Plural Spools Or Spool Portions Patents (Class 242/388.6)
  • Patent number: 11845406
    Abstract: Rigid bars to be placed upstanding at the opposite sides of a windshield and a plurality of flexible strands connected between the bars in laterally spaced apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: SBCD Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: David Svengalis
  • Patent number: 11422326
    Abstract: An optical fiber enclosure has a housing having a mounting wall within a storage space. The enclosure also has a backplate attached to the mounting wall, the backplate having a mounting surface and a circumferential wall for receiving cable slack. The optical fiber enclosure also has a spindle attached to the mounting surface of the backplate, the spindle configured to connect to a cable spool configured to rotate relative to the spindle and the backplate to store optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki
  • Patent number: 11338610
    Abstract: A example ribbon decoration device includes a base structure having a first end, a second end, and a body. At least one end fastener attaches the first end of the base structure to the second end of the base structure for positioning the base structure around a portion of the tree, pole, fixture, window, doorway, or other object. A plurality of decorative ribbons are configurable between a rolled configuration for storage and an unrolled configuration for decorating. Ribbon fasteners are configured to attach a corresponding one of the plurality of decorative ribbons to the body of the base structure. The base structure is positioned on a tree, pole, fixture, window, doorway, or other object with decorative ribbons in the rolled configuration on the base structure, and the decorative ribbons are changed to the unrolled configuration for decorating the tree, pole, fixture, window, doorway, arch, or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: ZEZ SOLUTION, INC.
    Inventor: Saba Kragt
  • Patent number: 11292616
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for precision boom deployment are provided in accordance with various embodiments. The tools and techniques provided may have space and/or terrestrial applications. Some embodiments include a boom deployment system that may include a furlable boom. Some embodiments include: boom reinforcement devices, end fitting devices, contoured support devices, edge support devices, spiral harness devices, latch devices, combined boom spool and tension drive devices, and/or rotary encoder devices. Some embodiments may utilize a composite slit-tube boom. Some embodiments utilize a furlable boom that may be fabricated with curvature along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Roccor, LLC
    Inventors: William Brad Hensley, Philip Keller, William H. Francis, Bruce L. Davis, Kellie A. Craven, Thomas J. Rose, Mark S. Lake
  • Patent number: 11266206
    Abstract: A fastening device including a case unit, a knob and an engaging unit is provided. The case unit includes a wall forming a receiving space and a plurality of mounting teeth. The knob covers on the case unit. The engaging unit is within the receiving space. The engaging unit corresponds to the mounting teeth and is selectively coupled to the knob. The knob is switched between a first position and a second position. When the knob is in the first position to couple to the engaging unit, the engaging unit is linked up with the knob and the engaging unit is engaged with the mounting teeth to prohibit the knob from rotating in a first direction, and when the knob is in the second position to disengage from the engaging unit, the engaging unit does not prohibit the knob from rotating in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Chen
  • Patent number: 11109644
    Abstract: A fastener device includes a first fastener part and a second fastener part which can be mounted on one another along a closing direction, are held against one another in a closed position, and are releasable from one another in order to open the fastener device. The second fastener part has an actuating element with a first engagement means and has a winding element which is arranged on the actuating element and which is rotatable in a winding direction in order to wind up a tension element and which has a second engagement means. The first and the second engagement means, in a release position, are not in engagement with one another, such that the winding element is rotatable relative to the actuating element, and can be placed in engagement with one another, such that, in an engagement position, the winding element is rotatable by means of the actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Fidlock GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Fiedler
  • Patent number: 10840589
    Abstract: Described are multi-band panel antennas which are configurable to have heavy-duty construction and which are fully IP67 waterproof. Suitable applications for the disclosed antennas include internet of things (IoT) gateway and IoT routers, HD video streaming, transportation, and remote monitoring applications. Additionally, the antennas can deliver MIMO coverage technology for worldwide 4G LTE bands at 698 to 960 MHz/1710 to 2170 MHz/2490 to 2690 MHz/3300 to 3600 MHz, Satellite Band, dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz WiFi, and GNSS (GPS-GLONASS-BeiDou).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TAOGLAS GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher M. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10829340
