Abstract: A high speed rigid strander is described that has a rotatably mounted cage which includes a plurality of bobbin support members which are parallel to and angularly spaced about the axis of rotation of the cage. Each support member includes a locking mechanism for simultaneously locking or releasing an entire row of bobbins, each of which is spaced from the axis of rotation and has its longitudinal axis oriented generally radially or at an angle normal to the strander axis. Wire guides associated with each bobbin fly the wires off the bobbins under the action of external pulling forces without requiring the bobbins to rotate. Fly-off is generally radially inwardly against the action of centrifugal forces and the wires are guided towards the strander axis and then parallel thereto so that the wires from all of the bobbins can be brought to an end of the rotating cage and wound about a core wire.

Abstract: An actuatable member of a pintle assembly is slidably movable along an axis for movement relative to a reel-carrying cradle support member between reel engaging and disengaging positions. Compression springs are used to urge the actuatable members of the illustrated embodiments toward the reel-engaging positions. Locking devices, which can move between locking and releasing positions, are each arranged to directly cooperate and block the movement of an actuatable member to a disengaging position thereof in the locking position of the locking device. The locking devices may include blocking elements such as rigid displaceable balls or pins, or may include cam arrangements and the like. A fluid pressure system is provided to act at least on the locking devices and release the same when fluid pressure is applied. Advantageously, the fluid pressure system also acts on the actuatable member to move the same to the reel disengaging position upon release of the locking device.

Abstract: A high speed rigid-type strander includes a main shaft or body mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis with the core wire advanced through the strander substantially along its axis of rotation. Bobbin supporting members are fixedly mounted externally on the shaft or body for rotation therewith and for mounting the bobbins in positions displaced from the axis of rotation. The bobbins are mounted with their longitudinal axes oriented at substantial angles from the axis of rotation of the shaft or body, and preferably at an angle substantially normal thereto. The bobbins can be mounted to either fly-off the wire in a generally radially outward direction or in a generally radially inward direction with the bobbins stationary about their longitudinal axes. A strander of the above general type is also described which can be used in either a fly-off mode of operation or in a traditional pay-off mode wherein the bobbins rotate about their own axes.

Abstract: A fail-safe locking device for reel support systems is described which is suitable for use with reels such as those used with wire stranders and similar machines. In the embodiments described, a pintle supporting shaft member is normally biased by a spring to an extended position. A safety plunger is provided which has a stepped exterior surface so as to define a recess or step. The safety plunger is normally biased by a spring to a disabling position to urge a blocking member, such as a hardened steel ball or sphere, into the path of movement of an abutment surface of the shaft member to automatically and positively lock the shaft member and the pintle. In the locked condition, the plunger member and, therefore, the pintle, cannot accidentally release the reel.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual function safe deposit apparatus which may be operated either without a key to receive envelopes and deposit them in one compartment, or with a key to receive wallets and deposit them in another compartment. The apparatus has an opening to receive deposits, the opening being equipped with a withdrawable shield having a slot for the receipt of envelopes, withdrawal of the shield to provide a larger opening for wallets being key controlled and linked with movement of a diverter member which diverts wallets, deposited while the shield is withdrawn, into a separate compartment from that into which envelopes, inserted through the slot in the shield, are delivered.