Patent Publication Number: US-11643297-B1

Title: Reel take-up machine

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to cable winding machines generally and, more particularly, to a method and/or apparatus for implementing a reel take-up machine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Because cable is generally purchased in bulk on large reels weighing as much as 20,000 pounds, it is generally necessary that cable handling equipment be capable of transferring the cable from a very large reel, as provided by the manufacturer, to a smaller reel which the end user can more easily transport for field applications and handle for use in manufacturing applications. This is particularly true where the cable is very large and bulky, such as copper electrical service cables installed in the field by electricians and electrical utilities. 
     It would be desirable to implement a reel take-up machine. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention concerns a reel take-up apparatus comprising a frame, a drive mechanism, a pair of support rollers, and a pair of positioning actuators. The frame may be configured to receive a reel from one end. The drive mechanism is generally slidably mounted to the frame and configured to rotate the reel. The pair of support rollers generally extend from the frame and may be configured to provide support to the reel while allowing the reel to rotate. The pair of positioning actuators may be configured to move the pair of support rollers toward and away from each other so as to (i) lift the reel from a support surface, (ii) support the reel during rotation by the drive mechanism, and (iii) lower the reel to the support surface for removal from the frame. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims and drawings. 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram illustrating a reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention when a reel (not shown) is being driven. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram illustrating an actuator mechanism of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagram illustrating an actuator mechanism of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a diagram illustrating lifting and lowering operations of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating assembly of an empty reel to the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating a knuckle arm assembly of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating the knuckle arm assembly of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating the knuckle arm assembly prior to being attached to a reel loaded on the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram illustrating the knuckle arm assembly align with a drive hole of the reel loaded on the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram illustrating wire(s) or cable(s) being attached to an empty reel prior to winding. 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram illustrating a drive mechanism of the reel take-up apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention include providing a reel take-up machine that may (i) allow a single operator to load and unload a reel, (ii) support a reel using flanges of the reel instead of an axle, (iii) allow a reel to be loaded from one side while the reel is sitting on a surface, (iv) lift a reel after being loaded for winding or unwinding, (v) be rolled up to a reel like a hand truck, and/or (vi) allow the operator to easily attach one or more cables to the reel in preparation for winding. 
     In various embodiments, a reel take-up apparatus is provided for handling a reel (or spool) having a barrel (or core) about which a wire or cable is wound and two flanges, one at each end of the barrel. The reel take-up apparatus generally includes a frame, a pair of roller assemblies, a drive mechanism, and a shaft that is connected at only one end. Each roller assembly is generally mounted to an elongated frame member. The roller assemblies are configured to be moved toward and away from one another. The shaft is connect at the one end to the drive mechanism for rotating the reel. An unconnected end of the shaft is configured to spear a center arbor hole of a reel. A roller of each roller assembly is rotatably supported at each end. The roller assemblies are arranged so that a rotational axis of each roller of each roller assembly is substantially parallel to one another and to a rotational axis of the reel. A positioning actuator (e.g., a scissor jack mechanism, etc.) may be coupled between each elongated frame member and each roller assembly. The positioning actuators are generally configured to move the rollers of each roller assembly toward and away from one another. By positioning the rollers adjacent to the flanges of the reel and then moving the rollers toward one another, the reel may be raised to an elevated position above the floor. The rollers allow the reel to be rotated by the drive mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a diagram is shown illustrating a reel take-up apparatus (or machine)  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In an example embodiment, the reel take-up apparatus  100  generally comprises a vertical frame member (or mast)  102 , a frame cross member  104 , a right bottom frame member  106   a , and a left bottom frame member  106   b . The vertical frame member  102  extends vertically from a center portion of the frame cross member  104 . The right bottom frame member  106   a  extends horizontally away at a right angle from a first end of the frame cross member  104 . The left bottom frame member  106   b  extends horizontally away at a right angle from a second end of the frame cross member  104 . The right bottom frame member  106   a  and the left bottom frame member  106   b  generally extend in the same direction from the frame cross member  104 . 