    Abstract: An apparatus for the dispensing and retraction of wire or cable. The apparatus including a first and second plate, at least one shaft attached to the first plate and the second plate, a spool gear attached to the shaft, a power gear shaft attached to the first or second plate, and a power gear attached to the power gear shaft and in mesh with the spool gear, wherein when the power gear is rotated, the spool gear is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Bigbee, Jr., John L. Rhoads, Andrew P. Hull
  • Patent number: 10660407
    Abstract: A winding device 1 including a base 3 including a drum accommodation portion 33 that accommodates a drum 4 including upward teeth 46, the accommodation portion 33 being cylindrical and having a closed end, and a dial 5 including downward teeth (53) to rotate the drum 4. The dial 5 is moved to a locked state in which the downward teeth are engaged with the upward teeth 46 to transmit rotation of the dial 5 to the drum 4 and an unlocked state in which the downward teeth are disengaged from the upward teeth 46. The winding device 1 includes an annular gear (51) including projections and roots extending in the rotation axis direction of the dial 5 and a pawl 36 protruding from the drum accommodation portion 33. The pawl 36 is designed to engage with the annular gear. The annular gear and the pawl 36 control rotation of the dial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: JAPANA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fumiyoshi Kawano
  • Patent number: 10654681
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system and method for use of an offshore hose loading station comprising multiple modular reel assemblies that may be selectively configured to a frame attached to a ship and or vessel wherein the reel assemblies may be powered by one motor and engaged for rotation by one shaft and provides a jumper shaft for when a module is taken out of line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Reel Power LIcensing Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher David Rekieta, Gary Donald Thompson, Michael Leroy Spence, Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Patent number: 10627592
    Abstract: A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Trevor D. Smith, Jonathan R. Kaml, Thomas G. LeBlanc, Ronald A. Beck
  • Patent number: 10349727
    Abstract: A strap for a bag provides and includes a main body having a first end attached to a first attachment location of the bag and a second end attached to a second attachment location of the bag. The strap also includes a tension element that extends between the first end and the second end. The tension element is movable between a tightened state and a relaxed state. The tension element also applies a force on the first end and the second end in the tightened state to change the relative position of the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre A. Pactanac, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Matthew C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 10217146
    Abstract: A system for managing time related work activities of one or more workers for one or more clients including a computer system having a management component configured to track and manage procurement of labor resources for one or more clients. The management component further is configured to allow a first person access to the computer system to approve or reject a job requisition or a time sheet stored in the computer system by entering first identifying indicia known to the computer system and unique to the first person. The management component includes a communication module for transmitting to the first person an electronic message notifying the first person that either a job requisition or time sheet needs to be acted upon by either rejecting or approving the job requisition or the time sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Keal, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank McCrea
  • Patent number: 10124984
    Abstract: The extension cord system comprises a cord reel and a cord. The cord is spooled and stored on the cord reel. The cord is an electrical cable that is further defined with a first end and a second end. The center, or midpoint, of the cord attaches to the cord reel in such a manner that the first end and the second end of the cord are: 1) simultaneously played out from the cord reel when the extension cord system is being deployed; and, 2) simultaneously spooled on to the cord reel when the extension cord system is being retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Allan Garvie
  • Patent number: 9903361
    Abstract: A derrick-type long-stroke hydraulic pumping unit containing a rack, a counterweight basket, a sucker rod side oil cylinder, a counterweight basket side oil cylinder, a hydraulic station, and an oxbow component. The sucker rod side oil cylinder and the counterweight basket side oil cylinder each include a cylinder barrier. A piston and a piston rod are disposed inside the cylinder barrel. A cylinder cap component includes a cylinder cap body. A pressing sleeve mechanism is disposed on an upper part of the cylinder cap body. An oil scraping mechanism is disposed between the cylinder cap body and the pressing sleeve mechanism. The hydraulic pumping unit has the advantages of a reasonable structure, a long service life, high work efficiency, and resource saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: SHANGHAI LIANCHUANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhongxin Xiang
  • Patent number: 9830623
