Patent ID: 8540458

Claim:
An apparatus for pulling cable comprising a frame, a retractable center hole ram and manifold assembly, and a cable gripping assembly, wherein: said frame comprises a face plate defining a hole and two side panels extending back from opposite sides of said face plate, each of said two side panels comprising a pin hole extending from the top of the side panel down into said panel; said center hole ram comprises a barrel housing a piston therein, said piston defining an axial hole extending therethrough for receiving said cable and comprising an anti-rotation member secured to the back of said piston, extending radially therefrom and extending forward along said barrel so as to inhibit rotation of said piston relative to said barrel; said manifold, attached to said barrel and extending forward therefrom, defines a central axial hole for receiving said cable and comprises opposing protrusions, each said protrusion comprising a pin hole that can be aligned with the pin hole of said corresponding side panel such that said central hole ram and manifold assembly can be retracted within said frame away from said face plate and held in said retracted position; and a pin competent to fit in said pinholes and hold said central hole ram and manifold assembly in said retracted position within said frame.