Patent Publication Number: US-10759630-B2

Title: Tool for cable winding machine and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a National Stage of PCT/US2017/035708, filed on Jun. 2, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/345,333, filed on Jun. 3, 2016, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to a tool for use with a cable winding machine. In particular, this disclosure relates to a tool that will releasably secure the end of a cable for the winding process. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In cable manufacturing, typically a reel is loaded onto a take-up or spool and used to wind cable of various lengths. These reels usually have a starting hole, or opening, through one or both flanges in which the cable is inserted. The beginning (bottom end) of the cable is then attached to the outside of the flange using a nail, or other fastener, to keep the cable from pulling through the flange during spooling. When the cable is unspooled from the reel, the bottom end must be freed from its attachment to the reel flange. 
     During cable production, there are often several processes a cable must go through before the cable reaches its final construction. The number of processes a cable must go through to reach final construction may vary, from as few as one process, to what could be many. At each stage of construction, the cable is unspooled from the reel, run through the process, and spooled back onto another reel. The cable must be attached in some form to the reel during each processing stage. 
     The repeated attaching and un-attaching of the cable to the reel flange is labor intensive, time consuming, and results in damage to the reel flange and/or the cable. Improvements are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure solves problems of the prior art. In general, this disclosure relates to a tool for a cable winding machine that is easy to use, less labor intensive, and does not result in damage to the reels or cables. As such, the disclosure addresses and solves the problems of the prior art. 
     In accordance with principles of this disclosure, a tool for a cable winding machine is provided. The tool includes a plate, at least one clamp assembly mounted to the plate, and a shaft secured to the center of the plate. The at least one clamp assembly includes a clamp pad that is movable toward and away from the plate between a clamped position and a released position. 
     The at least one clamp assembly preferably is power driven. 
     The at least one clamp assembly can be one of pneumatically driven or hydraulically driven. 
     In some embodiments, the shaft includes a fluid passageway in communication with the at least one clamp assembly. The at least one clamp assembly includes a fluid driven cylinder responsive to the fluid passageway in the shaft to move the clamp pad from the released position to the clamped position. 
     In one or more embodiments, the at least one clamp assembly is pneumatically driven and includes cylinder head and a spring. The clamp pad is secured to the air cylinder head. The air cylinder head is retractable against the spring responsive to air pressure in the fluid passageway of the shaft to move the clamp pad in a direction toward the plate. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one clamp assembly includes a plurality of clamp assemblies mounted to the plate. 
     For some implementations, the plate is circular, and the plurality of clamp assemblies are mounted along a circumference of the plate and are circumferentially spaced from each other. Each of the clamp assemblies is operably controlling a section of the clamp pad. 
     In some implementations, each of the clamp assemblies in the plurality of clamp assemblies is pneumatically driven, and each includes an air cylinder head and a spring. The clamp pad section is secured to each respective air cylinder head. Each air cylinder head is retractable against the respective spring responsive to air pressure in the fluid passageway of the shaft to move the clamp pad section in a direction toward the plate. 
     In some examples, each of the clamp assemblies comprises an inner disk secured to the outer disk, the inner disk having an outside perimeter with plurality of outward projections. 
     In some embodiments, the outside perimeter of the inner disk has a sawtooth shape, and wherein the outside perimeter of the inner disk is in axial overlap with the clamp pad section. 
     There may be a clamp guard section covering an outer rim of the outer disk and an outer rim of the clamp pad section, in some arrangements. 
     In one or more embodiments, each of the clamp assemblies has at least two air cylinder heads and spring, spaced apart from each other and secured to the outer disk. 
     In some examples, each of the clamp assemblies further includes at least one linear bearing secured to the outer disk. 
     In some examples, each of the clamp assemblies further includes two linear bearings mounted between the two air cylinder heads. 