    Abstract: A computer system for managing time related work activities of one or more workers for one or more clients including a management component configured to track and manage procurement of labor resources. The management component allows a first person access to the computer system to approve or reject a job requisition or a time sheet stored in the computer system by entering first identifying indicia known to the computer system and unique to the first person. The management component includes a communication module for transmitting to the first person an electronic message notifying the first person that either a job requisition or time sheet needs to be acted upon. The electronic message includes bypass means for allowing the first person to access the computer system to approve or reject either a job requisition or time sheet that needs to be acted upon without entering the first identifying indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Keal, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank McCrea
  • Patent number: 9828078
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a steering arrangement for steering a kite driven watercraft (14) which includes a mounting member (base, 20) which is configured to be mounted on a watercraft (14), a first connecting member for connecting a leading edge region (16) of a canopy (12) of the kite to the mounting member, a second connecting member for connecting a trailing edge region (18) of the canopy (12) to the mounting member and a control device for controlling the displacement of the canopy relative to the watercraft via at least the second connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Wolfram Johannes Bernd Reiners
  • Patent number: 9620948
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unwinding and winding one or more lines for uninterrupted connection of each of the one or more lines between two connection points, it being possible to produce the uninterrupted connection between a fixed first connection point and a second connection point which is at a variable distance or in each case one of a plurality of second connection points which are at different distances. The device comprises a rotatable winding body for unwinding and winding the one or more lines, in that the line(s) is/are guided from the first fixed connection point in a first sub-portion from a stationary first position coaxial with the winding body to a second position opposite the first position and from said second position to a third position which is substantially in one plane with the first position but is rotatable with the winding body, the line(s) in the first sub-portion being guided helically at least in portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: IPALCO B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Widegren
  • Publication number: 20150129702
    Abstract: A retractable ear bud case having a separate plug wire and ear bud wire is disclosed. Each wire is wound about a separate spool assembly. The spool assemblies provide for electrical connection between the wires, even as they rotate about one another in order to allow for independent payout of either wire. A lock assembly provides for smooth, controlled noiseless payout and immediate locking once a desired distance is reached. Each wire is automatically retracted upon release of the locking assembly. The case may provide housings for ear buds, a male plug, and a microphone, all of which may be components of the invention according to certain embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Kevin Brennan, Jon Godston, McKay R. Johnson, Michael Prstojevich
  • Patent number: 9010676
    Abstract: A device solves problems associates with the storage, transport and subsequent dispensing of fishing line, such as fly fishing monofilament leader material. Leader material of choice can be loaded onto the independently rotating spools, fastened to side plates with proprietary quick-release locking pins, and dispensed from a single, compact, portable station. The device is modular in design and can accommodate various quantities of spools which rotate about the side plates on an integral boss. The user is not limited to a particular manufacturer's brand of monofilament material and re-use of the device is unlimited. Moreover, the user can purchase leader material in larger spools, rather than smaller tippets, winding a spool of the device of the present invention with a desired amount of fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Anthony Paul DiCicco
  • Patent number: 8899507
    Abstract: A conduit reservoir for intake of an electrical or optical cable or of a hose or other conduit to conduct or transmit at least either a fluid, a signal or electric current includes a carrier that can rotate about a predetermined rotation axis, conduit devices on the carrier and a conduit path defined by the conduit devices and having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, such that the conduit path is defined by the conduit devices in such a way that a conduit originally inserted in the second portion of the conduit path, upon a rotation of the carrier in a first rotation direction about the rotation axis, is simultaneously inserted in the first portion and in the third portion (31) of the conduit path. The conduit devices are configured to permit a movement of a conduit along the conduit path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Omid Abri, Svenia Karge, Julian Verkin
  • Patent number: 8746606
