Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing wire or cable, the apparatus including an enclosure with a top and a bottom portion and at least three side portions of a first height, a plurality of holes located in both the top and bottom portions of the enclosure, and a core of a second height located within the enclosure, wherein the core forms an area, wherein at least one of the plurality of holes has a first hole diameter and is located in the top and bottom of the enclosure and is located within the area formed by the core, and wherein the wire or cable is placed around the core.

Abstract: A consumable assembly for supplying filament to a 3D printer includes a spool-less filament coil, a payout tube, and a compressive band. The coil of filament is wound in a configuration having a generally cylindrical outer perimeter and an open interior; the coil has a payout hole extending from an inner layer of the coil to an outer layer of the coil and includes a filament strand configured to be withdrawn through the payout hole in response to a pull force, to thereby withdraw filament from the interior of the coil. The payout tube is disposed in the payout hole and provides a filament port. A compressive band is disposed over the outer layer and is configured to exert a compressive radial force on the coil so that the coil maintains its cylindrical shape without deformation, and the filament strand may be drawn through the filament outlet free of kinks, twists or tangles.

Abstract: A compact optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) containing a small-scale OTDR, power source, and wireless communications electronics encompassed within the confines of a spool containing a time delay fiber optic waveguide coiled about the face of the spool. Data obtained by the OTDR is transmitted by wire or wirelessly to a computer or portable wireless device for graphical plotting of said data and evaluation by the user. The integration of the time delay waveguide eliminates the need for a separate time delay waveguide and provides a more compact testing solution. The Compact OTDR with Integrated Time Delay is used to test the integrity of an optical fiber waveguide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods, devices or streams for encoding, transmitting and decoding two-dimension point clouds. When encoding point clouds as frames, a large number of pixels are not used. A dense mapping operator optimizes the use of pixels but requires a lot of data to be encoded in the stream and its inverse operator is difficult to compute. A simplified mapping operator is generated according to a dense mapping operator and is stored as matrices of two-dimension coordinates representative of an unfolded grid which requires low space in the stream. The inverse operator is easy to generate according to the unfolded grid.

Abstract: A method for laying multiple conductors in a container may be provided. The method may comprise receiving the multiple conductors at a monitoring station; receiving the multiple conductors at a drive; and receiving the multiple conductors at the container.

Abstract: Provided is a method for packing a cable having a static friction coefficient of 0.15 or more and 0.50 or less, a dynamic friction coefficient of 0.10 or more and 0.40 or less and a bending rigidity of 60 gf or more and 350 gf or less. The method includes the steps of: (1) winding the cable into a figure-of-eight shape to form a cylindrical cable bundle, (2) winding a wrapping film as a restraining member, which restrains the cable bundle, around an outer circumferential portion of the cable bundle, (3) winding a wrapping film as a closing member which closes openings on both ends of the cable bundle, and (4) housing the cable bundle being wound with the restraining member and the closing member in a housing container.

Abstract: A coil assembly comprising a coil of a strand-based material retained in a figure-8 configuration, and having an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer of the coil defines a core region of the coil, and where the coil is configured to unwind loop by loop beginning from the inner layer and moving towards the outer layer as the strand-based material is drawn through a payout hole. The coil assembly also comprises a permeable hub configured to reduce payout entanglement of the strand-based material.

Abstract: A coil assembly comprising a coil of a strand-based material retained in a figure-8 configuration, and having an inner layer and an outer layer, where the inner layer of the coil defines a core region of the coil, and where the coil is configured to unwind loop by loop beginning from the inner layer and moving towards the outer layer as the strand-based material is drawn through a payout hole. The coil assembly also comprises a permeable hub configured to reduce payout entanglement of the strand-based material.

Abstract: A fast convolution method applicable to convolving a signal (indicative of an n-dimensional pattern, where n is greater than or equal to two) with a smooth kernel that can be approximated by a separated-spline kernel, and a system configured to perform such method using software or signal processing circuitry. Unlike Fourier-based convolution methods which require on the order of N log N arithmetic operations for a signal of length N, the method of the invention requires only on the order of N arithmetic operations to do so. Unlike wavelet-based convolution approximations (which typically also require more arithmetic operations than are required in accordance with the invention to convolve the same signal), the method of the invention is exact for convolution kernels which are spline kernels.

