Abstract: An input device comprises a slidable member having a moveable surface which is looped back on itself. A touch sensor below its slideable surface can register clicking operations. The input device makes it possible to manipulate some types of user graphic controls using physical actions such as the pressure of a button or the scrolling of a slider.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reeling cables, wires and other flexible members. A first side frame and a second side frame are moveable relative to each other to receive and support a reel between them. Each side frame includes a cradle defining at least part of a pintle aperture for receiving a respective pintle. Each pintle is rotatably mounted on a linkage assembly, and extends through a respective pintle aperture toward the opposing frame, and is moveable in at least two directions within a vertical plane relative to the adjacent cradle for aligning the pintle with a center hole of a reel. A lift motor is coupled to both side frames for substantially simultaneously moving both side frames relative to the ground, and in turn driving the cradles into engagement with the pintles to lift the pintles and a reel supported on the pintles above ground.

Abstract: A power driven rotary apparatus is disclosed for winding wire onto reels. A power driven turret has four stations, each adapted for receiving and supporting a reel about which wire is to be wound. Each station has a spindle for mounting a reel at a first location corresponding to a predetermined rotational position of the turret. The turret is rotated sequentially and continuously to each position. Means is provided for directing wire to be wound adjacent the reel when it is located at the wire winding positions located at twelve o'clock and nine o'clock respectively. Means is provided for rotating the reel at the second position in a direction adapted for winding the wire thereabout, and means is provided for stopping rotation of the reel after a predetermined amount of wire is wound thereabout. The reel is removed after the predetermined amount of wire is completely wound thereabout.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for directing at least two flows of synthetic material from an extruder to an extruder cross-head for coating a conductor wire with two layers of insulating material and to readily reverse the colors of the layers. The apparatus includes at least two separate tubes which communicate with an extruder outlet for directing synthetic material from the extruder outlet to the respective tube. The tubes communicate at their outlet ends with respective inlet openings of the extruder head. A rotator block is arranged to selectively and quickly reverse the positions of the outlet openings of the tubes with respect to the inlet openings of the extruder head such that after reversal, the outlet opening of each tube communicates with the other inlet opening of the cross-head. Thus, the capability to reverse the flows of insulating material is provided thereby making it possible to reverse the colors of the inner and outer layers of insulating material on the conductor wire.

Abstract: A power driven dual shaft, parallel axis take-up apparatus is disclosed having an alternately driven take-up spool mounted on each of the shafts. An outer protective door is provided for each of the spools, each door being pivotally supported for movement between a closed position to provide frontal protection, and an open position to permit access to the respective spool. An inner protective door is pivotally mounted between each outer door and its respective spool for pivotal movement from a first frontal protective position between each spool and the respective outer door and a second protective "slap-guard" position between the spools whereby outer door and inner door protection is provided. The doors are sequentially operative to provide selective access to the spools and protective shielding therebetween.

Abstract: Protection guard doors are provided on a power driven spool or reel winding machine. The guard doors are pivotally supported so that when either one is opened to remove a spool or reel from the take-ups, the opened door pivots between the two reels to act as a guard to protect the operator from accidentally coming into contact with the moving parts of the second reel.