    Abstract: The electrical cord organization box includes a lid that secures atop said box. The box includes an array of helical cones that have a curvature ideal for winding and unwinding cables or wires thereon, which prevents unwanted tangling or slipping. The box includes along the front surface and the rear surface a plurality of slots that are aligned adjacent each helical cone, and which have a curvature that secures the respective wire or cable to the surface of the box. The box is placed adjacent a plurality of electrical devices so as to provide a means to organize and store excess cable or wire lengths associated with the electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Secreen Murray
  • Patent number: 8720810
    Abstract: A spool system for a telecommunications cable. The spool system winds-up and pays-out the cable without accumulating twist in the cable. The spool system can also pay out a distal end of the cable and mount a proximal end of the cable. Because no twist is accumulated in the cable, the first end and/or the second end of the cable can remain connected while the spool system is winding-up or paying-out. The spool system includes a base, a cable unwrapper, and a hub. The cable unwrapper and the hub rotate in opposite directions from each other. A first cable wrapping area is provided on the base and a second cable wrapping area is provided on the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerad Whitaker
  • Publication number: 20140077019
    Abstract: A cordset assembly having a charge controller interruption device and a cord reel. The charge control interruption device may have a housing and at least one cord. The cord reel may have first and second reel portions. The cord may be wound around the housing between the first and second reel portions to facilitate storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Marc Poulin
  • Publication number: 20130320925
    Abstract: A charger includes a reel box, an input port, an output port, restore mechanisms, and a power converter. The input port includes an input cable received in the reel box and an input connector connecting with the input cable. The input cable extends beyond the reel box a certain distance. The output port includes an output cable received in the reel box and an output connector connecting with the output cable. The output cable extends beyond the reel box a certain distance. The restore mechanisms is received in the reel box. The power converter is received in the reel box. One end of the power converter connects with the input port, and the other end of the power converter connects with the output port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ALLTOP ELECTRONICS (SUZHOU) LTD.
    Inventors: Wang-I YU, Hung-Chi TAI, Yung-Chih HUNG
  • Publication number: 20130020426
    Abstract: A conduit reservoir for intake of an electrical or optical cable or of a hose or other conduit to conduct or transmit at least either a fluid, a signal or electric current includes a carrier that can rotate about a predetermined rotation axis, conduit devices on the carrier and a conduit path defined by the conduit devices and having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, such that the conduit path is defined by the conduit devices in such a way that a conduit originally inserted in the second portion of the conduit path, upon a rotation of the carrier in a first rotation direction about the rotation axis, is simultaneously inserted in the first portion and in the third portion (31) of the conduit path. The conduit devices are configured to permit a movement of a conduit along the conduit path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Omid Abri, Svenia Karge, Julian Verkin
  • Patent number: 8251232
    Abstract: An article advancing device and an article arrangement shelf with simple structures can be securely operated without electric power. The article advancing device includes elongated drawer members with flexible band-shaped sheets and stopper structures disposed at distal ends of the flexible band-shaped sheets to allow articles to be arranged on the elongated drawer members when pulled-out, rollers for fixing proximal ends of the band-shaped sheets in position and winding up the band-shaped sheets by predetermined driving force while allowing the band-shaped sheets to be freely pulled out, and a main body for housing the rollers and the wound up band-shaped sheets. The rollers are disposed in parallel to each other within the main body, and the elongated drawer members are disposed on the rollers respectively so as not to overlap each other in a width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd., Arakawa Kinzoku Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Nakaya, Koichi Yamazaki, Hiroyuki Ono, Tatsuo Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8245965
    Abstract: A parallel conductor spool can support multiple independently rotating bays. The parallel conductor spool may be used to hold and pay-out materials. The parallel conductor spool can support independent rotation of the bays at differing rates to provide for paying-out conductors of varying sizes at different speeds. The parallel conductor spool may be modular and expandable to support various configurations. The parallel conductor spool may be formed of disposable or recyclable materials to reduce the cost and logistical complexity of returning the spool. The bays within the parallel conductor spool can be configured to accommodate changes in product size, type, lengths, and the number of items on, or bays within, the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Timothy M. Andrea, Mark Dixon
  • Publication number: 20120126047
