Abstract: An assembly of a whisker disc and pan on a mounting element for quickly mounting the disc and pan on a wire pay out tree.

Abstract: An apparatus intended particularly for pulling filamentary spooled material, such as yarn, from a spool has a spool holder, receiving the spool, and a flyer arm, preferably rotatably supported about the axis of the spool. The flyer arm carries yarn guide elements for the spooled yarn arriving from the spool and traveling to a yarn user. In order to assure gentle, regulated pulling off of the spooled material, the arrangement is such that the flyer arm and/or the rotatably supported spool holder is coupled with a speed controlled electric drive motor, and the flyer arm has sensing means which scan the spooled yarn arriving from the spool and emit an output signal representative of the spooled yarn travel speed with respect to the flyer arm. The speed of the drive motor is synchronized with the output signal of the sensing means.

Abstract: A welding wire dispenser for dispensing wire to a wire feeder comprising a floor-engaging support which has an annular brake bad positioned on the upper end thereof. A ball screw assembly is mounted on the support and has a coil spring secured thereto which yieldably resists the rotation of the ball screw in one direction. A shaft is secured to the upper end of the ball screw assembly and is vertically movable therewith. A coil support is rotatably mounted on the shaft above the support and is vertically movable with the shaft. The coil support is adapted to support a coil or reel of welding wire thereon. The coil support has a horizontally disposed annular portion at its lower end which is adapted to frictionally engage the annular brake pad to limit the rotation of the coil support at times. A horizontally disposed accumulator pulley is freely rotatably mounted on the upper end of the shaft above the wire coil.

Abstract: An arrangement for positively supplying elastomer fibers in a textile machine, comprises a device supplying a non-elastic filament fiber, a drive for driving the non-elastic filament fiber supplying device, a yarn spool for an elastomeric filament, a freely rotatable holder for the yarn spool, a drive roller arranged so that the yarn spool abuts against the drive roller over a predetermined abutment length, the drive roller being connected with the drive means and having a length which is greater than the predetermined abutment length, the drive roller having an axis extending in a predetermined plane, and a support which supports the spool holder and is longitudinally displaceable along a line such that the line or its projection extends in the plane of the axis of the drive roller and at an acute angle relative to the axis of the drive roller.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to method and apparatus for facilitating the withdrawal of strand from the interior of a wound package a strand comprising biasing a movable manifold means against a portion of the arcuate periphery of the package, the manifold means having an apertured section in contact with the package; and drawing a vacuum in the manifold means effective to retain the strands at the periphery of the package until withdrawn to facilitate the complete withdrawal of the strand from the package.

Abstract: The portable reel has a non-rotatable spool extending longitudinally forwardly from a rearward mount and which surrounds a rotatable spindle extending along a lineal longitudinal-axis. An elongate radial arm is co-rotatably attached to the spindle, and the arm first-end is rigidly attached to a manually graspable tubular guide for flexible conduit carried by the spool. The tubular guide has an internally unencumbered and axially curved bore that preferably terminates as flared configuration terminal openings. As seen in top plan view and at the stage when the arm first-end is strictly vertically below the spindle, the tubular guide curved-axis and the spindle longitudinal-axis have an angular relationship within the range of about 5.degree. to 20.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus for prestressing a concrete structure or the like by wrapping tensioned wire around the peripheral wall of the same includes a carriage which travels about the periphery of the structure, a device mounted on the carriage for paying off wire from a wire supply, a wire tensioning mechanism which includes at least one pair of stress wheels each of which the wire at least partially encircles, a tensiometer, a tensioned wire payout device which is adjustable to pay out wire at selectable heights relative to the carriage, a slip clutch linked to at least one of the stress wheels and being adjusted to slip when torque transferred from the tension in the wire is applied to the clutch and exceeds a predetermined torque value thereby allowing the tension in the wire to be controlled, and a driving motor mounted to the carriage to propel the carriage about the periphery of the structure.

