Automatic dispenser for elongated flexible coiled elements

An automatic dispenser for elongated flexible elements including a frame, means on said frame for supporting an elongated element carrier for rotational movement about a given axis during the removal of said element from said carrier;

• drive means for rotating said carrier about said axis at variable speeds;
• and control means for controlling the actuation and variable speed of said drive means in response to the tension exerted on said element;
• said control means including a rotatable means, the degree of rotation of said rotatable means determining the speed of said drive means and rotational speed of said carrier;
• the improvement comprising:
• a first guide means mounted for rotation substantially about said given axis;
• said first guide means having a guide member adapted to receive therethrough and guide an elongated flexible element received from said carrier;
• a second guide means located at a spaced position from said first guide means and adapted to receive said element after the element is passed through said first guide member;
• said second guide means being located with relation to said first guide means so that a tension exerted on said element after passing through said first and second guide means induces said guide member of said first guide means to follow a circular path in one direction about said given axis, the degree of rotation of said guide member along such rotational path being proportionally dependent upon the tension exerted on the element whereby the greater the tension on said element the greater degree of rotation of said guide member;
• means for biasing said guide member to rotate about said given axis in a direction along said circular path opposite to said one direction;
• said first guide means being operatively connected to said rotatable means causing said control means to control the degree of rotation of said rotatable means in proportion to the tension on said element and thus control the speed of said drive means and rotational speed of said carrier in proportion to the tension on said element whereby increase of tension on said element proportionally increases the rotational speed of said carrier and decrease in the tension on said element proportionally decreases the rotational speed of said carrier.