Cable dispensing device with means for lifting and conveying reel and method

摘要

A cable dispensing apparatus for dispensing a length of cable from a payout reel to a take-up reel. The cable dispensing apparatus has a transfer system which both lifts and moves the payout reel to a predetermined distance from the operator without requiring the operator to travel between the front and backside of the cable dispensing apparatus. The apparatus is equipped such that the operator can remain between the cable dispensing apparatus and a cable cutting apparatus which collects the cable onto the take-up reel. The cable dispensing apparatus positions the payout reel at the predetermined distance such that the free end of the cable is within arm's length of the operator. The cable dispensing apparatus includes a frame from which a pair of support arms extend rearwardly in a direction opposite the operator. The support arms are rotatably attached to the frame and have support devices mounted thereto which can be translated along the length of the support arms for moving the payout reel away from or toward the operator. The cable dispensing apparatus preferably includes a sensing device for sensing when the payout reel has been sufficiently translated toward the operator so as to be the predetermined distance from the operator. The cable dispensing apparatus further includes a drive motor for rotating the payout reel and a positioning device for moving the arms toward and away from each other so as to accommodate reels of differing widths.