Abstract: A dispenser for removing coiled wire or strands from a stationary coil having a vertical axis particularly suited for, but not limited to, use with welding wire. The wire is removed from the coil periphery by a wire guide rotatable about an axis coincident with the coil axis. The improvements include a dust cover enclosing the wire coil which rotates with and under the influence of the wire guide. Further, a base is used with unspooled wire having a quick coupling connection with the wire guide support, a coil compression ring is shaped to impose a biasing force on the coiled wire as the coil is depleted to improve wire retention, and a quick disconnect coupling is interposed between the rotating guide and a wire receiving conduit to improve handling and coil replacement procedures. Improvements are also directed to the use of the dust cover with spooled wire, and a synthetic plastic coil base is disclosed for protecting the wire coil's lower regions.

Abstract: Apparatus for winding and unwinding a cable of which one end makes electric contact with a fixed installation. The cable (6) has one end which makes electric contact with a fixed installation (18). It is wound on the peripheral portion of a fixed plate (15). A duct (17) fastened to a shaft (24) mounted for rotation relative to the plate (15) effects the winding and unwinding of the cable onto and from the fixed plate (15). The shaft (24) is returned by a spring in the cable unwinding direction. The semi-rigid cable (6) acts on the duct (17) to turn it in the winding direction. The duct (17) in which the cable passes has a curvature suitable for being subjected to the thrust of the cable.

Abstract: A method of injection of wire into molten steel wherein a coil of the wire is positioned around a mandrel, and the wire is pulled from the coil in the axial direction of the mandrel and is fed by transport means into the molten steel. To avoid the need to rotate the coil and yet to achieve smooth uncoiling and also to permit tow coils to be uncoiled successively without interruption the coil is a self-supporting parallel-wound coil, which is resiliently clamped around at least part of its outer surface over its whole axial length. The axial length of the mandrel is greater than that of the coil and, at the start of uncoiling of the coil there is a gap of at least 5 cm between the inside surface of the coil and the mandrel. The wire is pulled from the inside of the coil from the inside of the coil through a ring which is mounted around the mandrel axially spaced from the coil and which has a slot-shaped radial extension open to the interior of the ring.

Abstract: A welding wire dispenser for dispensing wire to a wire feeder comprising a floor-engaging support which has an annular brake pad positioned on the upper end thereof. A ball screw assembly is mounted on the support and has a coil spring secured thereto which yieldably resists the rotation of the ball screw in one direction. A shaft is secured to the upper end of the ball screw assembly and is vertically movable therewith. A coil support is rotatably mounted on the shaft above the support and is vertically movable with the shaft. The coil support is adapted to support a coil or reel of welding wire thereon. The coil support has a horizontally disposed annular portion at its lower end which is adapted to frictionally engage the annular brake pad to limit the rotation of the coil support at times. A multiple arm assembly is secured to the upper end of the shaft and extends therefrom.

Abstract: A storage and dereeling apparatus is provided for storing and dispensing magnet wire or other reeled material. The storing and dereeling apparatus includes a container member in which a reel of magnet wire is placed with the axis thereof vertically disposed; and the apparatus includes a cover member. The cover member is automatically indexed to either of two rotational positions; and the cover member is releasably latched in a storage and transporting position wherein the cover member is adjacent to the spool of wire, to a preferred dereeling position wherein a space is provided intermediate of the reel of wire and the cover member to allow dereeling of the wire, and to an alternate dereeling position wherein the space between the reel of wire and the cover member is somewhat larger.

Abstract: Wire is wound in conical layers upon a conical core of a reel or other structure upon which wire can be wound until a predetermined outer diameter of a wound reel is reached. The wire is then wound in layers of decreasing lengths to form a wound reel which has an outer cylindrical shape of the same diameter. A reel can be used from which the core can be removed after winding so that upon unwinding, the wire can be pulled from the interior of the wound reel.

