GB1384687A - Device for guiding wire cable or other elongate flexible material - Google Patents

Abstract

1384687 Unwinding continuous strand BRITISH INSULATED CALLENDERS CABLES Ltd 22 June 1972 [23 March 1971] 45298/70 Heading D1J To unwind a continuous strand stored in two coils, the strand of the first coil is withdrawn via an overhead carriage which is moved over the second coil when the withdrawal movement of the inter-coil strand length is sensed, and the carriage is returned with the second coil to the first unwind position. Strand W, Fig. 1(a), is withdrawn via carriage-mounted guides 5, 8 from coil 2 on conveyor 1. When strand length 17 is lifted switch 11 is operated via hook 10 to move the carriage over the next coil, Fig. 1(c). The carriage and coil are then moved back to the first unwind position. Tubular members 6, 7 limit strand ballooning. Alternatively, Fig. 2, strand W is unwound through carriage-mounted flexible tube 25 which rotates with the ballooning of the strand and which is deflected by the inter-coil strand length to actuate switch 30 to move the carriage. The movement of the conveyor to carry the second coil to actuate switch 29 to the first rewind position causes the running strand to deflect the tube to return the carriage. The tube may comprise a coiled spring or a rubber or plastics tube. Alternatively, the tube may be a member deflectable only in a plane containing switches 29, 30. A train of coils may be so unwound. The carriage may be moved by a pneumatic or hydraulic jack, or by an electric motor.