Patent · US Active

Automated cable breakout assembly

US9511824B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 2015
Grant dateDec 6, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB63G8/42
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of engaging an automated breakout assembly includes receiving, by a tow socket having a rotatable sleeve multiple mating connectors, a cable into the tow socket through a slot. The cable comprises a tow ball. Each mating connector is electrically coupled to an electrical conductor. The method includes receiving, by the rotatable sleeve, the randomly-aligned tow ball through an entrance. The method includes rotating a cam configured to rotate the rotatable sleeve to substantially align the mating connectors of the tow socket with connectors of the tow ball such that each electrical conductor electrically coupled to a mating connector couples to a corresponding connector of the tow ball. The method includes transferring a tow loading force between the cable and the tow socket by moving the cable.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.