NZ722698B - Plastic container for packing of filling product under pressure, and method for the manufacture thereof - Google Patents
Plastic container for packing of filling product under pressure, and method for the manufacture thereofInfo
- Publication number
- NZ722698B NZ722698B NZ722689A NZ72268912A NZ722698B NZ 722698 B NZ722698 B NZ 722698B NZ 722689 A NZ722689 A NZ 722689A NZ 72268912 A NZ72268912 A NZ 72268912A NZ 722698 B NZ722698 B NZ 722698B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- cable
- core
- fiber
- fiber layer
- pitch angle
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 265
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 40
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- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims 1
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- 210000004215 spores Anatomy 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 abstract 1
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- 239000002965 rope Substances 0.000 description 25
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- 240000000218 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 241000229754 Iva xanthiifolia Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000003666 Nerve Fibers, Myelinated Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene (PE) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylic acid group Chemical group C(C=C)(=O)O NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 235000005607 chanvre indien Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- KISFEBPWFCGRGN-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium;2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)ethyl sulfate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]S(=O)(=O)OCCOC1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1Cl KISFEBPWFCGRGN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods for processing biomass materials that are disposed in one or more porous structures or carriers, e.g., a bag, a shell, a net, a membrane, a mesh or any combination of these. Containing the material in this manner allows it to be readily added or removed at any point and in any sequence during processing. Also disclosed is the addition of an additive such as, e.g., microorganism, a nutrient, a spore, an enzyme, an acid, a base, a gas, an antibiotic, or a pharmaceutical to the structure or carrier to convert the contained biomass into useful products. sequence during processing. Also disclosed is the addition of an additive such as, e.g., microorganism, a nutrient, a spore, an enzyme, an acid, a base, a gas, an antibiotic, or a pharmaceutical to the structure or carrier to convert the contained biomass into useful products.
Description
Patents Form 5
N.Z. No. 722684
This application is divided out of N.Z.
No. 626014 dated 6 December 2012
NEW ZEALAND
s Act 1953
TE SPECIFICATION
HELICAL WOUND FLEXIBLE TORQUE TRANSMISSION CABLE
We, Hayn Enterprises, LLC, a United States company, of 51 Inwood Road, Rocky Hill, CT 06067,
United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be
granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by
the following statement:-
(Followed 1A)
-1A-
TITLE OF INVENTION
HELICAL WOUND FLEXIBLE TORQUE TRANSMISSION CABLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a rigging and furling device for sailboats
and more specifically to a luff rope or cable that is capable Of providing
efficient torque ission and withstanding high tension, and has a fiber
ure which resists breakdown as a result of repeated use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are many rope and cable products in the market that are
used in rigging and furling applications. These conventional rope products
serve as inexpensive assemblies that work sufficiently in various g
conditions. Nevertheless, as sail boats increase in size and/or their sails
become larger (e.g., larger luff ), the performance of conventional ropes
becomes increasingly worse. In particular, they lack rigging/furling efficiency
and safety.
A luff rope, in particular, is adapted to transmit torque up from a
furler to a top swivel. Some luff ropes are described in U.S. Patent No.
4,124,971 to Taylor et al. and US. Patent No. 8,117,817 to Markham et al.
For the luff rope to be effective in furling s, numerous turns must be
d to the furler drum to “pre-twist” the luff rope and thus generate and
transfer torque quickly up to the top swivel. The pre—twisting may reduce the
time needed to furl a sail but may also cause an instantaneous furl at or near
the top swivel. This negative outcome results in a very tight and often
detrimental wrapping of the sail. In addition, the act of pre—twisting may cause
the sail to overwrap about the luff rope due to the instantaneous furl. By pre-
twisting the luff rope, an excess of energy is stored therein, which causes the
rope to become uncontrollable when the process of furling is ted.
Conventional luff ropes often comprise a central core of high
strength material (e.g., polybenzoxazole (PBO), ®, Technora®) and
multiple layers of fiber braided over the central core with adhesive disposed
between the fiber layers and the core. The fiber layers may further be
impregnated with resin to improve the tensile strength of each individual fiber.
However, conventional ropes are not able to transmit torque efficiently and
safely in g systems (e.g., top—down furling). They have a tendency to
break down with repeated use, ally when they are subjected to high
tension and torque. The resin binding the fibers can fail due to the overall
flexibility of the luff rope as well as fiber movement caused by core
compression and rope/cable g. In addition, conventional ropes often
form kinks when they are tightly coiled or flaked for stowage.
While conventional ropes and cables may work with furling
systems, they still suffer from several disadvantages. One disadvantage is
that conventional ropes fail to provide efficient torque transmission properties
without g on resin—impregnated . Another disadvantage is that
conventional ropes often malfunction in furling systems, either wrapping the
sail too tightly or overwrapping the sail. Moreover, the ropes, and specifically
their resin—impregnated fibers, are prone to break down or experience
damage after repeated furling and coiling. It is ore desired to overcome
these disadvantages and provide a cable that has improved torque
transmission characteristics. It is also desired to provide a cable that is robust
and avoids physical breakdown and deterioration of performance associated
therewith. It is further desired to provide a cable that does not e the
infusion of resin into fibers in order to achieve high tensile strength and
ent torque transmission.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to remedy
the problems of conventional ropes which fail to provide quick and efficient
furling of a sail. The present invention provides a cable for efficient torque
transmission in rigging or furling sails of all sizes.
