Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing a wired connection between a ground-based robot and a controller. A cable handling system for a robot may include a base housing, a cable cartridge removably connected to the base housing, a control cable housed at least partially within the cable cartridge, and an outfeed assembly coupled to the base housing and configured to deploy the control cable from the cable cartridge. The control cable may be deployable from the cable cartridge to maintain a wired connection between the robot and a controller. The outfeed assembly may be configured to couple to a drive mechanism of the robot such that movement of the drive mechanism deploys the control cable from the cable cartridge. The outfeed assembly may be configured to deploy the control cable from the cable cartridge regardless of the direction of movement of the drive mechanism.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing a wired connection between a ground-based robot and a controller. A cable handling system for a robot may include a base housing, a cable cartridge removably connected to the base housing, a control cable housed at least partially within the cable cartridge, and an outfeed assembly coupled to the base housing and configured to deploy the control cable from the cable cartridge. The control cable may be deployable from the cable cartridge to maintain a wired connection between the robot and a controller. The outfeed assembly may be configured to couple to a drive mechanism of the robot such that movement of the drive mechanism deploys the control cable from the cable cartridge. The outfeed assembly may be configured to deploy the control cable from the cable cartridge regardless of the direction of movement of the drive mechanism.

A yarn tensioning device capable of delivering yarn under tension from a spool to a braiding, weaving or knitting machine consisting of a base and a center rod mounted perpendicular to the said base serving to locates the spool while allowing it to pivotally rotate. The device further includes a pawl jointed to the base either via a pin joint or via a flexural hinge and operates in conjunction with a ratchet solidly attached to the spool. The device further includes a compliant yarn guiding means which ensure that yarn reels off at an essentially constant tension. The yarn reel-off tension can be adjusted by modifying the operating length of a stiffening spring using a screw and jam-nut pair, and by limiting the maximum deflection of the compliant yarn guiding means.

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.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an unwinding mandrel for connecting to an unwinding apparatus for unwinding elongate materials and/or an unwinding system. In one example embodiment, an unwinding mandrel is disclosed including: a main part positioned in the center of a bundle of elongated materials; a connecting portion detachably connecting the unwinding mandrel to the unwinding apparatus; and at least one movable body pivotably connected by at least one joint to the main part, transversely to a main extension axis of the main part.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an unwinding mandrel for connecting to an unwinding apparatus for unwinding elongate materials and/or an unwinding system. In one example embodiment, an unwinding mandrel is disclosed including: a main part positioned in the center of a bundle of elongated materials; a connecting portion detachably connecting the unwinding mandrel to the unwinding apparatus; and at least one movable body pivotably connected by at least one joint to the main part, transversely to a main extension axis of the main part.

A spool, presented herein, is comprising a proximal side including a central opening about a rotation axis thereof, a distal side including a central opening about the rotation axis thereof, the proximal side and the distal side being assembled together with alignment of the rotation axis thereof, an axial slot radially extending from the central opening and a recessed portion communicating with the central opening, the recessed portion extending between the axial slot and a locking member receiver. A method of using same and a mechanism to engage lock and actuate the spool is also presented therein.

A spool, presented herein, is comprising a proximal side including a central opening about a rotation axis thereof, a distal side including a central opening about the rotation axis thereof, the proximal side and the distal side being assembled together with alignment of the rotation axis thereof, an axial slot radially extending from the central opening and a recessed portion communicating with the central opening, the recessed portion extending between the axial slot and a locking member receiver. A method of using same and a mechanism to engage lock and actuate the spool is also presented therein.

A spindle unit includes a support shaft, an electromagnetic air-gap brake, a spindle member, and a coupler. The support shaft is attached to the stationary frame of a creel. The brake is connected to the front end of the support shaft. The spindle member is rotatably supported by the support shaft in a state in which the support shaft and the brake are inserted in the spindle member. The coupler couples the spindle member and the brake shaft.