Abstract: Snarls are formed at winding machines and the like when the thread tension is reduced. By reducing the angle .alpha. which the thread forms with the end surface or face of the delivery bobbin or spool the friction between the thread and the bobbin edge can be increased to such an extent that no thread coils or turns can disengage from the surface of the delivery bobbin and become snarled even when the thread tension decreases. The reduction in the angle .alpha. may be achieved by lowering a thread guide eye towards the delivery bobbin, by lifting the delivery bobbin or by deflecting the thread at an extension or protection provided at the bobbin. Upon deflecting the thread at the extension a thread reserve can be provided by applying thread turns at the extension in a direction opposite to the thread turns wound on the bobbin and which thread reserve can be eliminated in a simple manner by withdrawing the same as a whole or in sections.

Abstract: A pull-off aid of variable geometrical configuration for the overhead drawing-off of a thread (a,a') to be would onto a bobbin (1) from a feed or creel bobbin (11) mounted on a bobbin carrier, has an outer diameter which is variable by a control pulse which is dependent upon the increasing diameter of the bobbin (1) being wound and thereby upon the decreasing diameter of the feed or creel bobbin from which the thread is being drawn. To this end, a diameter sensor (2), by which the control pulse is initiated, responds when the bobbin being wound has reached a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A carrier for a strand supply bobbin used on strand fabricating machines. The carrier has a raisable and generally circular cap (32) housing a sleeve (37), a disc (38), a ring (39), a compression spring (40), a leaf spring (41), an actuator rod (42), a collar nut (43), a retainer cup (44), a planar reaction surface (45), an actuator plug (46) and freely movable force transmitting elements (47), as operative elements for bobbin control during letoff of strand material. Radial movement of the force transmitting elements (47), to brake or clutch the supply bobbin is determined by (i) the position of the bobbin control actuator rod (42), (ii) the position of the bobbin control actuator rod (46), and (iii) the position of the bobbin control disc (38) within the raisable cap (32) on the carrier.

Abstract: A cap assembly for facilitating pay-off of wire past one end flange of a spool, comprising a wheel carried on a shaft mounted along the axis of the spool at one end, and a tension brush comprising a body having radially extending, resilient and flexible tines extending to the periphery of the wheel, and adapted to be brushed by a wire strand as it orbits or traverses the spool end flange and passes over the wheel. The wheel is rotatable on the shaft, and the moving strand imparts turning motion thereto during pay-off. The tension brush body is also rotatable on the shaft under the action of the orbiting strand. An adjustable braking device is associated with the brush body and shaft such that a small drag force can be imparted to the brush as it is rotating, tending to slow it down to a point where the tines are moving at a circumferential velocity somewhat less than that of the strand.

Abstract: A cage to retain an undersea vehicle therein and tether reel-in and play-out mechanism is provided. The cage includes a latch for retaining the vehicle in a "garage" portion. A tether drive assembly reels in and out the tether line through a bale which cooperates with a narrow, annular drum to retain the tether line in an annular, cylindrical coil having a width of a single strand of line. The bail, with or without cooperation from additional means, winds and unwinds the tether in the drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a yarn winding spindle cap having a variable moment of resistance, the spindle cap having diametrically oppositely extending arm portions, each of the ends of which supports a vertically oriented bushing, and the opposite ends of a loop of single strand are fixed in the bushings and position the loop so that it rubs against the periphery of the bobbin with a view to braking the spindle cap as a function of the diameter of said bobbin.

Abstract: A thread guide for drawing threads (3',4') overhead from two yarn bobbins (3,4) disposed coaxially one above the other comprising separate thread guide flyer arrangements (5,12) mounted by means of respective bearing bushes (6,13) provided for each yarn bobbin. The thread guide flyer arrangement (5) provided for the lower yarn bobbin (3) is mounted between the two yarn bobbins. The second thread guide flyer arrangement (12), which can be associated with the upper yarn bobbin, is also mounted between the two yarn bobbins such that the two thread guide flyer arrangements keep one another under control for the purpose of rendering their circumferential speeds uniform.

