A reel core includes a tubular body with a low resistance to abrasion, open at both ends, with an inner surface and an outer surface. Each of the opposite ends of the tubular body features a groove cut into the inner surface and designed for the push-fit of end protectors for the opposite ends of the tubular body. These end protectors are manufactured from an abrasion-resistant material and feature an inner surface that sits flush with the inner surface of the tubular body. Each end protector has an outer flange that covers the front of the end of the tubular body with an outer surface that is flush with the outer surface of the tubular body.

The instant application discloses, among other things, a way to repair a spool. In one embodiment, the way to repair the spool may include a disk configured to receive a coupler. The coupler may be projected from a center of the disk. In another embodiment, the coupler may have prongs with various dimensions attached along its length. This may provide a fix for damaged flange portions of wire or cable spools, thereby preventing cable or wire, wound around a spool's tubular core, from coming undone or tangling.

A core end protector comprised of a shock absorber and an annular, rigid attachment section that is attached to each end of a cardboard tissue core is provided. The core end protectors are securely mounted on the ends of the core. The outer diameter of the core end protector matches the outer diameter of the core. The inner diameter matches the inner diameter of the core. The core end protectors are made both with a rigid base section that mates to the core end face and a softer, shock absorbing section that comes in contact with external forces and impact loads. One single material or a plurality of materials may be used.

A tissue specimen handling device comprising a tissue processing cassette.

A disk-shaped support plug (100) for a tubular roller sleeve comprises a first surface (101), a second surface on an opposite side of the support plug with respect to the first surface, a through hole (103) on the center of the support plug, and an outer rim surface (105) for being against an inner surface of the tubular roller sleeve. The outer rim surface (105) and a surface (104) of the through hole connect the first surface to the second surface. The first surface has recessions (106, 107) such that stiffener ridges (108, 109) are formed between the recessions. The stiffener ridges extend between different sectors of an outer rim area of the first surface so that the stiffener ridges bypass the through hole. Thus, the stiffener ridges conduct mechanical tensions to bypass a rim area of the through hole which is typically a fracture-prone area.

A device is provided for protecting a spool, such as, for example, a wire reel. An example of the device is useful for both preventing damage to spools and permitting damaged spools to be continued to be used. The elastic spool protector may include a disk-shaped member and a rim portion. In one example, an elastic spool protector is capable of being positioned on a flange of a wire reel. In one example, and an edge region of a flange may be received between a main portion and a lip portion of the elastic spool protector. The elastic spool protector may include one or more of various elastomeric materials.

A device is provided for protecting a spool, such as, for example, a wire reel. An example of the device is useful for both preventing damage to spools and permitting damaged spools to be continued to be used. The elastic spool protector may include a disk-shaped member and a rim portion. In one example, an elastic spool protector is capable of being positioned on a flange of a wire reel. In one example, and an edge region of a flange may be received between a main portion and a lip portion of the elastic spool protector. The elastic spool protector may include one or more of various elastomeric materials.

A rotating portion, mandrel, or spool for use with an automatic tarping equipment attachment is provided. The rotating portion, mandrel, or spool can including a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The central portion can be constructed to enhance cylindrical dimensional conformity to aid in prevention of bunching or uneven weight distribution during rolling or unrolling of a tarpaulin therefrom, and the first end portion and the second end portion can be used to reinforce end portions of the central portion.