Chuck assembly for holding reel

Abstract

To provide a chuck assembly for holding a reel.SOLUTION: A chuck assembly comprises a tubular wall defining a central through hole and extending along a longitudinal axis. The chuck assembly comprises a flange member coupled to a first end of the tubular wall. The chuck assembly comprises first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ball roller assemblies coupled to the tubular wall. The chuck assembly further comprises first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth gripper assemblies coupled to the tubular wall. The second ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the first ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the first gripper assembly and the second gripper assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 231,469, filed August 10, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 577,588, filed January 18, 2022, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] The chuck assembly may become damaged and the reel on the assembly may not be easily removed.

[0003] The inventors herein have recognized a need for an improved chuck assembly that minimizes or eliminates the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To provide a chuck assembly from which a reel can be easily removed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a chuck assembly for holding a reel is provided. The chuck assembly includes a tubular wall defining a central bore therethrough. The tubular wall extends along a longitudinal axis. The chuck assembly further includes a flange member coupled to a first end of the tubular wall. The chuck assembly further includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ball roller assemblies coupled to the tubular wall. The chuck assembly further includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth gripper assemblies coupled to the tubular wall. The second ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the first ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the first and second gripper assemblies. The third ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the second ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the second and third gripper assemblies. The fourth ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the third ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and positioned between the third and fourth gripper assemblies. The fifth ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the fourth ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and positioned between the fourth and fifth gripper assemblies. The sixth ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the fifth ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and positioned between the fifth and sixth gripper assemblies. The first ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the sixth ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and positioned between the first and sixth gripper assemblies.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a chuck assembly for holding a reel is provided. The chuck assembly includes a tubular wall defining a central bore therethrough. The tubular wall extends along a longitudinal axis. The chuck assembly further includes a flange member coupled to a first end of the tubular wall. The chuck assembly further includes first, second, and third ball roller assemblies coupled to the tubular wall. The first, second, and third ball roller assemblies are spaced apart from one another and at respective predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis. The chuck assembly further includes first, second, and third gripper assemblies coupled to the tubular wall. The first, second, and third gripper assemblies are spaced apart from one another and at respective predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the chuck assembly of the present invention, when a reel is inserted into the chuck assembly, the reel comes into contact with the ball roller assembly, creating a gap between the reel and the tubular wall, and the reel does not come into contact with the tubular wall. This makes it easier to remove the reel from the chuck assembly when performing maintenance on the chuck assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a chuck assembly, a reel disposed on the chuck assembly, and an electric motor that rotates the chuck in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the reel and chuck assembly of FIG. 1 with the reel partially transparent. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of the chuck assembly and reel of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the chuck assembly and reel of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is another isometric view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 5 showing the ball roller assembly and gripper assembly used. [Figure 11] FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 5 showing the gripper assembly used. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a tubular wall used in the chuck assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is another isometric view of the tubular wall of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a side view of the tubular wall of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is another side view of the tubular wall of FIG. 12. [Figure 16] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tubular wall and a ball roller assembly used in the chuck assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 17] 17 is an exploded view of a portion of a tubular wall used in the ball roller assembly of FIG. 16 and the chuck assembly of FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a ball roller block used in the ball roller assembly of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a ball roller used in the ball roller assembly of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a gripper assembly used in the chuck assembly of FIG. 5. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is another exploded view of a portion of the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a partial assembly view of the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 23] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a gripper housing used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 24]FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a first interchangeable gripper block used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 25] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a second interchangeable gripper block used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 26] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a third interchangeable gripper block used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 27] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a first replaceable rubber pad used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 28] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a second replaceable rubber pad used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. [Figure 29] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a third replaceable rubber pad used in the gripper assembly of FIG. 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 1-4, an exemplary embodiment of a chuck assembly 10 is shown carrying a reel 14. The chuck assembly 10 is rotated using an electric motor 12 operably coupled to the chuck assembly 10.

[0010] Chuck Assembly 1, 5, 6, and 10, chuck assembly 10 is provided for holding and rotating reel 14 thereon. Chuck assembly 10 includes tubular wall 22, flange member 24, ball roller assemblies 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and gripper assemblies 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45.