     A right front caster  108   a  is generally attached to an end of the right bottom frame member  106   a  that is distal from the frame cross member  104 . A left front caster  108   b  is generally attached to an end of the left bottom frame member  106   b  that is distal from the frame cross member  104 . A right rear caster assembly  110   a  is generally attached to a second end of the right bottom frame member  106   a  adjacent to the frame cross member  104 . A left rear caster assembly  110   b  (not visible) is generally attached to a second end of the left bottom frame member  106   b  adjacent to the frame cross member  104 . The right rear caster assembly  110   a  and the left rear caster assembly  110   b  are generally configured as swivel casters to allow the reel take-up apparatus  100  to be easily maneuvered. 
     In various embodiments, the frame cross member  104 , the right bottom frame  106   a , and the left bottom frame member  106   b  are generally configured as non-moving structural components of a roller assembly of the reel take-up apparatus  100 . In various embodiments, the roller assembly of the reel take-up apparatus  100  generally comprises the frame cross member  104 , a right side roller sub-assembly, and a left side roller sub-assembly. The right side roller sub-assembly generally comprises the right bottom frame member  106   a  and a right push bar assembly  112   a . The left side roller sub-assembly generally comprises the left bottom frame member  106   b  and a left push bar assembly  112   b.    
     A first end of the right push bar assembly  112   a  and a first end of the left push bar assembly  112   b  are generally slidably attached to the frame cross member  104  by v-groove rollers  114 . The right push bar assembly  112   a  generally extends away from the frame cross member  104  parallel with the right bottom frame member  106   a . The left push bar assembly  112   b  generally extends away from the frame cross member  104  parallel with the left bottom frame member  106   b . A second end of the right push bar assembly  112   a  that is distal from the frame cross member  104  is generally supported by a first swivel caster  116 . Similarly, a second end of the left push bar assembly  112   b  that is distal from the frame cross member  104  is generally supported by a second swivel caster  116 . 
     The right push bar assembly  112   a  is generally coupled to the right bottom frame member  106   a  by a positioning actuator assembly (e.g., a scissor jack mechanism, etc.). In an example, the positioning actuator assembly may comprise a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the right push bar assembly  112   a  relative to the right bottom frame member  106   a . The positioning actuator assembly is generally configured, in a first mode, to move the right push bar assembly  112   a  away from the right bottom frame member  106   a  and, in a second mode, to move the right push bar assembly  112   a  toward the right bottom frame member  106   a . The right push bar assembly  112   a  further comprises a roller  118   a . The roller  118   a  is generally coupled to the right push bar assembly  112   a  such that an axis of the roller  118   a  is parallel to the right push bar assembly  112   a.    
     The left push bar assembly  112   b  is generally coupled to the left bottom frame member  106   b  by a second positioning actuator assembly (e.g., a scissor jack mechanism, etc.). In an example, the second positioning actuator assembly may comprise a second hydraulic cylinder configured to move the left push bar assembly  112   b  relative to the left bottom frame member  106   b . The positioning actuator assembly is generally configured, in a first mode, to move the left push bar assembly  112   b  away from the left bottom frame member  106   b  and, in a second mode, to move the left push bar assembly  112   b  toward the left bottom frame member  106   b . The left push bar assembly  112   b  further comprises a roller  118   b . The roller  118   b  is generally coupled to the left push bar assembly  112   b  such that an axis of the roller  118   b  is parallel to the left push bar assembly  112   b.    
     In various embodiments, the reel take-up apparatus  100  generally further comprises a modular push handle assembly  120 . The modular push handle assembly  120  generally provides a handle for use by an operator to maneuver the reel take-up apparatus  100  and encloses a drive mechanism that is slidably attached to the vertical frame member  102 . The drive mechanism is further connected to a first end of a shaft  122 . A second end of the shaft  122  is generally left unconnected and configured to be placed through a center arbor hole of a reel (not shown for clarity) upon which wire/cable is to be wound. The shaft  122  is generally further configured to allow the reel to be driven by the drive mechanism attached to the first end of the shaft  122 . 