     In another aspect, a spool assembly for holding a length of cable is provided. The spool assembly includes a winding cylinder. A pair of flanges each having an interior surface and an exterior surface are secured to the winding cylinder spaced from and with respective interior surfaces being in opposing relation to each other. A region of the winding cylinder is between the opposing flanges and forms a winding region. At least a first of the flanges includes a through-slot sized to allow cable to pass through the first flange from the winding region. A tool is operably connected to the first flange. The tool includes a plate and at least one clamp assembly mounted to the plate. At least one clamp assembly is positioned to receive the cable from the through-slot in the first flange, when a cable is mounted thereon. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp assembly includes a clamp pad movable toward and away from the plate between a clamped position and a released position. 
     In some embodiments, the tool includes a shaft secured to a center of the plate. 
     In some embodiments, the tool comprises the tool that is variously characterized above. 
     The spool assembly can further include cable wound around the winding cylinder and having an end extending through the through-slot and held by the clamp assembly. 
     In another aspect, a winding machine for winding a length of cable onto a spool assembly is provided. The winding machine includes a frame constructed and arranged for removably holding a spool assembly. A tool, as variously characterized above, is secured to the frame. 
     The winding machine can further include a spool assembly mounted to the frame, in which the spool assembly includes a winding cylinder and pair of flanges. Each of the flanges has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The flanges are secured to the winding cylinder spaced from and with respective interior surfaces in opposing relation to each other. A region of the winding cylinder between the opposing flanges forms a winding region. At least a first of the flanges includes a through-slot sized to allow cable to pass through the first flange from the winding region. The first flange is operably connected to the tool. The at least one clamp assembly is positioned to receive the cable from the through-slot in the first flange when a cable is mounted thereon. 
     The winding machine may further include a cable wound around the winding cylinder and having an end extending through the through-slot and held by the clamp assembly. 
     In another aspect, a method of winding a length of cable onto a spool is provided. The method includes orienting an end of a cable through a through-slot in a flange of a spool. The method includes using a tool and engaging a clamp assembly secured to the spool to releasably fix the cable to the tool for winding the cable about the spool. 
     The step of engaging a clamp assembly can include driving a clamp pad toward a plate of the tool connected to the spool. 
     The step of driving a clamp pad can include pneumatically driving the clamp pad through a fluid passageway in a central shaft secured to the plate. 
     The step of pneumatically driving the clamp pad can include driving a cylinder responsive to the fluid passageway in the shaft to move the clamp pad to squeeze the cable between the clamp pad and the plate. 
     The step of engaging a clamp assembly can include engaging a plurality of clamp assemblies circumferentially spaced about the flange of the spool. 
     The step of engaging the plurality of clamp assemblies can include simultaneously engaging all of the clamp assemblies to move a respective section of the clamp pad. 
     The method can further include winding the cable about the spool and then disengaging the clamp assembly to release the cable from the tool. 
     The step of winding the cable may include using a winding machine to rotate the spool, and after the step of disengaging the clamp assembly, removing the spool from the winding machine and the tool. 
     In another aspect, a clamp assembly for use with a tool for a cable winding machine is provided. The clamp assembly can include an outer disk including a connection arrangement to allow connection and removal of the clamp assembly from a tool for a cable winding machine; at least one cylinder arrangement secured to the outer disk; and a clamp pad section operably secured to the cylinder arrangement and being movable toward and away from the outer disk between a clamped position and a released position. 
     The at least one cylinder arrangement can include a housing having interior, the housing have a fluid port to permit inflow and outflow from the interior; a piston rod having a portion within the housing interior and a portion outside of the housing interior; a cylinder head in the interior secured to the piston rod, the cylinder head positioned to receive fluid flow thereon from the fluid port to move the cylinder head and the piston rod linearly within the housing interior; and a projection secured to the portion of the piston outside of the housing interior, the projection being constructed and arranged to connect to the clamp pad section, the projection moving linearly with the piston rod and cylinder head to move the clamp pad section. 
     In some implementations, the clamp assembly further includes a spring in the housing interior biasing the cylinder head. 
     In some examples, the clamp assembly further includes an inner disk secured to the outer disk, the inner disk being located on a side of the outer disk opposite of the housing of the cylinder arrangement. 