[0011] An advantage of chuck assembly 10 is that when reel 14 is inserted into chuck assembly 10, reel 14 contacts ball roller assemblies 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39, creating a one-millimeter gap between reel 14 and tubular wall 22 to prevent reel 14 from contacting tubular wall 22. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, each set of ball roller assemblies, which are longitudinally and linearly aligned with one another, are spaced 60 degrees apart from the two other sets of ball roller assemblies relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5 ). The one-millimeter gap and the spacing of the ball roller assemblies (e.g., 60-degree spacing) allow reel 14 to be more easily removed from chuck assembly 10 when performing maintenance on chuck assembly 10.

[0012] tubular wall 5 and 12-15, the tubular wall 22 includes an outer surface 60, an inner surface 62, a first end 64, a second end 66, a central bore 68, and apertures 81, 82, 83, 91, 92, 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 141, 142, 143, 151, 152, 153, 161, 162, 163, 171, 172, 173, 181, 182, 183, 191, 192, and 193. The tubular wall 22 defines the extending central bore 68. The tubular wall 22 extends along a longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5). The apertures 81-193 extend through the tubular wall 22 and communicate with the central bore 68.

[0013] Flange material 5 and 12, flange member 24 is coupled to first end 64 of tubular wall 22. Flange member 24 is disk-shaped and includes a central bore 300 (see FIG. 8) extending therethrough to receive first end 64 therein. Flange member 24 is coupled to tubular wall 22 using bolts.

[0014] Ball Roller Assembly 5, 6, and 16-19, ball roller assemblies 25-39 (see FIG. 10) are provided to removably couple reel 14 to tubular wall 22. Because the structures of ball roller assemblies 25-39 are identical to one another, only the structure of ball roller assembly 25 will be discussed in further detail herein.

[0015] 5, 16, and 17, ball roller assembly 25 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 81 (shown in FIG. 12) in tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 25 includes ball roller block 350, ball rollers 352, 354, 356, and bolts 360, 362. Ball roller block 350 includes apertures 382, ​​384, 386, 390, 392 extending therethrough.

[0016] 17-19, ball roller 352 is provided so that when a user removes reel 14 from tubular wall 22, reel 14 can slide relative to tubular wall 22 without contacting tubular wall 22. Ball roller 352 includes a housing 410 and a ball bearing 412 rotatably coupled to housing 410. Housing 410 is disposed within aperture 382 of ball roller block 350 so that the outer surface of ball bearing 412 extends radially outward a first predetermined distance from outer surface 60 of tubular wall 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance is 1 millimeter.

[0017] The ball roller 354 is provided so that the reel 14 can slide relative to the tubular wall 22 without contacting the tubular wall 22 when a user removes the reel 14 from the tubular wall 22. The ball roller 354 includes a housing 420 and a ball bearing 422 rotatably coupled to the housing 420. The housing 420 is disposed within the aperture 384 of the ball roller block 350 so that the outer surface of the ball bearing 422 extends radially outward a first predetermined distance from the outer surface 60 of the tubular wall 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance is 1 mm.

[0018] Ball roller 356 is provided so that when a user removes reel 14 from tubular wall 22, reel 14 can slide relative to tubular wall 22 without contacting tubular wall 22. Ball roller 356 includes a housing 430 and a ball bearing 432 rotatably coupled to housing 430. Housing 430 is positioned within aperture 386 of ball roller block 350 so that the outer surface of ball bearing 432 extends radially outward a first predetermined distance from outer surface 60 of tubular wall 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the predetermined distance is 1 mm.

[0019] Bolts 360 are provided to connect ball roller block 350 to tubular wall 22. Bolts 360 extend through apertures 390 in ball roller block 350 and into threaded apertures 450 in tubular wall 22.

[0020] Bolts 362 are provided to connect ball roller block 350 to tubular wall 22. Bolts 362 extend through apertures 392 in ball roller block 350 and into threaded apertures 452 in tubular wall 22.

[0021] 5, 10, and 12, ball roller assembly 26 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 82 in tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 26 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 38, 39 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 40, 45.

[0022] Ball roller assembly 27 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 83 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 27 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 28, 39 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 40, 45.

[0023] Ball roller assembly 28 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 91 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 28 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 25, 26, 27 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 40, 41.

[0024] Ball roller assembly 29 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 92 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 29 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 25, 26, 27 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 40, 41.

[0025] 5, 10, and 13, ball roller assembly 30 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 101 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 30 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 28, 29 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 41, 42.