Abstract: A payout tube for insertion in a radial hole of a wound coil of filamentary material and the radial hole extending from the inner to the outer wind of the wound coil, the payout tube including an entrance and an exit opening in coaxial and spaced relationship with one another; the size of the entrance opening is determined by the following: Yc=3.5 sin x/Dm where Dm is a diameter of the mandrel on which the coil of filamentary material is wound, x is the length along the circumference of the wind and Yc is the substantially sinusoidal FIG. 8 coil pattern; Yc′=3.5Dm Cos x/Dm; at x=0; Yc′=3.51/Dm; and the slope H of the coil pattern=Tan−1 [3.5/Dm]=23.

Abstract: A fast convolution method applicable to convolve a signal with a smooth kernel that can be approximated by a spline kernel, and a system configured to perform such method using software or signal processing circuitry. Unlike Fourier-based convolution methods which require on the order of N log N arithmetic operations for a signal of length N, the method of the invention requires only on the order of N arithmetic operations to do so. Unlike wavelet-based convolution approximations (which typically also require more arithmetic operations than are required in accordance with the invention to convolve the same signal), the method of the invention is exact for convolution kernels which are spline kernels. Moreover, convolution in accordance with the invention can be acyclic convolution (achieved without zero-padding) or cyclic convolution, and in both cases the invention imposes no restriction (such as evenness) on signal length.

Abstract: A Re-user case for retaining a wound coil of filamentary material wherein first and second separate half-sections, each including mating projections and counterpart receptacles enabling the two sections to be releaseably joined and forming an enclosed case containing the wound coil and wherein the first and second half-sections are formed of injection molded impact resistant high intensity propylene; each of the half-sections including releasable locking members to join the first and second half-sections to one another to form the Re-user case; and the Re-user case including large and small diameter payout openings respectively accommodating a first payout tube for unwinding a coil of filamentary material or large diameter and a second payout tube for unwinding a coil of filamentary material of small diameter.

Abstract: A payout tube for insertion in a radial hole of a wound coil of filamentary material and extending from the inner to the outer wind of the wound coil, the payout tube having entrance and exit openings in coaxial and spaced relationship with one another. The size of the entrance opening is determined by the following equation: Yc=3.5 sin×/Dm, where Dm is the diameter of the mandrel, X is the length along the circumference of the wind and Yc is the coil pattern. Yc′=3.5/Dm Cos×/Dm at x=0; Yc′=3.5/Dm, and the slope H of the coil pattern=Tan−1[3.5/Dm]=23.629 degrees. The length L of the payout hole is determined as: L=O×Dm×pie/360 degrees; where O is the payout hole opening; the width of the payout hole is W=L cos(H).

Abstract: A payout tube for insertion in a radial hole of a wound coil of filamentary material and extending from the inner to the outer wind of said wound coil, comprising:an entrance opening and an exit opening in coaxial and spaced relationship with one another;the size of said entrance and exit openings being large enough to allow room for the inherent twist in the filamentary material to exit the exit opening without kinking; anda flange member surrounding the exit opening for engaging a panel of a container retaining the wound coil.The payout tube may be constructed of corrugated fiber, pulp paper or plastic.

Abstract: A container for holding a wound coil of filamentary material and a payout tube formed integrally with the container for engaging a payout hole formed in the wound coil from the innermost winding to the outermost winding thereof and enabling filamentary material to be paid out through the payout hole and integrally formed payout tube wherein the container has six sides formed by twelve panels within four attached sections. A first of the sections including an end panel flanked on opposite sides thereof by a portion of an upper and bottom panel, the portion of the upper panel including a portion of the integrally formed payout tube. A second of the sections including a side panel flanked on opposite sides thereof by a portion of the bottom panel and the top panel, and the portion of the upper panel including a hole forming the exit opening of the integrally formed payout tube.

Abstract: A rope package designed and configured with a self-contained hanger for display in retail stores. The rope is designed to be coiled into a number of uniform coils. In coiling the rope, one coil is pulled away from the uniform coils to create a loop between the one coil extending outwardly and the other uniform coils. The coiled configuration is then wrapped tightly with a membrane to hold the coiled configuration together. The resulting rope package contains a self-contained hanger, through use of the loop, that is suitable for hanging for display in its individual capacity in retail stores.