Abstract: An apparatus having the dual capability both as a transporting and storage apparatus and a dereeling apparatus for wire wound on a spool. The apparatus comprises a container having an annular rib on its lower inner surface which engages a groove disposed in the bottom flange of the spool received therein to secure the spool against radial and axial movement during normal use. The cover for the container is movable between a closed position and a dereeling position wherein the cover top surface is disposed above the spool upper flange a predetermined distance. The cover has upper and lower detents for removably securing it in its closed and dereeling positions, respectively, on the container. The container bottom has a hole therein and the cover has a locating boss disposed on its top surface in axial alignment with the bottom hole so that the locating boss is receivable within the arbor-receiving hole of a spool in a like apparatus stacked thereon.

Abstract: This invention comprehends a spin casting style fishing reel that can sit on top a fishing rod or be suspended thereunder. The reel has a line spool with a flange that is positioned inside the spinner head. In order to prevent untensioned fishing line from getting caught underneath the spinner head, a rim on the edge of the flange has a plurality of flocked fibers thereon. The invention also comprehends a method of coating the flange rim with fibers.

Abstract: In a double twist spindle assembly of the type including a central spindle having a bore therethrough and extending through a can, the spindle supporting within the can a lower yarn package and an upper yarn package each feeding yarn into the bore of the spindle above the packages, an improved device for guiding the yarn which is unwinding from the lower package to prevent its contacting the upper package comprising a disk between the packages and a corrolla device supported on the disc to guide the yarn from the lower package away from the upper package, and the corrolla device comprising plural interlaced leaf members which lie against the upper package and follow its shrinking diameter so that the corrolla automatically shrinks in diameter as the yarn is used up.

Abstract: A device for feeding yarn with a constant adjustable tension, for use in weaving looms and in other weaving machines, comprises a brake acting on an end cap of the winding drum--held stationary--of the device. The brake is a plurality of elastically yielding metal elements, positioned radially in a support designed to envelope the cap and mounted with possibility of self-centering in respect of the cap, these elements engaging the outcoming yarn about a circumferential area of the cap having a slightly smaller diameter than that of the winding drum of the feeding device.

Abstract: A carrier device for at least two twister or bobbin tubes (4, 17) disposed axially one above the other, comprising a substantially sleeve-shaped carrier member whose bottom end has a radially outwardly directed support surface (3) for supporting the lower tube (4). Disposed in the central region of the carrier member is a support surface (12) whose circumference is smaller than the inner circumference of the lower tube (4) to enable the latter tube (4) to be slipped onto the carrier body over the support surface 12. An annular or disc-shaped pull-off aid (13), which is preferably mounted so as to be freely rotatable, is slipped onto the support surface (12) and ensures that the threads from the tubes are not damaged when they are drawn off overhead, and that excessive stressing of the threads is avoided.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and holding materials wound on a spool having a contoured peripheral edge on a spool end or spool end flange comprising a congruent, self-lubricious member capable of bi-directional movement along the contoured peripheral edge with a predetermined amount of frictional resistance. The member incorporating a material dispensing aperture congruently contoured to the cross-sectional profile of the material thru which the material is dispensed with a predetermined amount of frictional resistance. The member moving along the contoured peripheral edge when the spooled material is pulled away from the plane of the spool end or the spool end flange and generally parallel to the spool core axis during the dispensing process. When the pulling force on the material is halted, the dispensing ceases and the material can then be severed near the member.