     In an example, a knuckle arm assembly  124  is attached (e.g., welded, splined, etc.) to the shaft  122  near the vertical frame member  102 . The knuckle arm assembly  124  is generally configured to be coupled to a reel by a drive pin  126  (described below in connection with  FIGS.  7  and  8   ). In an example, the drive pin  126  passes through a hole in the knuckle arm assembly  124  and into a drive hole of the reel. The knuckle arm assembly  124  is generally configured to adjust to variations of a position of the drive hole between different reels. 
     In various embodiments, the reel take-up apparatus  100  further comprises a tool balancer  128 . The tool balancer  128  may be mounted at or near a top end of the vertical frame member  102 . The tool balancer  128  is generally coupled to the drive mechanism attached to the vertical frame member  102 . The tool balancer  128  is generally configured to act as a counterbalance for the weight of the drive mechanism. The tool balancer  128  generally allows the drive mechanism to float freely on the vertical frame member  102 , allowing the drive mechanism to move up and down as a reel attached to the reel take-up apparatus  100  moves up and down. 
     In various embodiments, the reel take-up apparatus  100  generally further comprises a hydraulic motor  130 . The hydraulic motor  130  may be mounted at or near a rear right corner of the reel take-up apparatus  100 . The hydraulic motor  130  is generally coupled to the positioning actuators of the right side and the left side roller sub-assemblies. The hydraulic motor  130  is generally configured to provide power to lift and lower the reel in a controlled manner. 
     In various embodiments, the reel take-up apparatus  100  may further comprise a slide wire traverse base (or carriage assembly)  132 . In an example embodiment, the slide wire traverse base  132  may be mounted on a side of the left bottom frame member  106   b  opposite the left push bar assembly  112   b . In an example, a wire handling assembly  134  is generally attached to the slide wire traverse base  132  by an extension arm  136 . The slide wire traverse base  132  is generally configured to move the wire handling assembly  134  back and forth between flanges of a reel mounted on the reel take-up apparatus  100  to facilitate efficient winding of wire/cable on the barrel (or core) of the reel. In an example, the slide wire traverse base  132  may comprise a lead screw and square nut drive mechanism allowing the extension arm  136  to change direction as the wire/cable is being wound. In an example, the wire handling assembly  134  may comprise a wire clamp  140 , a wire guide  142 , and a wire measurement assembly  144 . The slide wire traverse base  132 , the extension arm  134 , the wire clamp  140 , the wire guide  142 , the wire measurement assembly  144  may be implemented using conventional devices and/or techniques. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , a diagram is shown illustrating an arrangement of the reel take-up apparatus  100  of  FIG.  1    when a reel is being driven. The reel take-up apparatus  100  is illustrated with the reel omitted for clarity in showing the components of the reel take-up apparatus  100 . When a reel is loaded on the reel take-up apparatus  100 , the modular push handle assembly  120 , the enclosed drive mechanism, and the shaft  122  slide up the vertical frame member  102  as the reel is lifted off the floor by extension of the right and left push bar assemblies  112   a  and  112   b  away from the respective right and left bottom frame members  106   a  and  106   b . In an example embodiment, the right and left push bar assemblies  112   a  and  112   b  are extended away from the respective right and left bottom frame members  106   a  and  106   b  by expanding respective scissor jack mechanisms coupled (i) between the right push bar assembly  112   a  and the right bottom frame member  106   a  and (ii) between the left push bar assembly  112   b  and the left bottom frame member  106   b . In an example embodiment, each scissor jack mechanism may comprise a hydraulic cylinder and eight spreader bars (described below in connection with  FIG.  4   ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a diagram is shown illustrating right and left positioning actuator mechanisms (or assemblies) of the reel take-up apparatus  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. The right and left positioning actuator mechanisms are generally illustrated in an extended position. Placing the right and left positioning actuator mechanisms in the extended position allows the reel  150  to be driven. In an example, when a reel  150  is loaded onto the reel take-up apparatus  100 , the shaft  122  passes through a center arbor hole  152  of the reel  150  and extends some distance beyond an outside surface of the reel  150 . The portion of the shaft  122  extending beyond the outside surface of the reel  150  generally allows a locking collar (not shown) to be assembled to the shaft  122  to lock the reel  150  onto the reel take-up apparatus  100  and allow the reel  150  to be driven by the drive mechanism of the reel take-up apparatus  100 . In an example embodiment, the reel  150  generally includes one or more drive holes  154  that may be engaged by the drive pin  126  connected to the knuckle arm assembly  124 . Every reel  150  generally has a center arbor hole  152  and one or more drive holes  154  that are offset from the center arbor hole within the drum  158  of the reel  150  itself. 
