Inventors:
Cecil G. Dominique - Fort Wayne IN
Edward L. Walter - Columbia City IN
Norman L. Franklin - Columbia City IN
Assignee:
Reelcraft Industries, Inc. - Columbia City IN
International Classification:
B65H 7548
Abstract:
A reel assembly for carrying a flexible elongate member. The reel assembly includes a reel for connection to one end of the elongate member, a frame rotatably supporting the reel, an electric motor supported by the frame and rotatably driving the reel in a direction to retract the elongate member, and at least one sensor for sensing rotational movement of the reel. A control device interconnecting the sensor and the motor determines when the reel is rotated a first predetermined amount in a payout direction opposite the retraction direction, and, in response thereto, actuates the motor to drive the reel in the retraction direction through sufficient rotation to be capable of completely rewinding the elongate member. The control device further determines when the reel is rotated in the payout direction a second predetermined amount greater than the first predetermined amount and actuates the motor to drive the reel in the retraction direction through a third predetermined amount less than that necessary to completely rewind the elongate member.