     The inner disk can have an outside perimeter with plurality of outward projections. 
     In one or more examples, the clamp assembly further comprises a clamp guard section covering an outer rim of the outer disk and an outer rim of the clamp pad section. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp assembly includes two cylinder arrangements spaced apart from each other and secured to the outer disk. 
     In some arrangements, the clamp assembly can further comprise at least one linear bearing secured to the outer disk. 
     A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forging general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several aspects of the present disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a winding machine for winding a length of cable onto a spool assembly, the spool assembly including a spool and a tool mounted to the spool, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the cable winding machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the tool isolated from the spool assembly and cable winding machine of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an opposite perspective view of the tool of  FIG. 3 , a plurality of clamp assemblies on the tool being viewable; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one of the clamp assemblies of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tool, the cross-section taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 11 , and showing the cross-section of the tool attached to a portion of the spool, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the tool depicted in  FIG. 4 , a plurality of the clamp assemblies of  FIG. 5  being shown attached to a plate; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the tool depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 7  with the plate removed to reveal internal components; 
         FIG. 9  is side view of the tool shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the tool of  FIG. 9 , the cross-section being taken along the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of a portion of the tool of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of a portion the tool with a clamp guard removed to reveal internal components; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a shaft secured to the center of the tool of  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view through the shaft of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The tool described herein can aid anyone using a cable wind-up take-up machine to wind cable onto a spool or reel. The tool allows for safe, reliable, and quick grasping of an end of the cable to hold the cable for the current process and then release the cable to allow the end to freely unwind from the reel during the next process. The tool as described herein replaces a means of attachment at each stage of the cable production. 
     In general, the tool in accordance with principles of this disclosure can be used by loading a spool onto a cable winding machine; inserting a cable through a starting hole in the spool until resistance is felt; actuating a clamp which will squeeze against the cable and secure the cable in place on the spool; and at the operator&#39;s discretion, releasing the clamp to release the end of the cable. The spool of cable may then be removed from the winding machine and taken to the next process or prepared for shipment to a customer. 
     In reference now to  FIG. 1 , a take-up or cable winding machine is depicted at  20 . The cable winding machine  20  includes a frame  22  controlling a spindle  24  ( FIG. 2 ). The frame  22  defines a volume  26  for receiving a reel or spool assembly  28 . The spool assembly  28  is removably mountable onto the frame  22  in the volume  26  such that the spindle  24  can rotate the spool assembly  28 . The spool assembly  28  includes a reel or spool  30  with a tool  32  operably connected to the spool  30 . 
     In general, cable is wound or unwound onto the spool  30  through rotation on the spindle  24  of the cable winding machine  20 . A tool  32  generally remains attached to the cable winding machine  20 , while the spool  30  is removable therefrom after winding or unwinding. 
     In reference now to  FIGS. 3-8 , the tool  32  includes a plate  93  ( FIGS. 4, 6, and 8 ). Many embodiments are possible. In this embodiment, the plate  93  is generally circular. 
     In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the tool  32  includes at least one clamp assembly  35  ( FIGS. 4, 5, 7, and 8 ). The at least one clamp assembly  35  is mounted to the plate  93 . Many different ways to mount the clamp assembly  35  to the plate  93  are contemplated. For example, the clamp assembly  35  can include fasteners (e.g., screws) or connection structure or a connection arrangement to allow connection to and removal from the plate  93 . 
     The at least one clamp assembly  35  includes a clamp pad  38  ( FIGS. 3 and 5 ). The clamp pad  38  is movable toward and away from the plate  93  between a clamped position and a released position. As explained further below, when using a plurality of clamp assemblies  35 , each clamp assembly  35  has a clamp pad section  38 ′. In  FIGS. 3 and 5 , it can be seen how, in preferred embodiments, all of the clamp pad sections  38 ′ together form a circular band  40 . The clamp pad  38  is radially spaced from the plate  93  when in the released position. 
