Self-resetting automatic cable cutter
AssigneeExelis, Inc.
InventorNels N. Neumann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-resetting automatic cable cutter includes a body having an elongate cable slot disposed therein. The cable slot has an opening that is configured to receive a cable (wire) therein such that the cable slides along the cable slot. First and second cutting assemblies are positioned on opposing sides of the slot and a coupler is positioned across the cable slot. The coupler connects the first and second cutting assemblies together and is configured to slide away from the opening in response to force applied by the cable. The sliding of the coupler away from the opening in response to the force applied by the cable causes the first and second cutting assemblies to close together to cut the cable.
Claims17
A self-resetting automatic cable cutter, comprising:
- an elongate body;
- an elongate cable slot extending along a length of the body and having an opening bounded by beveled surfaces configured to receive a cable therein such that the cable is able to slide along the cable slot;
- first and second cutting assemblies disposed on opposing sides of the cable slot;
- and
- a coupler disposed across the cable slot, wherein the coupler mechanically connects to the first and second cutting assemblies and is configured to slide away from the opening in response to force applied by the cable,
- wherein sliding of the coupler away from the opening causes the first and second cutting assemblies to close together to cut the cable positioned in the cable slot.
A system, comprising:
- a sweep line configured to engage a mooring cable;
- and
- a self-resetting automatic cable cutter disposed on the sweep line so as to move relative to the mooring cable and comprising:
- an elongate body,
- first and second cutting bars disposed within the elongate body,
- an elongate cable slot extending along a length of the body between the first and second cutting bars and having an opening configured to receive the mooring cable therein such that the mooring cable is able to slide along the cable slot;
- and
- a coupler disposed across the cable slot, wherein the coupler mechanically connects to the first and second cutting bars,
- wherein the self-resetting automatic cable cutter is configured to receive the mooring cable therein and to use the movement relative to mooring cable to slide the coupler away from the opening to provide mechanical leverage that closes the first and second cutting bars together so as to cut the mooring cable.
A self-resetting automatic cable cutter, comprising:
- a body having first and second cam slots and first and second longitudinal slots;
- an elongate cable slot disposed in the body and including an opening configured to enable the cable to slide through a portion of the body;
- first and second slideable cutting assemblies disposed around the elongate cable slot and having first and second ends, the first cutting assembly being configured to slide along the first cam slot and the first longitudinal slot, and the second cutting assembly being configured to slide along the second cam slot and the second longitudinal slot;
- and
- a coupler attached to the second ends of the first and second cutting assemblies;
- wherein the coupler is configured receive a force from a cable disposed in the cable slot that causes sliding movement of the first and second cutting assemblies such that the first ends of the cutting assemblies follow a curved path resulting in closure of the first and second cutting assemblies that sever the cable sliding along the cable slot.
A self-resetting automatic cable cutter, comprising:
- an elongate body;
- an elongate cable slot extending along a length of the body and having an opening configured to receive a cable therein such that the cable is able to slide along the cable slot;
- first and second cutting assemblies disposed on opposing sides of the cable slot, the first and second cutting assemblies including a cutting bar that contains a replaceable hardened insert;
- and
- a coupler disposed across the cable slot, wherein the coupler mechanically connects to the first and second cutting assemblies and is configured to slide away from the opening in response to force applied by the cable,
- wherein sliding of the coupler away from the opening causes the first and second cutting assemblies to close together to cut the cable positioned in the cable slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.