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Cable handling system

  • US 4,667,782 A
  • Filed: 03/07/1985
  • Issued: 05/26/1987
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/1984
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for handling a flexible elongate member, the apparatus comprising:

  • a feeder unit mounted for movement along a predetermined path, andat least one fixed retaining unit mounted adjacent said path, said retaining unit having a loop, defining an opening therein, and a latching means mechanically associated with said loop for closing said opening, said retaining unit having a first condition in which the elongate member may be received into or withdrawn from the retaining unit, and a second condition in which the elongate member is retained in said retaining unit, said second condition of said retaining unit being an equilibrium position of said retaining unitwherein said feeder unit includes means for engaging said retaining unit and altering the condition of said retaining unit from said second condition to said first condition and feeding the elongate member into the retaining unit while said retaining unit is in said first condition andwherein upon said feeder unit being disengaged from said retaining unit said retaining unit shifts from said first condition to said second condition due to the force of gravity;

    said feeder unit disengagement resulting whilst said feeder unit moves along said predetermined path in one direction.

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