Abstract: A payout tube for enabling payout of filamentary material having inherent twist characteristics from a coil of the filamentary material wound in a figure 8 configuration with a payout hole extending from the inner layer to the outer layer of the coil, wherein the payout hole has an oval or diamond shape; an inner end of the payout tube being adapted for insertion into the payout hole and having an oval or diamond shape corresponding to the oval or diamond shape of the payout hole, the payout hole having a diameter of at least ninety degrees; the payout tube having an inner diameter increasing in size from the inner end to the outer end thereof; and a collar formed around the outer end to support the payout tube against the outer surface of a container.

Abstract: A cable payout tube having a large diameter cable entrance end and an even larger cable exit end, for accommodating stiff cable without kinking thereof. The interior of the tube has cable gripping chambers extending along at least a portion of the length thereof, the chambers being tapered to allow wedging of the end of a cable therein. A flange and locking tabs enable mounting the tube in an opening in a carton containing the cable.

Abstract: A payout tube assembly for unwinding filamentary material from a wound coil of filamentary material contained in a container having a wall panel with a hole for mounting a push-on tube and locking collar on the container wall panel, wherein a hollow payout tube having an end portion extends through the hole, the end portion including a flange extending around the periphery of the tube and having a surface engaging the inner surface of the wall panel surrounding the hole, and further including at least three segmented locking protrusions extending around the periphery of the end portion and separated by spaces; a locking collar for engaging the outer wall of the wall panel and including at least three segmented locking teeth equally spaced substantially around an inner perimeter of the locking collar for engaging with the segmented locking protrusions with pressure exerted on the locking collar to cause the payout tube and the locking collar to be locked together by increased locking forces produced by the thr

Abstract: A foldable element (1) for use in a case (20) for a roll (21) of photosensitive material, in particular for graphic arts films, which can be used to obtain both a support (22) for holding the roll (21) in the case (20) and a spacer (23) for filling free space in the case (20) between the case itself and supports (22). Folding lines (7), two flaps (8, 9) and at least three slits (14, 15, 16) are formed in the element (1), which permit to have a solid structure after bending.

Abstract: A payout tube adapted to be secured to a container having wire or cable contained therein, has a flange at the entrance end thereof. The flange has a radiused surface wherein the radius is greater than the critical or kinking radius R.sub.c, and a central opening where the radiused surface fairs into the inner wall of the tube, with the inner wall being substantially tangential to the radiused surface. A plurality of strengthening ribs are located on the underside of the flange and extend along the outer wall of the tube, with certain ones of the ribs intersecting other ribs at right angles thereto. Mounting mechanism located at the exit end of the tube also has strengthening ribs, with strengthening members intersecting the ribs at right angles thereto. Due to the configuration of the flange, tube, ribs and mounting mechanism, the payout tube can be formed or molded as one integral unit with a consequent reduction in production costs.

Abstract: A winding machine for winding wire includes a spindle on which a spool is mounted, and a reciprocating traverse for guiding an advancing wire onto the spool. The motion of the traverse is controlled by a programmable motion controller. A cam profile is stored in the controller's memory which defines the relationship between the traverse position and the angular position of the spindle. A periodic rotation signal is generated indicative of the angular position of the spindle. In response to each periodic rotation signal, the programmable controller determines the corresponding position of the traverse as set forth in the cam profile and produces a control signal which causes the traverse to move to the commanded position. Gear ratios between the spindle motor and traverse motor are supported.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for winding filamentary on a mandrel rotatable about a spindle axis of rotation and a traverse reciprocating with respect to the mandrel to wind the filamentary material in a figure 8 coil configuration with a payout hole extending radially from the inner to the outer wind of the coil; controlling the rotation of the mandrel about the spindle axis of rotation; controlling the reciprocating movement of the traverse with respect to the rotation of the mandrel to wind the filamentary material on the mandrel in the coil of a figure 8 configuration to form the radial payout hole having a substantially constant diameter.

