US 6,581,266 B1 · Method and apparatus for pivotally mounting instrumentation on a line

Abstract

The instrument package mounting apparatus comprises an axle that serves to eliminate the need to wrap a tether line about the axle. In particular, the axle comprises a cylindrical solid configured with a slot extending from the outer surface of the axle to a substantially central axis thereof, the slot being capable of receiving the tether line. Juxtaposed to this slot and located substantially centered about the substantially central axis of the axle is a rectangular shaped interior channel that functions to receive a pinch bar comprising a substantially rectangular shaped tapered bar. The tapered pinch bar is inserted into the channel formed in the axle and operates to frictionally secure the tether line and the axle. The friction to secure the tether line in the slot, as held in place by the tapered pinch bar is generated by a compression fit formed as the tapered pinch bar is inserted into the interior channel of the axle.

Claims11

Dependent claims

Apparatus for attaching an instrument package to a tether line comprising:

first and second attachment means fixedly connected to the instrument package;
axle means having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is insertable into the first attachment means and the second end is insertable into the second attachment means so that the axle means is rotatable in the first and second attachment means, the axle means comprising:
an elongated cylindrical body, wherein the body defines an interior channel for receiving the tether line internal to the body and wherein the tether line is admitted into the interior channel by a first slot juxtaposed to the channel, with the first slot extending uninterruptedly from an outer surface of the axle to the interior channel and extending substantially the length of the body;
and
a pinch bar insertable in the channel and configured to frictionally engage the tether line in the channel when the tether line is inserted into the channel;
wherein in use the tether line is inserted into the interior channel of the axle and the pinch bar is inserted into the interior channel and frictionally engages the tether line in the interior channel.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for pivotally mounting instrumentation on a line

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for pivotally mounting instrumentation on a line

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11