Abstract: Mechanism for rotating a spool adapted to receive a supply of filament, about the axis of the spool, comprising an electric motor which moves bodily axially toward and away from the spool to make and break the spool drive, respectively. According to the invention, the motor is mounted for limited rotation relative to its support, against the action of a spring, when the tension in the filament increases, thereby to make gradual the rise in tension of the filament. A limit switch is provided to limit this bodily rotation of the motor; and upon actuation of the limit switch, the motor is withdrawn from the spindle, thereby interrupting the spindle drive and releasing the torque that was applied by the filament to the motor, whereupon the motor is rotated by the spring back to a rest position.

Abstract: An uncoiler for metallic strip material may suffer from rotational effects of a coil supported on the mandrel if the coil is eccentrically mounted on the mandrel. The uncoiler has means for detecting these rotational effects and, if the effects are greater than a predetermined level, a signal is prepared which is used either to prevent further increase in rotational speed of the mandrel or to reduce the speed of the mandrel.

Abstract: Wire tensioning apparatus comprises a holder for a reel of wire and first and second tensioning elements arranged to be supported adjacent one end of a held reel. Each tensioning element has at least one annular surface, the annular surfaces on the two elements co-operating to define a non-linear circular passage along which a wire may pass generally radially inwardly, the wire entering the passage at any point in the 360.degree. arcuate extent of the passage. One element has a central aperture, so that wire may spill off a held reel, enter the non-linear passage and leave through the central aperture, tension being imparted by the wire following a zig-zag path as the wire passes through the passage.

Abstract: A dispenser for feeding an optical glass fiber from a missile to provide a ommunication link from the missile to the ground; the dispenser includes a supply of optical fiber and a source of pressurized gas mounted in a housing having an orifice through which the optical fiber is fed and the gas exhausted during the feeding of the optical fiber from the missile.

Abstract: A device for the axial uncoiling of wire from a spool in which the spool is axially carried on a support with a polished take-off ring rotatably mounted on the support adjacent the spool and engageable with the wire, a first array of radially disposed bristles also being rotatably mounted on the support and engageable with the wire, with a first braking element being connected with the take-off ring and a second braking element slidably mounted on the support and spaced from the first braking element during the uncoiling of the wire for enabling the take-off ring and the first array of bristles to be freely rotatable, with means for displacing the second braking element along the support for engagement with the first braking element only upon termination of the uncoiling of the wire.

Abstract: An improved wire or fiber strand payoff neutralizer adapted for multi-position application is described, which permits numerous individual strands of wire or fiber that will be formed into a cable to be payed out linearly and uniformly under controlled and regulated tension to the other components of a cabling machine. The present invention utilizes a split shaft, the reel containing the wire or fiber strand being mounted on an arbor portion of the split shaft, and a flyer being mounted on the driven portion of the rotor shaft. The wire or fiber strands then travel from the product supply reel to the flyer and then back to the hollow core of the rotor shaft and thence to the other components of the cabling system. The flyer and the rotor shaft rotate at the same speed as the other components of the cabling system, as well as in the same direction.

Abstract: A wire de-reeling apparatus for transferring wire from one or more spools and with a minimum of excessive looseness or kinking, the apparatus comprising a support for mounting the spool with one spool end free, a rotatable take-off wheel located at the free spool end and being generally coaxial with the spool, and a rotatable tension brush also disposed at the spool end and having a plurality of radially disposed, flexible wire-restraining tines. The wheel is rotatable under the action of a strand of wire being payed off the spool. The brush is mounted on a central hub which is at or near the spool axis, and the tines extend radially a short distance past the circumferential edge of the wheel, to be brushed by the strand of wire as it is being de-reeled.

Abstract: A high acceleration umbilical cable deployment system for enabling electrical communication between a ballistic projectile forebody and an afterbody. A cable coiled on a spool is housed within a ballistic casing having a drag funnel at the rear end. The cable is sandwiched between a foam plug and the drag funnel before it leaves the forebody and is secured in a strain relief at the apex of a funnel in the afterbody. On deployment, when the bodies are separated, energies that would tend to rupture the cable are expended by the funnels, plug and strain relief.