     In an example, the reel  150  generally comprises two flanges  156   a  and  156   b  located on opposite ends of a barrel (or core)  158 . When the reel  150  is loaded and locked onto the reel take-up apparatus  100 , the right and left push bar assemblies  112   a  and  112   b  may be extended to force the respective rollers  118   a  and  118   b  under the flanges  156   a  and  156   b  of the reel  150 . The reel  150  is lifted off a surface (e.g., a floor) by the rollers  118   a  and  118   b  moving under the flanges  156   a  and  156   b . The rollers  118   a  and  118   b  generally support the flanges  156   a  and  156   b  of the reel  150  allowing the reel  150  to be driven (e.g., rotated) by the drive mechanism mounted on the vertical frame member  102 . In various embodiments, the drive mechanism generally comprises a gear box (hidden) and a motor  160 . 
     A detail A is shown highlighting an example embodiment of a positioning actuator assembly (e.g., a scissor jack mechanism) that may be coupled (i) between the right push bar assembly  112   a  and the right bottom frame member  106   a  and (ii) between the left push bar assembly  112   b  and the left bottom frame member  106   b . In an example embodiment, each scissor jack mechanism may comprise eight spreader bars  162  and a hydraulic cylinder  164  (described below in connection with  FIG.  4   ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , an enlarged diagram of the detail A of  FIG.  3    is shown illustrating a positioning actuator mechanism of the reel take-up apparatus  100  of  FIG.  3    in the extended position. In an example embodiment, a scissor jack mechanism may comprise eight spreader bars  162  and a hydraulic cylinder  164 . A first pair of spreader bars  162  may have a first end coupled to a first end of the left bottom frame member  106   b  and a second end coupled to a first end of the hydraulic cylinder  164 . A second pair of spreader bars  162  may have a first end coupled to a second end of the left bottom frame member  106   b  and a second end coupled to a second end of the hydraulic cylinder  164 . A third pair of spreader bars  162  may have a first end coupled to a first end of the left push bar assembly  112   b  and a second end coupled to the first end of the hydraulic cylinder  164 . A fourth pair of spreader bars  162  may have a first end coupled to a second end of the left push bar assembly  112   b  and a second end coupled to the second end of the hydraulic cylinder  164 . 
     When the hydraulic cylinder  164  is extended, the eight spreader bars  162  are generally moved toward a perpendicular alignment that maximizes a separation between the left bottom frame member  106   b  and the left push bar assembly  112   b . When the hydraulic cylinder  164  is contracted, the eight spreader bars  162  are moved toward forming acute angles with the left bottom frame member  106   b  and the left push bar assembly  112   b , which minimizes the separation between the left bottom frame member  106   b  and the left push bar assembly  112   b . The right bottom frame member  106   a  and the right push bar assembly  112   a  are similarly coupled and operated by another eight spreader bars  162  and another hydraulic cylinder  164 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , a diagram is shown illustrating lifting and lowering operations of the reel take-up apparatus  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. When the separations between (i) the right bottom frame member  106   a  and the right push bar assembly  112   a  and (ii) the left bottom frame member  106   b  and the left push bar assembly  112   b  are maximized (e.g., by extending the respective hydraulic cylinders  164 ), the reel  150  is generally lifted off a surface (e.g., floor) a pre-defined distance H. When the separations between (i) the right bottom frame member  106   a  and the right push bar assembly  112   a  and (ii) the left bottom frame member  106   b  and the left push bar assembly  112   b  are minimized (e.g., by contracting the hydraulic cylinders  164 ), the reel  150  is generally lowered back onto the surface. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , a diagram is shown illustrating assembly of an empty reel  150  to the reel take-up apparatus  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In an example, an operator may use the handle that is part of the modular push handle assembly  120  surrounding the drive mechanism to move the reel take-up apparatus  100  over to an empty reel  150  sitting on a shop floor. The operator places the right roller sub-assembly and the left roller sub-assembly on either side of the reel  150 , and makes sure the cantilevered shaft  122  is inserted into the center arbor opening  152  of the reel  150 . The reel  150  generally comprises the center barrel (or hub or core)  158  and the two flanges  156   a  and  156   b.    