     In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the at least one clamp assembly  35  is power-driven. Many embodiments are possible. For example, the clamp assembly  35  can be one of pneumatically driven or hydraulically driven. In the example embodiment illustrated, the at least one clamp assembly  35  is pneumatically driven. 
     In reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , one example embodiment of clamp assembly  35  is described. The clamp assembly  35  can include an air cylinder arrangement  36  having a housing  42  with an interior  44 . The housing  42  is secured to an outer disk  34 . The outer disk  34  can include a connection arrangement which may include fasteners (e.g., screws) securing the disk  34  to the plate  93 . The housing  42  has a fluid port  46  ( FIG. 12 ) to permit inflow and outflow fluid from the interior  44 . 
     Still in reference to  FIG. 6 , the air cylinder arrangement  36  includes a piston rod  48 . The piston rod  48  has a portion  50  within the housing interior  44  and a portion  52  outside of housing interior  44 . 
     A cylinder head  54  is in the interior  44  and is secured to the piston rod  48 . The cylinder head  54  is positioned to receive fluid flow thereon from the fluid port  46  to move the cylinder head  54  and the piston rod  48  linearly within the housing interior  44 . 
     A projection  56  is secured to the portion  52  of the piston rod  48  that is outside of the housing interior  44 . The projection  56  is constructed and arranged to connect to the clamp pad section  38 ′. The projection  56  moves linearly with the piston rod  48  and the cylinder head  54  to move the clamp pad section  38 ′. The projection  56  may be embodied in many forms. In the example embodiment, the projection  56  is a locknut  58 . 
     From a review of  FIG. 6 , it can be seen how the piston rod  48  projects through an opening in the outer disk  34 . When fluid, such as air, enters the port  46 , it enters the volume  60  ( FIG. 6 ) located between the cylinder head  54  and the housing  42 . The fluid creates pressure, causing a force to push against the cylinder head  54  and move the cylinder  54  and the piston rod  48  in a direction toward a free end  62  of the housing  42 . 
     The air cylinder arrangement  36  further includes a spring  64 . The spring  64  is illustrated schematically in  FIG. 6 . The cylinder head  54  will act against the force of the spring  64 . When the fluid pressure is released and removed from the housing  42 , the spring  64  moves to the position shown in  FIG. 6 , with the cylinder head  54  located adjacent to the housing  42  secured to the outer disk  34 . 
     In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the tool  32  includes a shaft  66 . In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the shaft  66  is secured to a center of the plate  93 . The shaft  66  is usable for mounting the spool  30  to the tool  32 , when loaded into the cable winding machine  20 . The shaft  66  has opposite ends  76 ,  77 . End  77  can be used to attach to or engage the spool  30  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate one embodiment of the shaft  66 . In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the shaft  66  includes a fluid passageway  68  ( FIG. 14 ). The fluid passageway  68  will be in communication with the at least one clamp assembly  36 . For example, the clamp assembly  36  includes the fluid driven cylinder or cylinder head  54  that is responsive to fluid (air) in the fluid passageway  68  in the shaft  66  to move the clamp pad  38  from the released position to the clamped position. The clamp assembly  35  is preferably pneumatically driven, and the air cylinder head  54  is retractable against the spring  64  responsive to air pressure in the fluid passageway  68  of the shaft  66  to move the clamp pad section  38 ′ in a direction toward the outer disk  34 . The end  76  of shaft  66  is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway  68 , such that fluid (air) can be provided into a port  69  ( FIG. 10 ) in the end  76 . 
     In reference now to  FIG. 5 , in accordance with principles of this disclosure, the clamp assembly  35  can include an inner disk  92 . The inner disk  92  is secured to the outer disk  34 . The inner disk  92  will be on an opposite side of the plate  34  from where the housing  42  of the air cylinder arrangements  36  are located. The inner disk  92  generally has a smaller diameter than the plate  34 . 