[0026] Ball roller assembly 31 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 102 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 31 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 28, 29 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 41, 42.

[0027] Ball roller assembly 32 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 103 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 32 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 28, 29 relative to longitudinal axis 47 and is disposed between gripper assemblies 41, 42.

[0028] 6, 10 and 13, ball roller assembly 33 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 111 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 33 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 30, 31, 32 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 42, 43.

[0029] Ball roller assembly 34 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 112 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 34 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 30, 31, 32 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 42, 43.

[0030] Ball roller assembly 35 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 121 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 35 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 33, 34 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5 ) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 43, 44.

[0031] Ball roller assembly 36 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 122 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 36 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 33, 34 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 43, 44.

[0032] Ball roller assembly 37 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 123 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 37 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 33, 34 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 43, 44.

[0033] 6, 10 and 12, ball roller assembly 38 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 131 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 38 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 35, 36, 37 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 44, 45.

[0034] Ball roller assembly 39 is coupled to tubular wall 22 and is at least partially disposed in aperture 132 of tubular wall 22. Ball roller assembly 39 is spaced 60 degrees from ball roller assemblies 35, 36, 37 relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5) and is disposed between gripper assemblies 44, 45.

[0035] Gripper Assembly 5, 6 and 20-29, gripper assemblies 40-45 are provided to contact the inner surface of reel 14 such that chuck assembly 10 rotates reel 14 when chuck assembly 10 is rotated by electric motor 12. Because the structures of gripper assemblies 40-45 are identical to one another, only the structure of gripper assembly 40 will be discussed in further detail herein.

[0036] 20-26, gripper assembly 40 includes gripper housing 600, interchangeable gripper blocks 602, 604, 606, bolts 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, and interchangeable rubber pads 702, 704, 706.

[0037] Gripper Housing 20, gripper housing 600 includes a central portion 750 and extensions 752, 754, and 756. Extensions 752, 754, and 756 are integrally coupled to central portion 750 and extend in a first direction from central portion 750. Central portion 750 includes apertures 760 and 762 extending therethrough to accommodate respective bolts for coupling gripper housing 600 to tubular wall 22. Extensions 752, 754, and 756 extend through apertures 141, 142, and 143 (shown in FIG. 12) in tubular wall 22.

[0038] extension 20 and 21, extension 752 includes a groove 775 extending therein. Extension 752 further includes apertures 770, 772, 774 extending therein and communicating with groove 775.

[0039] 20 and 22, extension 754 includes a groove 781 extending therein. Extension 752 further includes apertures 776, 778, 780 extending therein and communicating with groove 781.

[0040] Extension 756 includes a groove 787 extending therein. Extension 756 further includes apertures 782, 784, 786 extending therein and communicating with groove 787.

[0041] Interchangeable Gripper Blocks 20 and 24, interchangeable gripper block 602 is coupled to gripper housing 600 and is provided to carry interchangeable rubber pad 702 thereon. Interchangeable gripper block 602 includes insert portion 800 and lip portion 802 formed integrally with insert portion 800. Lip portion 802 defines groove 815 therein. Insert portion 800 includes apertures 810, 812, and 814 extending therethrough and communicating with groove 815. Insert portion 800 is disposed within groove 775 of extension portion 752. Bolts 610, 612, and 614 are disposed through apertures 810, 812, and 814 of interchangeable gripper block 602 and apertures 770, 772, and 774 (shown in FIG. 21) of gripper housing 600, respectively, to couple interchangeable gripper block 602 to gripper housing 600.

[0042] 20 and 25, interchangeable gripper block 604 is coupled to gripper housing 600 and is further provided to hold interchangeable rubber pad 704 thereon. Interchangeable gripper block 604 includes insert portion 830 and lip portion 832 formed integrally with insert portion 830. Lip portion 832 defines groove 841 therein. Insert portion 830 includes apertures 836, 838, and 840 extending therethrough and communicating with groove 841. Insert portion 830 is disposed within groove 781 of extension portion 754. Additionally, bolts 616 , 618 , 620 are disposed through apertures 836 , 838 , 840 in interchangeable gripper block 604 and apertures 776 , 778 , 780 in gripper housing 600 (shown in FIGS. 20 and 21), respectively, to couple interchangeable gripper block 604 to gripper housing 600 .

