A tube holder supports a spool of flexible line wrapped onto the outer surface of a tube. The tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, such that the interior surface of the tube rests of the top surface of the body portion; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion via a quick-release, contact fastener. The end protector is configured to be detachably secured to the body portion, while remaining spaced away from the tube such that the tube does not interfere with connecting the end protector with the body portion.

A tube holder supports a spool of flexible line wrapped onto the outer surface of a tube. The tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, such that the interior surface of the tube rests of the top surface of the body portion; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion via a quick-release, contact fastener. The end protector is configured to be detachably secured to the body portion, while remaining spaced away from the tube such that the tube does not interfere with connecting the end protector with the body portion.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a filament dispensing dry box defining a cavity sealed from ambient atmosphere external to the dry box, the cavity being configured to receive at least one spool of filament for deposition. In an illustrative example, the cavity may be provided with at least one replaceable desiccant cartridge. The cavity may, for example, be defined by a lid, hingedly coupled to a base. The cavity may be sealed, for example, by a sealing element between the lid and the base. The cavity may, for example, have a filament egress aperture configured to slidingly seal to the filament. The cavity may have, for example, a lumen through the lid and the base configured to slidingly receive a spindle for supporting the dry box. Various embodiments may advantageously dispense filament from a dry environment.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to a filament dispensing dry box defining a cavity sealed from ambient atmosphere external to the dry box, the cavity being configured to receive at least one spool of filament for deposition. In an illustrative example, the cavity may be provided with at least one replaceable desiccant cartridge. The cavity may, for example, be defined by a lid, hingedly coupled to a base. The cavity may be sealed, for example, by a sealing element between the lid and the base. The cavity may, for example, have a filament egress aperture configured to slidingly seal to the filament. The cavity may have, for example, a lumen through the lid and the base configured to slidingly receive a spindle for supporting the dry box. Various embodiments may advantageously dispense filament from a dry environment.

A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV stores the cable on a spool and releases the cable into the water as the ROV dives away from the support vessel. The ROV detects the tension in the cable and the rate that the cable is released from the ROV is proportional to the detected tension in the cable. After the ROV has completed the dive and retrieved by the support vessel, the cable can be retrieved from the water and rewound onto the spool in the ROV.

A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV stores the cable on a spool and releases the cable into the water as the ROV dives away from the support vessel. The ROV detects the tension in the cable and the rate that the cable is released from the ROV is proportional to the detected tension in the cable. After the ROV has completed the dive and retrieved by the support vessel, the cable can be retrieved from the water and rewound onto the spool in the ROV.

A tube holder supports a spool of flexible line wrapped onto the outer surface of a tube. The tube holder comprises a body portion configured to support the tube thereon, such that the interior surface of the tube rests of the top surface of the body portion; and an end protector detachably secured to the distal end of the body portion via a quick-release, contact fastener. The end protector is configured to be detachably secured to the body portion, while remaining spaced away from the tube such that the tube does not interfere with connecting the end protector with the body portion.

A retainer is described for exerting a braking effect on wire provided as a spool in a container. The retainer has a plate-like elastic element with a contact surface adapted for resting on the wire, an outer circumference adapted for being guided in the container, and an inner circumference adapted for allowing the wire to pass through. The plate-like elastic element has an elasticity such that one of the inner and outer circumferences sags down, under the proper weight of the retainer, by a distance of at least 10 mm when the retainer is supported at the other of the inner and outer circumference.

A retainer is described for exerting a braking effect on wire provided as a spool in a container. The retainer has a plate-like elastic element with a contact surface adapted for resting on the wire, an outer circumference adapted for being guided in the container, and an inner circumference adapted for allowing the wire to pass through. The plate-like elastic element has an elasticity such that one of the inner and outer circumferences sags down, under the proper weight of the retainer, by a distance of at least 10 mm when the retainer is supported at the other of the inner and outer circumference.

A divided dental floss spool for use with a dental floss container for dispensing dental floss. The spool includes a cylindrical core having distal ends, and a circular flange disposed around the core at each distal end. The spool also includes a plurality of circular divider discs disposed around the core and positioned at spaced intervals between the flanges. Adjacent divider discs and flanges define a plurality of channels therebetween, and a length of dental floss is wound around the core within each of the plurality of channels. The act of moving between adjacent channels as the dental floss is unwound provides tactile feedback to a user to indicate that a predetermined length of dental floss has been unspooled.