Schellig
  • Patent number: 5865943
    Abstract: A tape applying apparatus for applying adhesive tape product to a primarily vertical surface includes a taping head which can be adjusted to apply the tape product at a specific predetermined location along such a primarily vertical surface, wherein the taping head is mounted to follow surface fluctuations. Moreover, the taping head is preferably vertically adjustable, horizontally movable, and angularly repositionable. Thus, adhesive tape product can be applied consistently and for an indefinite length based on preset positions, and the taping head is movable to follow surface changes or undulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John L. Marty
  • Patent number: 5839642
    Abstract: A new hand-held solder wire dispenser for conveniently dispensing lengths of solder during a soldering operation. The inventive device includes a rectangular housing with a spool of solder wire mounted in the housing, and a manual actuation apparatus for dispensing the solder wire through a wall of the housing. An electric version of the dispenser includes a reversible electric motor driving a pair of rubber drive wheels which frictionally engage the solder wire on opposite sides thereof, for causing dispensing movement of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Chris Tait
  • Patent number: 5826814
    Abstract: In a safety device for the manoeuvering and auxiliary winching of self-propelled vehicles used on steep slopes, of the type comprising a manoeuvering arm (20) along which travels a winching cable (28) an end of which is fixed to the top of the slope to be travelled up, a winding drum (32) is provided around which is coiled up said cable, said winding drum (32) being disposed on the manoeuvering arm (20) particularly on a portion thereof (20a) essentially perpendicular to the plane in which said vehicle (10) lies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: MDP Meccanica del Piave Spa
    Inventor: De Vettor Gianfranco
  • Patent number: 5820066
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for laying fluid distribution lines along a surface are disclosed. An overhead support cable is secured between a plurality of anchoring devices spaced along the surface. A rotatable installation reel is then coupled to the overhead support cable and a coil of fluid distribution line is loaded on the installation reel. Fluid distribution line is laid along the surface by moving the installation reel along the overhead support cable so as to rotate the installation reel to pay out the fluid distribution line along the surface. Subsequent fluid distribution lines may be laid at substantially equal lateral spacings by moving each anchoring device or a portion of each anchoring device prior to laying each subsequent fluid distribution line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Phelps Dodge Corporation
    Inventors: Ramon G. Jaramillo, Gregory E. Collins, Jose G. Cruz, Frank Aragon, William J. Gordon, David M. Castanon
  • Patent number: 5806779
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for unrolling fencing for use with a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a frame with an unright support and a bottom, a first and second gate, each gate having a back edge and a front edge, the back edge of each gate pivotally connected to the frame such that the gates can open and close, with the front edge of the first gate adjacent to the front edge of the second gate when the gates are closed. The apparatus preferably includes hydraulic cylinders for opening and closing the gates. It also preferably includes a rotatable bottom plate. The bottom plate optionally has a pin attached to it whereby a roll of fencing having a center hole can be placed on the bottom plate over the pin and unwound. The apparatus preferably includes an adapter attached to the frame for attachment to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Crum
  • Patent number: 5779179
    Abstract: A stretch film applicator and method therefor for manually wrapping stretch film supplied from a stretch film roll having a core. The stretch film applicator includes a substantially U-shaped handle member interconnecting a first core cap and a second core cap wherein the first core cap is disposeable over a first end of the core and the second core cap is disposeable over a second end of the core. An adjustably pre-loadable spring member is disposed between the first core cap and the first end portion of the handle member so as to bias the first core cap toward the second core cap and thereby rotatably retain the stretch film roll therebetween and frictionally drag the core as stretch film is supplied therefrom. A body member is coupled to the first end portion of the handle member and includes a through hole for reciprocatably receiving a post coupled to the first core cap, wherein the spring member is disposed between the body member and the first core cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh J. Zentmyer, Gale W. Huson
  • Patent number: 5765782
    Abstract: A safety device for the manoeuvring and auxiliary winching of self-propelled vehicles used on steep slopes is provided with a winding drum (30) around which a winching cable (28) is wound, said cable having one end (28a) fixed to the top of the slope to be travelled up. The device (18) comprises moreover a pair of rollers (34, 36) around which the cable (28) is passed in advance, before being wound around the winding drum (30). The device (18) comprises finally a manoeuvring arm (20), rotatable about a vertical axis (Y), along which the cable (28) runs. The manoeuvring arm (20) is provided with a motor (26) for positioning thereof about the vertical axis (Y) and can be tilted through 90.degree. about a horizontal axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: MDP Meccanica del Piave SpA
    Inventor: Gianfranco De Vettor