     Still in reference to  FIG. 5 , the inner disk  92  has an outside perimeter  94  with a plurality of outward projections  96 . Many embodiments are possible. In the embodiment illustrated, the perimeter  94  of the inner disk  92  has a saw-toothed shape  98 . In  FIG. 6 , it can be seen how the outside perimeter  94  of the inner disk  92  is in axial overlap with the clamp pad section  38 ′. The combination of the projections  96 , the outer disk  34 , and the clamp pad section  38 ′ will help to hold the cable in place between and against the clamp pad section  38 ′ and the inner disk  92 , when the clamp assembly  35  is in the clamped position and a cable is positioned with a portion between the clamp pad  38  and outer disk  34 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example implementation of a pneumatic system  70  used to control operation of the clamp assembly  35  and the clamp pad section  38 ′. Fluid, for example air, is directed through the fluid passageway  68  ( FIG. 14 ) of the shaft  66 . The fluid or air is then conveyed through pneumatic tubing  72  and to the port  46  ( FIG. 12 ) of the clamp assembly  35 . 
     In many embodiments, the clamp assembly  35  will include two air cylinder arrangements  36 , spaced apart from each other. As explained further below, in many embodiments, it is helpful to have at least one and in many cases two linear bearings  82  between the two air cylinder arrangements  36  in each clamp assembly  35 . 
     From a review of  FIGS. 4 and 8 , it can be appreciated that the at least one clamp assembly  35  includes a plurality of clamp assemblies  35 . Each of the clamp assemblies  35  will carry the same reference numbers, as they are generally identical in structure. The plurality of clamp assemblies  35  are mounted along a circumference of the plate  93  and are circumferentially spaced from each other. Each of the clamp assemblies  35  operably controls the respective clamp pad section  38 ′ forming the overall clamp pad  38 . 
     In reference again to  FIG. 8 , the pneumatic system  70  includes a pneumatic rotary union  74 . When air pressure is applied to the end  76  of the shaft  66 , the air is conveyed through the fluid passageway  68  and then into the tubing of the pneumatic rotary union  74 . When air pressure is applied to the end  76  of the shaft  66 , the air cylinder heads  54  retract and move the respective clamp pad section  38 ′ in a direction toward the plate  93 . If there is a cable in position, the cable will be clamped by squeezing the cable with the clamp pad section  38 ′. When air pressure is removed, the springs  64  press against the cylinder heads  54  to move the clamp pad section  38 ′ and unclamp the cable. Many embodiments are possible. If a two-bore shaft is used, air pressure can be applied through one bore to retract the cylinder heads  54  and applied through a second bore to extend the cylinder heads  54 . In that example, a twin bore pneumatic rotary union would be used. 
     In reference now to  FIG. 5 , the tool  32  may further include a clamp guard  78 . As embodied herein, each of the clamp assemblies  35  includes a section of the clamp guard  78 . The clamp guard  78  circumscribes and covers an outer rim  80  of the band  40  of the clamp pad  38 , including an outer rim of each of the clamp pad sections  38 ′. The clamp guard  78  can be used to prevent unintended items from getting caught in the clamp assemblies  35 . 
     In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the tool  32  can further include linear bearings  82  mounted to the outer disk  34 . The linear bearings  82  help to keep the clamp pad sections  38 ′ at basically the same radial distance from the plate  93  during actuation and release of the clamp assemblies  35 . The linear bearings  82  are mounted along the circumference of the plate  93  and between adjacent air cylinder arrangements  36 . In  FIG. 8 , it can be seen how between every pair of air cylinder arrangements  36 , there is a pair of linear bearings  82  mounted in between. In the pneumatic rotary union  74  of  FIG. 8 , each clamp assembly  35  is organized by air cylinder pairs at  84 ,  85 ,  86 ,  87 ,  88 ,  89 . Each air cylinder pair  84 - 89  receives air from a single one of the tube  72 . In each clamp assembly  35  and between each air cylinder pair  84 - 89  are two linear bearings  82 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the plurality of clamp assemblies  35  can be arranged relative to the plate  93  ( FIG. 7 ) to form a sector of a circle shape to the tool  32 . Each of the clamp assemblies  35  can be easily removed from the plate  93  for servicing or replacement. For example, each of the outer disks  34  can be fastened to the plate  93  with fasteners. 
