Automatic reel devices and method of operating the same
US9067759B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H75/4484
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reel has a spool member on which the linear material is spooled, an electric motor that rotates the spool member, and a controller that controls the operation of the motor. The controller monitors an unwound length of the linear material based on sensed rotation of the spool member by one or more sensors. The controller causes the motor to wind the linear material at a drag speed when the linear material is on a ground, at a crawl speed lower than the drag speed when the length of linear material on the ground is shorter than a first threshold amount and through a second predetermined amount once the linear material lifts off the ground to inhibit swing of the linear material as it comes off the ground, and at a docking speed greater than the crawl speed when the unwound linear material is shorter than the second threshold amount.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.