Abstract: A method of removing a wrapping material from the outer surface of a bale of material including the steps of moving the bale of material to a cutting station, cutting wrapping material along a length of the bale, moving a plurality of rollers into contact with the wrapping material, rotating the rollers relative to the wrapping material until first and second ends of the wrapping material are free to move relative to an outer surface of the bale, placing a first spear of a material wind-up system between the outer surface of the bale and the wrapping material, rotating the material wind-up system to wind the wrapping material around first and second spears, positioning the first and second spears in a generally horizontal plane, and stripping the wrapping material from the first and second spears with a fin that extends downwardly from a carriage of a material removal system and between the first and second spears of the material wind-up station by sliding the carriage toward a distal end of the first and sec

Abstract: A retractable self-storing reel assembly for shielded and unshielded electrical cable employing a reel journaled in a casing having an integral hollow hub with one end of the hub providing an entranceway into the hub for the male end of an elongated cable coaxially of the reel and the outer periphery of the hub in the casing forming an opening for receiving one end of a cable mounted on the reel for connection to and termination in the hub. An outlet for the cable is provided in the casing in an area juxtapositioned to the periphery of the reel.

Abstract: A reel for storing an extendable, retractable electrical power cord, signal cable or fluid conducting hose wherein electrical or fluid continuity is maintained throughout the process of storage and extension of the device without resort to the use of brushes, slip rings or relatively movable couplings.