Patent classifications
B65H75/44
PORTABLE PIPE INSPECTION SYSTEMS & METHODS
An intelligent cable storage drum system for use in a pipe inspection system is disclosed. The system may include a cable storage drum, a video push-cable removably disposed on the cable storage drum, the video push-cable having a proximal end and a distal end, a video camera head having a camera output for providing analog or digital images or video output signals, and a transceiver module operatively coupled to the camera output for receiving the analog or digital images or video output signals and sending the received signals to a remote receiver.
CORD WINDING MODULE
A cord winding module, comprising a rotary wheel (9) on which a cord (11) is wound and a stop button (4) working cooperatively with the rotary wheel. The cord winding module further comprises a spring wire (5) working cooperatively with the stop button as an elastic support device, and the stop button automatically brakes the rotary wheel under the action of the elastic force of the spring wire and prevents the rotary wheel from retracting the cord. The spring wire has an arc shape, or exhibits an arc shape when pre-pressed and deformed by the stop button. The cord winding module further comprises a fixing cover (6), the rotary wheel is installed under the fixing cover, and the stop button is installed at a side of the fixing cover. A receiving groove is formed on the body of the fixing cover, and the spring wire is installed in the receiving groove to push the stop button, to drive the stop button to brake the rotary wheel. The receiving groove has an arc shape, and both ends of the spring wire are bent to form an engaging portion.
RETRACTABLE GUN BORE CLEANING SYSTEM
A gun cleaning system and method is disclosed. The system includes a housing with a retractor. A tether is coupled with the retractor. A connector hoop is disposed at one end of the tether. A cleaning attachment separate from the housing and the tether is configured to detachably couple with the tether. The cleaning attachment has a coupling recess with an opening providing access to the recess. Inserting the tether's connector hoop into the recess couples the tether and the cleaning attachment. A catch adjacent to the opening prevents the connector hoop from exiting the recess. A method of cleaning a gun bore includes passing the tether through the bore, attaching a cleaning patch to the cleaning attachment, coupling the cleaning attachment and the connector hoop, and pulling the tether and the cleaning hoop member back through the bore in the opposite direction. Other embodiments are also included herein.
Retractable storage system
A retractable storage system for a handheld electronic device includes a protective housing member operative shaped and sized to bound the handheld electronic device and enable wrapping around the handheld electronic device. At least one accessory station structured is on the housing member, and has an aperture to arrest and dispense an accessory item. At least one storage chamber is structured on the housing member to store the accessory item. The protective housing member has a first housing part and a second housing part which combine to form one protective housing member.
Reel control systems with data logging
An electronic control unit may, based on received sensor data, automatically direct the operation of a reel assembly for deploying a cable, hose or umbilical connection. The electronic control unit may operate in conjunction with an electro-pneumatic drive to control the reel assembly. Sensors may measure various parameters, such as a measured line tension and/or a length of cable, hose or umbilical connection that has been deployed, and transmit the measured data to the electronic control unit. Optionally, the sensor data and/or user control inputs and system status information may be logged. The system also may use this data to control the system, such as by activating an alarm when a certain alarm limit is exceeded by the data, adjusting the pressure or other parameters of the electro-pneumatic drive, and the like. The system also may generate a visual notification for an operator when an alarm is triggered.
Retractable strap
A strap may be removably attachable to a container. The strap may include a retractor having an opening, a retraction spring and a brake. The strap may further include a strip of flexible material attached to the retraction spring and extending through the opening of the retractor. The strap may also include clips attaching the retractor and distal end of the flexible material to the container. The strip of flexible material may move from a fully retracted position, where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is nearest the retractor, relative to the entire length of the strip of flexible material, to an extended position where the distal end of the strip of flexible material is furthest from the retractor. The retraction spring may bias the strip of flexible material into/toward the fully retracted position.
Showerhead assembly with retractable and extendable ancillary nozzles
A showerhead assembly is provided having a primary showerhead and one or more retractable and extendable ancillary showerheads. The showerhead assembly includes a showerhead body having a central conduit for transporting water to the primary showerhead's nozzles. In addition, the showerhead body includes one or more ancillary conduits for transporting water to one or more ancillary showerheads. The ancillary showerheads are connected to the showerhead body by flexible hoses which can be extended or retracted from the showerhead body.
OVERHEAD CHARGING APPARATUS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES
An overhead charging apparatus and method for charging electric vehicles using the overhead charging apparatus is provided. The charging apparatus includes a control assembly, a power supply unit, and an electronic device. The control assembly includes a support structure, a cable holding unit, and an actuation mechanism. The power supply unit includes an electric cable having an end coupled to a charging connector. A portion of the electric cable is disposed in a cable passage of the cable holding unit. The end of the electric cable retractably extends from the cable passage to a first location. The electronic device, coupled to the actuation mechanism, transmits an input to the actuation mechanism to displace the portion of the electric cable from the cable passage such that the end of the electric cable moves from the first location to a second location proximal to a charging port of an electric vehicle.
Coiler
An apparatus is disclosed for implementing a coiler. In an example aspect, the coiler can compactly organize a variety of flexible elements while enabling one portion of the flexible element to remain at a fixed position. Instead of using a rotating reel, the coiler includes a rotating member and a stationary shaft. The rotating member rotates and passes the flexible element to the shaft. In this manner, the rotating member mimics the action of a person manually coiling the flexible element onto the stationary shaft. Because the shaft remains relatively stationary as the flexible element is coiled or uncoiled, the coiled portion of the flexible element also remains relatively stationary. Consequently, the coiler can forego other complicated or expensive interfaces and enable the flexible element to connect directly to a stationary source.
REEL ENCLOSURES
A reel enclosure includes a base and a door pivotally coupled with the base. The door is movable between a first closed position and a second open position and is configured to hold a reel at an interior surface of the door. The reel is configured to have cable wound thereon. In the first closed position, the base is configured to prevent the reel from rotating relative to the door and the base, and, in the second open position, the door is configured to hold the reel outside of an interior of the base and permit the reel to rotate relative to the door and the base.