Patent ID: 9567186
Date: 2017-02-14
CPC Classifications: B65H

Claim:
1. A reel for storing a flexible elongate member, said reel comprising: a support frame; a spool rotatably supported by said support frame, said spool having a substantially cylindrical body and a pair of flanges extending radially outward from opposite ends of said body; a motor in driving communication with said spool for rotating said spool in a first rotational direction; a locking pin operatively disposed between said support frame and said spool, said locking pin moveable among a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position comprising said locking pin engaging a corresponding aperture in said spool whereby said spool is locked against rotation, said second position comprising said locking pin disengaging the corresponding aperture in said spool, whereby said spool is capable of substantially free rotation and said third position comprising said locking pin activating a switch that engages said motor, whereby said motor operates to drive said spool in the first rotational direction.