    Abstract: A retractable cord reel is disclosed. The retractable cord reel may have a rotatable ferrule configured to adapt to an expandable coil having various trajectories within the cord reel. The retractable cord reel may have a splicing chamber filled with an epoxy or similar substance. Improved heat dissipation vents and fins and a thermal overload device may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: TELEFONIX, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Richard Skowronski, Paul C. Burke
  • Publication number: 20120097782
    Abstract: A machine for winding pairs of tubes which are parallel to an advancing direction (Y-Y) and independent of each other in the longitudinal direction (X-X) of rotation of a reel connected to the machine comprising an apparatus for feeding and guiding the pair of tubes, formed by: a suitable pulling device arranged upstream of the reel in the direction of advancing movement of the tubes and intended to feed the two tubes in the transverse direction (Y-Y) as far as the point of entry thereof onto the winding reel; a tube-guiding device which is arranged in-line and downstream of the pulling device in the direction of advancing movement of the tubes and the internal seat of which is able to contain the two tubes arranged alongside each other in the advancing direction (Y-Y) and guided in the radial direction (Z-Z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Vincenzo Balzanelli
  • Publication number: 20120080551
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle cable and hose storage reel includes a shaft having an axis and a support drum rotatably mounted on the shaft for rotation about the axis. The support drum includes a central cylindrical support housing through which the shaft extends. A pair of end flanges are disposed at opposite ends of the central cylindrical support housing. One or more intermediate flanges are disposed along the central cylindrical housing between the pair of end flanges at spaced intervals and defining two or more reel segments. One or more apertures extend through the central cylindrical support housing along each reel segment that is configured to receive and retain an end of an elongated article to be wound about the reel segment. A bracket connects to the shaft and is configured to mount the shaft to a support structure. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: BRIAN FLANNERY
  • Patent number: 8099815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor covering storage and dispensing rack including a frame equipped with extendable members having castors. Floor lock anchors are also provided on the frame. Upper frame members of the rack support rollers in spaced relation and a crank or motor is provided to rotate the rollers to wind floor covering onto the rollers for storage. Perforated end caps are provided on the rollers to limit access to moving parts. An elongated cleaning head consisting of a pair of brushes is provided on a frame member. Floor covering passes over at least one brush when the floor covering is retrieved or dispensed to remove dirt prior to storage or reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: John V. Kostigian
  • Publication number: 20120006929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for winding up and unwinding raising cords of a screen, comprising: an elongate housing (2); a shaft (3) intended for rotation in the housing; a number of winding rollers (4) which are coaxially mountable on the shaft for winding up and unwinding the raising cords (5) and which are adapted for releasable fastening of the raising cords; a number of winding roller holders (6) for bearing-mounted support of the winding rollers, which winding roller holders are adapted to be received in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Coulisse B.V.
    Inventors: Wouter Hendriks, Harry Davids, Ruben Hubert Jan DeVrles, Bastiaan Franciscus Klein Tuente
  • Publication number: 20110280702
    Abstract: A rotary apparatus comprises a rotary bobbin, a processing component fixedly attached to the bobbin and connectors fixedly connected to the processing component. At least one helical groove is located along the bobbin wherein the connectors are housed. A motor coupled to the processing component is operative to rotate the processing component together with the bobbin in two opposite rotary directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Kam Kwong LAI, Kin Man LEE, Wai Ho LUOIE, Leung Por CHAN, Wang Lung TSE
  • Publication number: 20110198429
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for storing at least one chainon an offshore service vessel. The chain is stored in a carousel on the vessel which is driven to rotate while the chain is being loaded into the carousel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Malcolm Bowie
  • Publication number: 20110174912
    Abstract: A device used for deploying and retrieving tethers. The device includes one or more coiling elements, on which tethers are wound on or from. A tethers-engaging panel is an element to which tethers are connected and held. The panel is located on the coiling element, and can also be removable. In that way tethers can initially be attached to the panel, and only after that the panel is put on the coiling element. Similarly, after deploying tethers, the panel can be detached from its place on the coiling element and after that tethers can be detached from the panel and attached to the kite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Ben Aharoni
  • Publication number: 20110163195