     In general, the unconnected end of the shaft  122  is configured to go into (e.g., spear) the center arbor hole  152  of the reel  150 . The shaft  122  is generally inserted into the center arbor hole  152  of the reel  150  until the flange  156   b  of the reel  150  (e.g., the flange nearest the vertical frame member  102 ) comes into contact with the knuckle arm assembly  124 . The knuckle arm assembly  124  may then be attached to the reel  150  by passing the drive pin  126  through a hole in the knuckle arm assembly  124  and into the drive hole  154  of the reel  150 . the drive pin  126  is generally secured to the knuckle arm assembly  124  (e.g., using a cotter pin, etc.). The unconnected end of the shaft  122  is generally used to spear (or skewer) the reel  150 . A locking collar  170  may then be placed on and fastened (e.g., using one or more set screws, etc.) to the unconnected end of the shaft  122  to lock the reel  150  onto the reel take-up apparatus  100 . Instead of having to handle a separate shaft every time a reel is loaded as in traditional machines, the shaft  122  stays with the reel take-up apparatus  100  and is held in position at one end, while the unconnected end is used to spear the reel  150 . 
     When the reel  150  is between the right roller sub-assembly and the left roller sub-assembly and the shaft  122  is extending past the flange  156   a , which is more distal from the vertical frame member  102 , the operator may assemble the knuckle arm  122  to the reel  150  such that drive pin  126  extends through the knuckle arm  124  toward the reel  150  and engages the drive hole  152  in the flange  156   b  of the reel  150  (e.g., illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   ). The operator may also assemble the locking collar  170  to the shaft  122  to lock the reel  150  in position on the reel take-up apparatus  100 . The operator may then actuate hydraulics to move the rollers  118   a  and  118   b  under the reel  150  to lift the reel  150  off the floor. The rollers  118   a  and  118   b  generally support the flanges  156   a  and  156   b  of the reel  150  while the reel  150  is turned (rotated) by the drive mechanism using the knuckle arm  124  and the drive pin  126 . The rollers  118   a  and  118   b  are generally constructed in terms of material strength and hardness to withstand significant loads associated with a fully laden reel  150 . In an example, the fully laden reel  150  may weigh as much as 6,000 pounds. In an example, the reel take-up apparatus  100  may be configured to pull wire(s)/cable(s) with a force of as much as 20,000 pounds. In one example, the reel  150  may be forty-two inches wide and have a diameter of seventy-two inches. However, the reel take-up apparatus  100  may be scaled up or scaled down to accommodate larger or smaller, respectively, capacities. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a diagram is shown illustrating the knuckle arm assembly  124  of the reel take-up apparatus  100  of  FIG.  1   . In an example, the knuckle arm assembly  124  may comprise a first portion  124   a  and a second portion  124   b . The first portion  124   a  may have a hole  172   a . The hole  172   a  is generally configured to allow the first portion  124   a  to be connected to the shaft  122 . In an example, the hole  172   a  may be sized to allow the shaft  122  to pass through. The second portion  124   b  may have a hole  172   b . The hole  172   b  is generally configured to receive the drive pin  126 . The first portion  124   a  and the second portion  124   b  are generally rotatably connected by a pivot  174 . The pivot  174  generally allows the knuckle arm assembly  124  to adjust to variations in positions of the drive hole  154  on different reels. 