Abstract: A dispenser for coiled wire, particularly welding wire, which is supported upon a conventional wood pallet, the dispenser including a vertically disposed column having an upper end including a cover extending over the coil and nut means for tightly forcing the cover against the coil. A wire guide is rotatably mounted upon the column upper end rotating about the coil and dispensing wire therefrom, and the column lower end includes a hook bracket extending under pallet structure whereby tightening of the nut means pulls the bracket into a tight relationship with the pallet fixing the dispenser with respect to the coil and pallet, and simultaneously firmly maintaining the wire coil upon the pallet.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, taking-off a thread or the like alternately from one of two bobbin packages arranged side by side in a creel for textile machines. The method contemplates taking-off a thread from a bobbin package, the tail end of such removed thread being knotted to the lead end of an essentially parallelly arranged reserve bobbin package. The knot is formed by first pulling the leading thread end of the reserve bobbin package through a thread take-off opening operatively associated with such reserve bobbin package. Then the thread is pulled in a direction opposite to the thread take-off direction through or at a location near a take-off opening operatively associated with the bobbin package from which thread is in the process of being removed, in other words the momentary withdrawal bobbin package.

Abstract: This invention relates to dereeling apparatus for unreeling wire from a spool preferably disposed with the axis thereof upright. A first cylindrical shroud is adapted to be positioned coaxially over the spool in radially spaced relation therewith and with the upper end of the shroud disposed above the spool. A ring of multiple circumferentially spaced axially extending bristles of resilient material is provided on the upper end of the shroud. A second cylindrical shroud of larger diameter than the first and coaxially disposed to overlie the ring in radially spaced position is mounted on the upper end of the first shroud. The second shroud is provided with a cover having a centrally located aperture which receives a strand of wire being unreeled from the spool.

Abstract: A device for unwinding elongated material from a coil which includes a plate which is placed on top of the coil, with the plate including a rotatable guide means for guiding unwound material, and at least two elongated arcuate members which extend into the coil interior and define a cylindrically shaped shell. The arcuate members are pivotally mounted to the plate, and are provided with a means which exerts a force against the arcuate members to press the arcuate members against the coil interior to hold the interior windings as the coil is unwound.

Abstract: A device for applying tension to wire, especially wire of fine diameter as it is unwound at high speeds over an axial end of a spool of wire. The tensioning device is effective to prevent curling and twisting of the wire as it is unwound. It is also useful in tensioning wire during high speed winding where the wire is rapidly accelerated and decelerated. The wire control device includes a disc having a plurality of radially extending filaments which protrude beyond the periphery of the axial end of the spool of wire and engage the wire as it is unwound over the axial end of the spool. A cylindrical shaped tubular member encircles the disc and engages the ends of the filaments to bend them so that they extend in a direction which is axially and outwardly of the spool in the direction of movement of the wire being uncoiled. The wire being uncoiled from the spool engages the bent ends of the filaments.

Abstract: An apparatus for dereeling a filament wound on the barrel of a spool between opposite flanges. The dereeling apparatus comprises a rim adapted to be positioned on the upper flange of a spool resting on its other flange. Both the spool and the rim are stationary. The rim having an outwardly facing filament-contacting surface for training the dereeling filament out of contact with the upper spool flange and radially extending filament control members for resisting the movement of the dereeling filament around the upper spool flange.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for up-twisting directly a spinning package having the shape of the cake. According to the invention, the device comprises a vertical spindle driven in rotation at constant or variable speed. Centering and positioning means are provided for the cake on the spindle, said means preferably comprising two cones placed in opposition and fitted at each extremity of the cake. The cones are characterized by the lower cone being secured to the spindle axle and the package being positioned between the two cones by means of a locking element which connects the lower cone to the upper cone. Preferably, the upper cone is associated with a cap flyer which projects beyond the outer edge of the package. The invention applies itself particularly well to up-twisting.