     In reference now to  FIG. 2 , the spool assembly  28  being used with the tool  34  and winding machine  20  is described. The spool  30  includes a winding cylinder  100 . The winding cylinder  100  forms a surface of which cable can be spooled or wound around. 
     The spool  30  includes a first flange  102 . The first flange  102  has an interior surface  104  and an exterior surface  106 . The exterior surface  106  of the first flange  102  engages the tool  32 . In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tool  32  is shown flat against the exterior surface  106  of the first flange  102 . 
     The spool  30  includes a second flange  108 . The second flange  108  has an interior surface  110  and an opposite exterior surface  112 . 
     The flanges  102 ,  108  are secured to the winding cylinder  100  spaced from and with the respective interior surfaces  104 ,  110  in opposing relation to each other. The winding cylinder  100  is between the opposing flanges  102 ,  108  and includes the winding region  114 . 
     At least one of the flanges  102 ,  108  includes a through-slot  116  ( FIGS. 2 and 6 ). In the embodiment illustrated, the through-slot  116  is shown on the first flange  102 . In some embodiments, there can be a through-slot in both the first flange  102  and the second flange  108 , the through-slot on the second flange  108  depicted at  116 ′ in  FIG. 1 . The through-slot  116  allows cable to pass through the first flange  102  from the winding region  114 . 
     The tool  32  is operably connected to the first flange  102 . The tool  32  includes at least one clamp assembly  35 , preferably a plurality of clamp assemblies  35 . The clamp assembly  35  is positioned to receive the cable from the through-slot  116 , when a cable is mounted thereon. 
     When sliding the cable through the slot  116 , the operator will push the cable until resistance is felt as the cable engages against one or more of the clamp pad  38 , the clamp guard  78 , or the piston rod  48  (see  FIG. 5 ). Fluid, such as air, is then applied to the end  76  of the shaft  66 , which enters each of the ports  46  and moves the cylinder heads  54  in a direction away from the plate  34 . This moves the clamp pad  38  in a direction toward the outer disk  34 , the plate  93 , and the inner disk  92 . The cable will then be squeezed between the clamp pad  38 , the inner disk  92 , and outer disk  34 . 
     From the above, use of this tool in a method of winding a length of cable onto spool  30  should be apparent. The method includes orienting the end of the cable through the through-slot  116  in the flange  102  of the spool  30 . The tool  32  is used to engage a clamp assembly  35  secured to the spool  30  to releasably fix the cable to the tool  32  for winding the cable about the spool. 
     The step of engaging the clamp assembly  35  includes driving the clamp pad  38  toward the plate  93  of the tool  32  connected to the spool  30 . 
     The step of driving the clamp pad  38  includes pneumatically driving the clamp pad  38  through the fluid passageway  68  of the shaft  66  secured to the plate  93 . 
     The step of pneumatically driving the clamp pad  38  includes driving the cylinder head  54  responsive to the fluid passageway  68  in the shaft  66  to move the clamp pad  38  to squeeze the cable between the clamp pad  38  and the plate  93  or the inner disk  92  or the outer disk  34 . 
     The step of engaging the clamp assembly  35  can include engaging the plurality of clamp assemblies  35  spaced about the flange  102  of the spool  30 . The step of engaging the plurality of clamp assemblies  35  includes simultaneously engaging all of the clamp assemblies  35  to move the clamp pad sections  38 ′. This can be done by actuating the pneumatic rotary union  74 . 
     The method can further include winding the cable about the spool  30 . There can further include a step of disengaging the clamp assembly  35  to release the cable from the tool  32 . 
     The step of winding the cable can include using the winding machine  20  to rotate the spool  30  and wind the cable about the winding region  114 . After the step of disengaging the clamp assembly  35 , there can be a step of removing the spool  30  from the winding machine  20  and the tool  32 . 
     The above represents example principles. Many embodiments can be made according to these principles.