     Referring to  FIG.  8   , a diagram is shown illustrating a lateral view of the knuckle arm assembly  124  of  FIG.  7   . In an example, the knuckle arm assembly  124  may be welded to the shaft  122 . However, other methods of attaching the knuckle arm assembly  124  to the shaft  122  (e.g., a spline, etc.) may be used. The knuckle arm assembly  124  is generally configured to be coupled to the drive hole  154  of the reel  150  by insertion of the drive pin  126  through the hole  172   b . In an example, the second portion  124   b  of the knuckle arm assembly  124  may comprise a collar (or sleeve)  124   c . The drive pin  126  may pass through the sleeve  124   c  into the hole  172   b . The sleeve  124   c  may comprise a pair of holes configured to allow a pin  176  to be inserted perpendicular to the drive pin  126  and pass through a hole in the drive pin  126  to lock the drive pin  126  to the knuckle arm assembly  124 . The pin  176  be configured to be locked in place (e.g., by bending, by a D-clip, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , diagrams are shown illustrating the knuckle arm assembly  124  being attached to the reel  150  loaded on the reel take-up apparatus  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. The reel  150  is generally loaded on reel take-up apparatus  100  between the right roller sub-assembly and the left roller sub-assembly, with the shaft  122  extending through the center arbor hole  152  of the reel  150  and the flange  156   a  of the reel  150  abutting the knuckle arm assembly  124 . The operator may rotate the second portion  124   b  of the knuckle arm assembly  124  to align the hole  172   b  with the drive hole  154  of the reel  150 . The drive pin  126  may then be placed in the hole  172   b  of the knuckle arm assembly  124  to engage the drive hole  152  in the flange  156   b  of the reel  150 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , a diagram is shown illustrating wire(s) being attached to an empty reel prior to winding. The reel take-up apparatus  100  is generally configured to pull multiple wires (or cables) onto an empty reel. In an example, the reel take-up apparatus  100  may be used for pulling four copper service entry cables from master reels weighing about 5,000 lbs. each. This process is generally referred to as “Paralleling.” In an example, after an empty reel  150  is loaded onto the reel take-up apparatus  100 , a single cable may be placed through the wire measuring assembly  144  and three cables may be placed through the wire guide  142 . The four cables may then be threaded through the wire clamp  1140 . The wire clamp  140  generally aids in a tighter grouping of the cables during winding (take-up) and maintains tension when reeling is complete and the cables are fastened to the reel  150 . In one example, a group of wires (or cables)  180  may be fed through a hole  182  in the core  158  of the reel  150 . In another example, the group of wires (or cables)  180  may be fastened to the reel  150 . 
     In general, a cable (or cables) may be attached to the reel  150  in several ways. Wooden reels  150  typically need cables to be stapled to a flange  156   a  or  156   b , or to the core  158 . Steel reels either have a securing hole (e.g., the hole  182 ), or a bar that is recessed into one of the flanges  156   a  and  156   b . In an example, a steel reel with a recessed bar may have one end of a rope tied around the recessed bar and a second end of the rope secured to the cable(s) with tape and/or special knots. In various embodiments, an advantage of the reel take-up apparatus  100  is that an operator may get right to the reel  150  as soon as the group of wires (or cables)  180  is fed through the wire guide  144 , the wire measuring assembly  142 , and the wire clamp  140 , and attach the group of wires (or cables)  180  to the reel  150 . In contrast, with existing machines, the operator has to fish the wire over the entire machine and then attach the wire to the reel, which is very difficult. A significant benefit of the reel take-up apparatus  100  in accordance with embodiments of the invention is that loading the wire is much easier and saves a significant amount of time and, therefore, cost. 
     Referring to  FIG.  12   , a diagram is shown illustrating a rear perspective view of the reel take-up apparatus  100  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. In an example embodiment, the drive mechanism enclosed in the modular push handle assembly  120  may comprise the motor  160  and a gearbox. In an example, the motor  160  of the reel take-up apparatus  100  may implement a brake motor. When the rotation of the reel equals zero rotations per minute (rpm), the brake may engage, maintaining a position of the reel  150 . The cable clamp  140  generally maintains tension when cables are cut. In an example, the brake motor  160  and the wire clamp  140  may engage simultaneously to maintain tension apart from free spinning master reels. 
     The terms “may” and “generally” when used herein in conjunction with “is(are)” and verbs are meant to communicate the intention that the description is exemplary and believed to be broad enough to encompass both the specific examples presented in the disclosure as well as alternative examples that could be derived based on the disclosure. The terms “may” and “generally” as used herein should not be construed to necessarily imply the desirability or possibility of omitting a corresponding element. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.