Abstract: A two-piece pay-out tube is secured through an outlet opening of a cable box such that cable being fed from the box can be threaded through the assembled pay-out tube. One piece of the pay-out tube includes an elongated tube having an inner flange. This tube is designed to be inserted into the opening within the cable box from inside the box such that the inner flange abuts against the inside wall of the cable box. A second piece, referred to as a locking collar, is designed to be snapped into engagement with the inner flange from outside of the box. In particular, the locking collar includes a plurality of locking tabs that project from the outside of the box, through the opening within the box, and into engagement with the inner flange resulting in a locking relationship between the inner flange and its associated elongated tube and the locking collar.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed for payout tubes secured within a container for a coil of cable therein so that the tube projects at its exit end through a hole in a wall of the container. The tube is adapted to dispense cable fed into its entrance end from inside to outside the container. The improvement is, broadly, providing at such entrance end a curved cable support surface extending around the tube of large enough radius of curvature to prevent deformation in cable, fed in contact with the surface into the tube, of tight bends causing kinking of and damage to the cable. Such surface may be provided either on a cap in turn fittable onto the tube at its entrance end or, alternatively, directly on the tube at that end.

Abstract: A package (20) from which elongated strand material (26) of a coil (24) is dispensed includes a carton (22) in which is disposed the coil. The carton is assembled from a blank (30) of corrugated fiberboard. The blank is formed to include a plurality of interconnected wall panels (32, 34, 36, 38) with each panel having closure flaps extending laterally from opposed side edge surfaces thereof. A tab extends laterally from each of the closure flaps. Each flap is attached hingedly to its associated wall panel and each tab is attached hingedly to its associated flap through a scored line. In end ones (56 and 67) of the closure flaps, portions of the closure flaps extend at least to free outer end edge surfaces of the associated tabs and are normal to end edge surfaces of the blank.

Abstract: The invention is for improvements in a payout tube for a container-packaged coiled cable in which the tube in use is in the container along with the coil, a stub of the tube at its exit end protrudes through a hole in a container wall, and the tube is secured to that wall by having portions of the wall around the hole interposed between (a) a flange or flanges disposed on the tube on one side of such wall in contact with such portions, and (b) locking elements axially spaced on the tube from such flange or flanges and disposed on the other side of such wall in contact with such portions. Here, such locking elements are struts coupled to the body of the tube to be movable between radially inner positions at which they will pass through such hole and radially outer positions at which they cooperate with the flange means to secure the tube to such wall as described above.

Abstract: The invention is for an improvement in a payout tube for container-packaged coiled wire in which the tube in use is in the container which has in a wall thereof a hole comprising a circular main aperture and a pair of notches projecting from such aperture. The tube is secured to the container by passing an end of the tube through such aperture, and radial projecting tabs on the tube at that end through such notches, so as to locate such end and tabs on the wall's outside while radially projecting lugs on the tube remain on the tube's inside, and by then angularly turning the tube to insert sections of such wall bordering such hole between such tabs and such lugs. The improvement constitutes providing on the tube a pair of movable fingers and associated resilient hinges by which those fingers are hingedly coupled to the rest of the tube.

Abstract: The invention is for improvements in a payout tube for a container-packaged coiled wire in which the tube in use is in the container along with the wire coil, a stub of the tube at its exit end protrudes through a hole in a container wall, and the tube is secured to that wall by having sections of the wall around the hole interposed between (a) a flange disposed on the tube on the inside of such wall in contact with such sections, and (b) locking tabs axially spaced on the tube from such flange and disposed on the outside of such wall in contact with such portions.

Abstract: The combination of a backing plate member, a hollow tube and a container having coiled filamentary material therein for paying out filamentary material coiled in the container through the tube, with the hollow tube having an end portion including a pair of oppositely disposed projections and the side wall panel including a cut-out portion substantially conforming to the shape of the end portion including the opposed projections. The backing plate member comprising a substantially planar member made of a resilient material and having a cut-out portion and substantially conforming in shape to the shape of the end portion of the tube enabling passage of the end portion through the cut-out portion of the planar member, a first ramped surface being formed on an edge portion of each of the opposing projections and adapted to enable each projection of the tube to be rotated in a given direction onto the surface of the planar member thereby locking the tube with respect to the planar member.