[0043] 20 and 26, interchangeable gripper block 606 is coupled to gripper housing 600 and is provided to carry interchangeable rubber pad 706 thereon. Interchangeable gripper block 606 includes insert 860 and lip 862 formed integrally with insert 860. Lip 862 defines groove 887 therein. Insert 860 includes apertures 882, 884, and 886 extending therethrough and communicating with groove 887. Insert 860 is disposed within groove 787 of extension 756. Bolts 622, 624, and 626 are disposed through apertures 882, 884, and 886 of interchangeable gripper block 606 and apertures 782, 784, and 786 of gripper housing 600 (shown in FIG. 22), respectively, to couple interchangeable gripper block 606 to gripper housing 600.

[0044] Replaceable rubber pads 20, 24, and 27, a replaceable rubber pad 702 is provided to contact the inner surface of the reel 14. The replaceable rubber pad 702 is coupled to the replaceable gripper block 602. The replaceable rubber pad 702 includes an insert portion 900 and an outer portion 902 formed integrally with the insert portion 900. The replaceable rubber pad 702 further includes apertures 910, 912, and 914 extending through the insert portion 900 and the outer portion 902. The insert portion 900 is disposed within the groove 815 of the replaceable gripper block 602. The apertures 910, 912, and 914 allow the bolts 610, 612, and 614 to be received therethrough.

[0045] 20, 25, and 28, a replaceable rubber pad 704 is provided to contact the inner surface of the reel 14. The replaceable rubber pad 704 is coupled to the replaceable gripper block 604. The replaceable rubber pad 704 includes an insert portion 930 and an outer portion 932 formed integrally with the insert portion 930. The replaceable rubber pad 704 further includes apertures 916, 918, and 920 extending through the insert portion 930 and the outer portion 932. The insert portion 930 is disposed within the groove 841 of the replaceable gripper block 604. The apertures 916, 918, and 920 allow the bolts 616, 618, and 620 to be received therethrough.

[0046] 20, 26, and 29, a replaceable rubber pad 706 is provided to contact the inner surface of the reel 14. The replaceable rubber pad 706 is coupled to the replaceable gripper block 606. The replaceable rubber pad 706 includes an insert portion 960 and an outer portion 962 formed integrally with the insert portion 960. The replaceable rubber pad 706 further includes apertures 972, 974, and 976 extending through the insert portion 960 and the outer portion 962. The insert portion 960 is disposed within the groove 887 of the replaceable gripper block 606. The apertures 972, 974, and 976 allow the bolts 622, 624, and 626 to be received therethrough.

[0047] The replaceable rubber pads 702, 704, 706 extend radially outward from the outer surface of the tubular wall 22 a predetermined distance.

[0048] 5, 6, and 10, gripper assemblies 40, 41 are positioned 60 degrees apart from each other relative to longitudinal axis 47 (shown in FIG. 5). Gripper assemblies 41, 42 are positioned 60 degrees apart from each other relative to longitudinal axis 47. Gripper assemblies 42, 43 are positioned 60 degrees apart from each other relative to longitudinal axis 47. Gripper assemblies 43, 44 are positioned 60 degrees apart from each other relative to longitudinal axis 47. Gripper assemblies 44, 45 are positioned 60 degrees apart from each other relative to longitudinal axis 47.

[0049] While the claimed invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the claimed invention can be modified to include any number of variations, modifications, substitutions, or equivalent arrangements not described above, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Also, for example, a chuck assembly can include three ball roller assemblies spaced 60 degrees or 120 degrees apart and three gripper assemblies spaced 60 degrees or 120 degrees apart. While various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments, and thus, the claimed invention should not be construed as limited by the foregoing description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10 Chuck Assembly 12 Electric motor 14 reels 22 Tubular wall 24 Flange member 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 Ball roller assembly 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Gripper Assembly 47 Longitudinal axis 60 Exterior 62 Inner 64 First end 66 Second end 68 Central hole 81, 82, 83, 91, 92 apertures 101, 102, 103, 111, 112, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, 141, 142, 143, 151, 152, 153, 161, 162, 163, 171, 172, 173, 181, 182, 183, 191, 192, 193 Aperture 300 center hole 350 Ball Roller Block 352, 354, 356 Ball Rollers 360, 362 volts 382, 384, 386, 390, 392 aperture 410, 420, 430 Housing 412, 422, 432 ball bearings 450, 452 threaded aperture 600 Gripper Housing 602, 604, 606 Interchangeable Gripper Blocks 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626 volts 702, 704, 706 Interchangeable rubber pads 750 Central part 752, 754, 756 extension 760, 762, 770, 772, 774, 776, 778, 780, 782, 784, 786 Aperture 775, 781, 787 Groove 800, 830, 860 Insertion section 802, 832, 862 Lip 810, 812, 814, 836, 838, 840, 882, 884, 886 Aperture 815, 841, 887 Groove 900, 930, 960 Insertion section 902, 932, 962 outer part 910, 912, 914, 916, 918, 920, 972, 974, 976 Aperture