    Abstract: A multi-reel, line-handling apparatus can include a housing, a shaft located within the housing, the shaft defining a shaft axis, a first reel located within the housing, the first reel rotatably mounted to the shaft about a first reel axis angled with respect to the shaft axis, and a second reel located within the housing, the second reel rotatably mounted to the shaft about a second reel axis angled with respect to the shaft axis. The first reel and the second reel can be rotatable with respect to the housing about the shaft axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher Bentz, Garet Itz, Weston Petersen
  • Publication number: 20110139287
    Abstract: A rod reel includes a reel body having a central axis, a first rod receiving channel and a second rod receiving channel. The first and second rod receiving channels are centered about the central axis. The second rod receiving channel is adjacent to the first rod receiving channel. The rod reel may be used to repair a rod string by loading a supplemental rod string in one of the pockets, loading the rod string into another of the pockets, cutting the rod string, and attaching a desired length of the supplemental rod string to the cut in the rod string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick Demers, John Charlton
  • Patent number: 7918413
    Abstract: A string of holiday lights and storage device and method that includes a spool made of two coaxially aligned, circular plates spaced apart by at least a transversely aligned first axle. The axle is attached to a handle located outside the circular plate which allows the axle to be manually rotated. Located parallel to the first axle is a second axle located between the circular plates or two lateral extending arms. Disposed between the two axles is a wide, flexible support strap designed to be wound in opposite directions onto each axle. During use, the end of a string of holiday lights is inserted against the inside surface of the support strap. As the strap is wound onto the first axle, the string of lights is also automatically wound into the first axle so that it is held in position against the outer surface of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Ib R. Odderson
  • Publication number: 20100301137
    Abstract: A reel device for winding/unwinding a continuous dripper irrigation line thereby customizably deploying the dripper irrigation line over an irrigated area and providing irrigation to the area is disclosed. The device includes: a structural frame-work, a rotational pivot suspended by the structural framework, at least one reel sub-unit revolving around the pivot, and a swivel conduit connector having at least one outlet, whereto the dripper irrigation line is connected. The reel device as well as irrigation systems in which such devices can be implemented are equivalently applicable for gardening, farming, industrial agriculture cultivation and crop growing, and for growth of any vegetation type or plant for any purpose whatsoever that reacquire an irrigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Sharona KEREN
  • Patent number: 7735765
    Abstract: The invention provides a rotation transformer for a cable connection including separation discs rotatable about a longitudinal axis. In use, one end of a cable executes a limited number of revolutions about the longitudinal axis in relation to the other end while maintaining an uninterrupted connection between the two ends. The distance between the rotatable separation discs is measured such that a maximum of two coils of the cable lie on one plane between two separation discs. The cable is guided through the discs without converging and is wound alternately from the outer diameter of a disc to the longitudinal axis and vice versa between the pairs of separation discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Conductix-Wampfler AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Günther
  • Publication number: 20100059619
    Abstract: A device, for applying a sheet material over objects, includes a frame member, at least one shaft member and a locking member. The frame member includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend upwardly from the base. The at least one shaft member disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that a first end portion and a second end portion extend outwardly away from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The at least one shaft member is rotated for wrapping the sheet material around the first end portion, and for unwrapping the sheet material from the first end portion over the objects. The locking member is disposed on the second end portion of each of the at least one shaft member for locking and unlocking rotation of the each of the at least one shaft member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Sonny Schillo
  • Publication number: 20100013236
    Abstract: A power generation system (20) including an airborne electricity generator (30), a tether assembly (40) configured to carry electricity from the generator to land, the tether assembly having a first end portion (42) coupled to the generator, and a winch assembly (50) configured to reel the tether assembly onto a drum (52),wherein the winch assembly is configured to apply a reel tension to the tether assembly reeled onto the drum that is lower than a tension in the first end portion of the tether assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Baseload Energy,Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Carroll
  • Publication number: 20090178627