Abstract: Device for controlling the tension in the yarn unwinding from a yarn carrying body, a first shaped body being fast with the latter and having a continuous series of elongated flexible hairs inwardly projecting from its outer edge, the free end of said hairs being adjacent the free edge of an annular projection extending axially of the yarn carrying body.The device also comprises a second shaped body, coaxial with the first mentioned shaped body, having an annular projection extending therefrom, the free edge of this projection contacting said hairs at an intermediate location of the length thereof.

Abstract: An installation for treating metal wire, such as for coating a copper conductor, comprises at its upstream end a stationary wire-supply source having a reel support disposed within a loop-guard made of a gray iron or ductile cast-iron part in the form of a hollow body of revolution having an ogival profile. This part bears at its downstream end a conical tip defining the exit aperture for the wire. The inner surface of the loop-guard is machined by turning so as to be absolutely smooth and may also be subjected to a hardening treatment.

Abstract: A wire line includes a flyer payoff and means for controlling the wire discharged from the flyers payoff by a tension system comprising two spaced tensions, the first of which comprises two groups of rolls with the rolls of one group staggered with relation to the rolls of the other group with the groups relatively movable toward and from each other to apply more or less tension on the wire as it leaves the flyer payoff with the tension system also including a second tensioning means comprising a drum and a guide sheave spaced therefrom about which the wire is passed with sufficient surface engagement with the drum and sheave so that they will rotate as the wire passes thereover rather than the wire slip on either, and then applying a friction drag on the drum to retard the rotation and apply a greater amount of tension before the wire passes on to a point to be serviced.

Abstract: A transparent and flexible protective shroud for a welding wire containing spool adapted to be detachably mounted on a wire pay out assembly.

Abstract: Device for controlling the tension of yarn unwinding from a yarn supplying apparatus to using machines. The device comprises two discs facing each other and having annular recesses and projections, with the projections on one disc extending between the recesses on the other disc. One of the discs is applied on the apparatus, while the other disc is carried by the bracket and has an axial hole passing therethrough, through which hole the yarn exits, the tension of which has been controlled.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for twisting insulated conductors into quads, four insulated conductors are paid off from stationary bobbins, pretwisted alternately in the S and Z directions and thereafter twisted together into a star quad.

Abstract: Cable reels are loaded, unloaded, transferred or otherwise handled relative to the flatbed of a vehicle by a pivotally mounted lift assembly which includes a main rotary shaft having two or more extended lift arms rigidly attached in a generally U-shaped configuration. The main rotary shaft, when attached along one edge of the flat bed, is capable of pivoting through 180.degree. rotation by hydraulic rams or the like, and the lift arms include an arrangement for securing the cargo outwardly of the shaft with hydraulically actuated gripper finger arrangements. Arrangement of a plurality of lift assemblies in tandem so that the extremities of the lift arms are on intersecting arcs enables the cargo to be lifted from the ground surface onto the flatbed and transferred to different selected positions. Power winches appropriately positioned or peripheral engagement of cable reel containers allow rotary cargo for cable reel winding or unwinding.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of handling linear textile material to facilitate its processing including withdrawing the linear textile from a source and advancing it along a given path to a handling station; between the source and handling station applying the forces of a stream of fluid media in a direction opposing the movement of the textile material.

Abstract: A snap-on, wire pay-off cap assembly to facilitate the unreeling of wire past one end of a wire filled spool, comprising a wheel adapted to be engaged by the wire being de-reeled, a circular brush disposed broadside to the wheel and having tines extending past the wheel periphery, a support member rotatably mounting the wheel and fixedly mounting the brush in their respective operative positions, and an operable clamp carried by the support member and adapted to engage the rim of one of the spool flanges for holding the cap assembly captive at one end of the spool. The clamp includes several radially extending arms which have hooks at their ends, to latch over the rim of the flange. Spring means associated with one of the arms biases it in a radially inward direction to thereby maintain the engagement of the hooks and the rim.