Case Study #122: Cable Reels

Problem: The procedure is to put a lifting bar through the reels’ axle hold and lift with a pair of slings on a spreader bar. This requires the operator to lift a heavy steel bar and push it through both reels exposing them to both lifting and twisting injuries.

Application: Transferring pairs of cable reels from the staging dock to a flat bed trailer.

Solution: Custom designed Positech slide gripper end-effector with ACME self locking screw drive. Gripper Safety Circuitry preventing release from the cable reels while suspended. Quick disconnect gripper power allows changeover in less than 1 minute.