Abstract: A folding cone for retaining the windings of a wound package containing coils wound in a Figure-8 configuration with an axial opening extending through the longitudinal axis of the coil and a radial opening extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the coils with a first member having a base portion including a pair of upstanding projections extending along the bottom thereof with a gap therebetween and an end portion shaped to be positioned within the inner end surface of the coils.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for winding lengths of flexible material, packages produced by such method and apparatus, as well as endforms forming part of the mandrels on which such windings are formed, incorporate a number of winding parameters which are related to one another by a mathematical formula. Specifically, the mathematical relationship ##EQU1## where: A=the guide stroke,Gd=the guide distance from the spindle center line axis,G=the gain or advance of the wind,Dm=the diameter of the wind or coil, andYm=the wind or coil width;governs the shape of the walls of the endform and such end-forms are used in winding apparatus for producing wound packages of flexible material. From the above equation, the geometrical shape of the wound package can also be determined.

Abstract: A universal winding consisting of a plurality of successive figure-8s spaced radially around a mandrel with the figure-8s being spaced such that the crossovers exist in all but one location to form a payout hole extending from the exterior of the winding into the interior of the axial opening therein in which the speed of the traverse or speed of the mandrel is varied with respect to one another in such a manner that a greater density winding is obtained having a more uniform density, thereby enabling the winding to be compressed more uniformly around the diameter of the coil. A variation in the speed of the traverse or the speed of the spindle with respect to one another can be defined as either a plus or a minus gain and small changes in the gain place the crossovers such that the flexible material is wound more densely. The invention has particular application to large diameter winds in which relatively large diameter flexible material is wound.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for winding lengths of flexible material, packages produced by such method and apparatus, as well as endforms forming part of the mandrels on which such windings are formed, incorporate a number of winding parameters which are related to one another by a mathematical formula. Specifically, the mathematical relationship ##EQU1## where: A=the guide stroke,Gd=the guide distance from the spindle center line axis,G=the gain or advance of the wind,Dm=the diameter of the wind or coil, andYm=the wind or coil width;governs the shape of the walls of the endform and such endforms are used in winding apparatus for producing wound packages of flexible material. From the above equation, the geometrical shape of the wound package can also be determined.

Abstract: In a winding wound in a figure-8 configuration, such as a universal winding which is known in the textile industry, the endforms of a spindle on which the winding is wound each respectively include openings enabling the projection therethrough of collapsing members such that the ends of the winding may be compressed to a substantially flat plane with the innermost winding. The mandrel is formed in two movable sections such that the two sections collapse towards one another with application of the compression force applied to each of the endforms.

Abstract: A dispensing container for coiled strand material includes a hollow feed tube guide frictionally engaged with the underlying closure flap and interlockingly engaged with the die-cut closure flap of the container. A perforated knock-out portion is disposed on the outermost closure flap of the container for protecting the tube guide during shipment.

Abstract: A package for a wind of flexible material wound with a universal wind and having a radial opening into the axial opening through which the inner end of the material is brought out is provided with specially shaped cones having end portions extending into the inner end of the radial opening to guide the material to prevent tangles and birdnesting during unwinding of the wound material. The end portions of the specially shaped cone members may be inserted into the end portion of the payout tube which, in turn, is inserted within the radial opening of the wound package.

Abstract: Water-soluble wind stabilization segments are used to stabilize the winding of coils wound in a figure-8 configuration with a radial opening provided on the side of the winding such that the winding may be unwound from the inside out. The water-soluble stabilization segments dissolve when the winding is immersed in water, thereby obviating the need to physically remove such stabilization segments prior to unwinding the wound package.

Abstract: The winding of an internal payout package of flexible filamentary material by having a projection from the winding drum surface so that windings crossing the projection are deflected to one side or the other of the projection. The projection thus forms a radial opening in the package for internal payout of the material. Further, if the projection is tubular and is removed with the package from the drum, it assists in locating the package in position within a closure and the inner end of the package is then fed through the projection and out of the closure for payout purposes.