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing entanglement of lines fed from separate reels has at least two reels mounted on separate axles. A separate line is wound around each reel. Each axle is mounted on one of at least two rotatable split shaft members. Each split shaft member is connected to one of at least two non-rotating controls by means of one of at least two non-rotating brake rods, arranged such that operating one or another of said controls results in one or another of said reels being made to contact a fixed portion of the apparatus and brought to a halt or, if already halted, released and positioned so as to permit the line wound thereon to resume being fed out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher Kent Bentz, Garet Itz
  • Publication number: 20090133729
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a protective mechanism for automatic umbrella mainly including a drive unit, a pulley tackle, a spring motor, a clutch, and a clutch spring; wherein, a strand has one end fixed to the pulley tackle and the other end secured to an upper notch of the umbrella, and the spring motor and the clutch are separately mounted on the pulley tackle. Further, between the clutch and the pulley tackle are unidirectional rotor members cooperating with each other. Thus, the drive unit and the clutch spring substantially control the separation and contact of the clutch and the pulley tackle for either releasing the strand and tightening the spring motor while stretching the umbrella or winding the strand in a single direction and loosening the spring motor when collapsing. Therefore, the present invention prevents from striking users by taking off the umbrella stick halfway when manually retracting it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: J. J. CHONG
  • Publication number: 20080302903
    Abstract: A hose reel system for winding a liquid manure hose. The hose reel includes a spool pivoted in alignment with the wheels and axles of the system to allow for even winding of the hose on a spool. The spool is provided with curved domes on either, end and a protective bar to prevent the hose from winding beyond the ends of the spool. Pivoting the spool in alignment with the axle allows for a more even winding and unwinding of the hose, thereby reducing torsion, kinks and other damage to the hose during the rolling and unrolling processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Benny D. Puck
  • Publication number: 20080203240
    Abstract: A system including an overhead cable pathway structure and a cable storage device that mounts overhead to the cable pathway structure. The cable storage device including a storage spool and a cable pathway exit having a curved surface that guides excess cable exiting from the overhead cable pathway structure to the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Smrha, Hutch Coburn, Chad J. Sjodin, John Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20080164362
    Abstract: A string of holiday lights and storage device and method that includes a spool made of two coaxially aligned, circular plates spaced apart by at least a transversely aligned first axle. The axle is attached to a handle located outside the circular plate which allows the axle to be manually rotated. Located parallel to the first axle is a second axle located between the circular plates or two lateral extending arms. Disposed between the two axles is a wide, flexible support strap designed to be wound in opposite directions onto each axle. During use, the end of a string of holiday lights is inserted against the inside surface of the support strap. As the strap is wound onto the first axle, the string of lights is also automatically wound into the first axle so that it is held in position against the outer surface of the axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ib R. Odderson
  • Patent number: 7364110
    Abstract: In relation to cables, a cable apparatus, which enhances downsizing by housing a cable when not in use and operability at the time of housing and pulling-out operations, is provided. The cable apparatus for use in connecting electronic apparatuses comprises a chassis housing a cable with connector units connected to the electronic apparatuses; a winding mechanism winding and housing the cable within the chassis; and an operation unit applying a turning force to the winding mechanism and allowing the winding mechanism to wind the cable, wherein the operation unit is pulled up from the chassis to allow the winding mechanism to wind the cable when operated and is pulled down toward the chassis when not operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Michihiro Fujii, Hiroyuki Kawai
  • Patent number: 7252259
    Abstract: A method of drawing lines into a housing includes: rotating a dial in a first rotational direction of the dial such that a first spool located in an interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a first line thereabout; and rotating the same dial in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction such that a second spool located in the interior of the housing is mechanically rotated in a first rotational direction thereby winding a second line thereabout. The rotating of the same dial in the second, opposite rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the first line from the first spool, and the rotating of the same dial in the first rotational direction does not result in unwinding of the second line from the second spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Enventys, LLC
    Inventors: Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Tom Philpott, Daniel Lee Bizzell