Conductix-Wampfler have released a new motorised 400 Hz cable reel, the PLB400. The new reel can be mounted on most common passenger loading bridge styles. The PLB400 is designed to prevent cable jams inside the reel, regardless of how ground support personnel handle the cable.
The PLB400 cable reel has been designed to occupy the minimum amount of space on or under the passenger loading bridge. The reel spool, drive motor, slip ring assembly, and control system are completely contained within the reel enclosure. The unit can be mounted either under the bridge horizontally or on the side of the bridge vertically. Precision-machined rollers and a special cable guiding device prevent the cable from jamming during pay-out and retraction.
The reel features an advanced and reliable electronic control system, which allows the user to precisely define in/out reeling limits. If the line pull on the cable becomes excessive, a fail-safe sensor system stops spool rotation before any damage can occur to the cable or reel.
According to Ben Hiebenthal, Product Development Engineer at Conductix-Wampfler, the system is a turn-key package. The cable reel is designed to make it easy to install, easy to setup and easy to operate. If the cable ever does need to be replaced for some reason, it can be done in less than two hours, start to finish, causing minimal disruption to gate operations.
Conductix-Wampfler also design and manufacture other products used for aviation maintenance facilities including standard cable/hose reels, conductor bar and festoons.