Claims

1. A chuck assembly for holding a reel, comprising: a tubular wall defining a central bore therethrough and extending along a longitudinal axis; a flange member coupled to the first end of the tubular wall; first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth ball roller assemblies coupled to the tubular wall; and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth gripper assemblies coupled to the tubular wall; the second ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the first ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the first gripper assembly and the second gripper assembly; the third ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the second ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the second gripper assembly and the third gripper assembly; the fourth ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the third ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the third gripper assembly and the fourth gripper assembly; the fifth ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the fourth ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the fourth gripper assembly and the fifth gripper assembly; the sixth ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the fifth ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the fifth gripper assembly and the sixth gripper assembly; the first ball roller assembly is spaced 60 degrees from the sixth ball roller assembly relative to the longitudinal axis and is positioned between the first gripper assembly and the sixth gripper assembly.

2. 2. The chuck assembly of claim 1, wherein said tubular wall further has first and second apertures extending therethrough and communicating with said central bore.

3. 3. The chuck assembly of claim 2, wherein the first ball roller assembly is at least partially disposed in the first aperture, the first ball roller assembly having a first ball roller and a first ball roller block, the first ball roller disposed on the first ball roller block such that an outer surface of a ball bearing of the first ball roller extends radially outward a first predetermined distance from the outer surface of the tubular wall.

4. The chuck assembly of claim 3 , wherein the first predetermined distance is at least 1 millimeter.

5. 4. The chuck assembly of claim 3, wherein the first gripper assembly is at least partially disposed in the second aperture, the first gripper assembly having a first gripper housing, a first interchangeable gripper block, and a first interchangeable rubber pad; the first gripper housing is coupled to the tubular wall, the first interchangeable gripper block is coupled to the first gripper housing, and the first interchangeable rubber pad is coupled to the first interchangeable gripper block such that an outer surface of the first interchangeable rubber pad extends radially outward a second predetermined distance from an outer surface of the tubular wall.

6. the first and second gripper assemblies are spaced 60 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis; the second and third gripper assemblies are spaced 60 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis; the third and fourth gripper assemblies are spaced 60 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis; the fourth and fifth gripper assemblies are spaced 60 degrees apart from one another relative to the longitudinal axis; The chuck assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fifth and sixth gripper assemblies are positioned 60 degrees apart from each other relative to the longitudinal axis.

7. A chuck assembly for holding a reel, comprising: a tubular wall extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a central bore therethrough; a flange member coupled to the first end of the tubular wall; first, second, and third ball roller assemblies coupled to the tubular wall and spaced apart from one another at respective predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis; and a chuck assembly coupled to the tubular wall and including first, second, and third gripper assemblies spaced apart from one another at the respective predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis;

8. the first gripper assembly is disposed between the first ball roller assembly and the second ball roller assembly; the second gripper assembly is disposed between the second ball roller assembly and the third ball roller assembly; The chuck assembly of claim 7 , wherein the third gripper assembly is disposed between the third ball roller assembly and the first ball roller assembly.

9. 8. The chuck assembly of claim 7, wherein each of said predetermined angles is 60 degrees.

10. 8. The chuck assembly of claim 7, wherein each of said predetermined angles is 120 degrees.

11. fourth, fifth, and sixth ball roller assemblies coupled to the tubular wall and spaced apart from one another at the respective predetermined angles relative to the longitudinal axis; and 8. The chuck assembly of claim 7, further comprising fourth, fifth, and sixth gripper assemblies coupled to said tubular wall and spaced apart from one another at said respective predetermined angles relative to said longitudinal axis.

12. The chuck assembly of claim 11 , wherein each of the predetermined angles is 60 degrees.

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