Abstract: A reusable guide device for use in guiding elongate filament such as wire from a coil contained within a package or carton, the guide device including a tubular guide member adapted to be inserted radially into the coil and having means for securing an outer end of the guide member within an opening in the carton so that the elongate filament may be paid out from the coil through the guide member. Restraint means in the form of a plurality of finger barriers are provided within the guide member and cooperate with the elongate filament to prevent its retraction or withdrawal back into the package.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing outside payoff from a wound package of flexible strip-like material wherein the package is mounted on a swivable support member through a radial hole in the wound material. The support member is mounted to enable oscillation about its longitudinal axis and the wound material is paid-off the package from its outer end by pulling it in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wound material and the support member. Tension forces may be provided to the support tube to prevent premature throw-off of the wind by controlling the oscillation of the package. Such tension forces may be provided by springs attached to the support tube or by mounting the support tube on a torque motor.

Abstract: In winding coils of great wall thickness, such coils including a plurality of layers each formed of a plurality of figure-8s with the cross-overs progressing angularly around in each layer and with a radial hole extending from the outside of the coil into the axial opening thereof, by previous winding methods it is likely that the hole will be curved, even in cases where the guide for traversing the flexible material on the mandrel is spaced away from the mandrel and the outside of the wound material. In order to prevent the formation of a curved hole and to ensure that the hole is substantially radial, the guide carrier is moved in such a way that the line from the carrier to the surface of the coil always remains substantially tangential to the package at the same angular position in space with respect to the mandrel.

Abstract: In a coil of material wound in a series of figure-8 coils with the crossovers progressing around the package but being interrupted at one point to provide a radial opening into the axial opening of the coil, in order to produce a thick-walled coil the material is first wound in a normal way with varying gains in order to produce a set of dense inner layers, while the outer layers are wound without variation in the gain to produce a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb section is of greater width (axially of the package) than the inner layers. A plurality of pins slidably mounted on a strip are pushed into the outside of the package through the openings in the honeycomb, whereafter the outer layers are compressed axially while retaining the pins within the outer layers. The pins permit payoff of the outer layers without danger of their collapsing and thereby forming kinks or twists within the package.

Abstract: For guiding flexible material wound in a figure-8 package with inner end feedout, a coil is enclosed in a container with walls of corrugated cardboard. The payout of the material is guided by a tube having a flange adjacent the outer end, and two outwardly extending projections between the flange and the outer end, leaving a space therebetween. The inner edges of the projections are slanted in opposite directions. The tube is inserted into a coil, which is then inserted into a container formed of corrugated material. The corrugated material has an opening equal in diameter to the diameter of the tube and notches on either side of such opening extending in the direction of the corrugations. The outer end of the tube is brought through this opening, with the projections extending through the notches, and is then turned by 90.degree.. The thickness of the cardboard is slightly less than the space between the projections and the flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package of material wound in a series of figure-8s with the cross-overs advancing around the package, and the cross-overs being omitted at at least one point on the circumference of the package to leave a radial hole into the center of the package for inner end feedout to allow payout without twist. This hole is ordinarily somewhat diamond shaped, with its major axis extending substantially perpendicular to the axis about which the material was wound. A payout tube is placed in that hole, this payout tube having an oval shape.

Abstract: A tube for insertion into a coil of flexible material wound in a series of figure-8s with a radial opening extending into the axial opening through which the inner end of the material can be drawn out without twist has a flange spaced from its free end and a second flange adjacent the free end with the space between the two flanges being substantially equal to the wall thickness of a container in which the packaged coil is to be enclosed.The outer flange is interrupted at two points and has an outwardly bent portion. The tube is inserted from the outside into the radial opening of the coil, which is then placed inside the container with the outer end of the tube directed towards an opening in the container, which has notches therein. Upon turning the tube, the outwardly bent portions ride up on the wall of the container, so that the tube can be turned to a position in which the principal part of the outer flange engages against the outside of the wall.

Abstract: In a package formed of a plurality of layers each composed of a number of figure 8 winds with the cross-overs progressing around the package and with a radial opening extending from the periphery of the package to the axial opening through which radial opening the inner end of the material is led out, a funnel is provided with a stem positioned in the radial opening and with its mouth substantially at the mid-plane of the package. The funnel has a width in the axial direction of the package at least substantially as great as the axial length of the package. The funnel may be mounted in such a way that it can wobble slightly. The funnel guides the loops falling off of the inside wall of the package so as to prevent birdsnesting and provide for continuous and rapid payout.