Abstract: A system for a mobile vehicle such as a remotely controlled robot, for deploying and retrieving cable into the environment external to the vehicle. The system includes a frame, a cable reel mounting device for a cable storage reel having cable wound thereon for rotatable motion. A rotatable electric/fiber optic joint is provided for coupling one end of the cable to the vehicle. The device has a mechanism for feeding the cable on and off the cable storage reel and for guiding the unwound cable from the vehicle. A sensor senses the tension in the cable in any direction in an arc of 360.degree. as the cable exits a cable exit opening. An electronic circuit receives a signal from the sensor related to the tension in the cable for controlling the feeding of cable so as to maintain a preset tension or no tension in the cable. Preferably, the tension sensor is a strain gauge. The system can be attached to any mobile vehicle, e.g. a robot, requiring a cable for control, power and/or communication.

Abstract: A cable reel is disclosed comprising a first cylindrical member about which cable can be wound having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior, first and second flanges disposed at opposite ends of the cylindrical member substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cylindridcal member, one of the flanges having an outside surface having at least one opening arranged adjacent the periphery of the one flange through which the cable can be traversed and a second opening in the surface disposed adjacent the center of the one flange and opening into the hollow interior of the cylindrical member, the hollow interior adapted to receive ends of the cable wound on the cylindrical member, at least one end being received through the second opening, and further comprising a plate attached to the one flange forming a wall disposed adjacent and parallel to the outside surface of the one flange and at a spacing from the surface of the one flange equal to at least approximately the thickness of the cable, f

Abstract: A cable reel is disclosed comprising a first cylindrical member about which cable can be wound having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior, first and second flanges disposed at opposite ends of the cylindrical member substantially at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical member, one of the flanges having an outside surface having at least one opening arranged adjacent the periphery of the one flange through which the cable can be tranversed and a second opening in the surface disposed adjacent the center of the one flange and opening into the hollow interior of the cylindrical member, the hollow interior adapted to receive ends of the cable wound on the cylindrical member through the second opening, and further comprising a plate attached to the one flange forming a wall disposed adjacent and parallel to the outside surface of the one flange and at a spacing from the surface of the one flange equal to at least approximately the thickness of the cable, for receiving the cable between th

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating appliance comprising a first and second section, the first section having a top surface supported by side walls via an interconnecting conical transition section. The top surface is formed with a peripherally extending raised rim adjacent a plurality of apertures arranged in groups wherein adjacent groups are separated by a spacing having a louvered vent therein. A second raised rim separates a second group of louvered vents which are radially aligned with the spacing between adjacent apertures within each group of apertures. Air pockets in the surface underside are aligned with the raised rims. A cover or second section having a plurality of openings is formed with a declined extending lip for positioning on the conical transition section.