It is a further object to provide a torque transmission cable
having a flexible structure that can withstand fiber breakage caused by core
compression, cable coiling, high tensile force applied to the cable, and/or high
torque applied to the cable.
It is an additional object to provide a torque transmission cable
wherein fibers of the cable become tensioned when the cable itself is
tensioned axially.
It is another object to e a torque transmission cable that is
adapted to e a high rate of torque transfer without requiring isting,
or at least substantial pre-twisting, of the cable within a furler drum of a furling
system.
These and other ives are achieved by providing a flexible
cable adapted to transmit torque in rigging or furling a sail of a boat while under tensile
stress, including a flexible core having a termination end and a bight, and one flexible
fiber layer wrapped or wound around and disposed against an outer surface of the
core, n at least one fiber in a first portion of the flexible fiber layer ed over
a center portion of the bight has a first pitch angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the
core such that the cable exhibits a first torque transmission characteristic proximate to
the center portion of said bight, wherein at least one fiber in a second portion of the
fiber layer disposed over the termination end has a second pitch angle relative to the
udinal axis of the flexible core such that the cable exhibits a second torque
transmission characteristic proximate to the at least one ation end, wherein
the first torque transmission teristic is different than the second torque
transmission characteristic, and n the flexible fiber layer comprises a
transition zone disposed between the at least one termination end and the center
portion of the bight. At least one fiber in the transition zone has an orientation
that changes from the first pitch angle to the second pitch angle. The
transition zone defines the part of the cable where the fiber maintains a pitch
angle which gradually tions from the first pitch angle to the second pitch
angle.
Noted herein, the term “bight” defines the middle part of a cable
or rope, as guished from the ends.
In some embodiments, the first pitch angle is less than the
second pitch angle. ingly, the angle of the fiber increases from the
center portion of the bight towards the termination end. In ative
ments, the first pitch angle is greater than the second pitch angle, such
that the pitch angle of the fiber decreases from the center portion of the bight
towards the termination end. The gradual transitioning of pitch angle of the
fiber layer is adapted to aid in transmitting torque load quickly and efficiently.
Further objectives are achieved by providing a torque
transmission cable having at least one termination end and a bight, at least
one layer of fiber wound around the core, and a transmission zone where the
orientation of at least one fiber in the fiber layer changes from a first pitch
angle at a center portion of the bight to a second pitch angle at the termination
end, wherein the at least one fiber layer includes at least one fiber helically
wound around the core.
Where the fiber layer comprises only one fiber, the fiber may be
equally wound around the core from the center portion of the bight towards
the ation end in a clockwise (e.g., S—twist) or counterclockwise (e.g. Z-
twist) direction. The fiber layer may comprise a plurality of fibers, wherein all
fibers are wound around the core in the clockwise direction, or alternatively in
the counterclockwise direction, from the center portion towards the
termination end of the core. In some embodiments where the fiber layer
comprises multiple fibers, a first set of the fibers is wrapped around the core in
a clockwise direction while a second set of the fibers is wrapped around the
core in a counterclockwise direction. By adding more fibers in a single layer
of fiber, the cable is able to achieve increased torque transmission
capabilities. Similarly, wrapping additional layers of fiber around the core
improves the torque transmission capabilities of the cable. In addition, a
cable having a fiber layer comprising fibers wrapped in both clockwise and
counterclockwise directions can transmit torque load differently than a cable
having a fiber layer sing fibers wrapped in a common direction. As
such, s torque transmission characteristics may be achieved by
adjusting the manner in which fibers are helically wound around the core.
The core of the cable may be a fiber, composite, or metallic
tensile member core, or may comprise any ation of fiber, composite,
and metallic materials.
In some embodiments, the first pitch angle of the fiber in the
portion of the fiber layer ed over the center portion of the bight is
between thirty degrees (30°) and sixty degrees (60°). In other embodiments,
the first pitch angle is further restricted between forty degrees (40") and fifty
degrees (50°). The second pitch angle of the fiber in the portion of the fiber
layer disposed over the ation end may be greater than the first pitch
angle. In preferred embodiments, the second pitch angle is ninety degrees
(90°). The angular configuration of the fiber from 40°—50° along the bight to
90° at the termination end provides for advantageous ission of torque
load through the bight and termination end. With the above configuration, the
fiber layer provides high tensile strength, y enabling the cable to
withstand tension applied axially on the cable. Further, the cable remains
flexible when no load is applied on the cable at the termination end.
The torque transmission cable may further comprise a groove in
the core proximate to the termination end. The groove is adapted to secure
the at least one fiber layer to the core such that the fiber in the portion of the
fiber layer disposed over the termination end is secured at the second pitch
angle. The groove also ensures that the fiber layer does not unravel from the
core. In other embodiments, the cable may comprise a g mechanism
positioned proximate to the ation end, wherein the locking mechanism
secures the fiber layer so that the fiber disposed over the termination end is
ed in the second pitch angle.
To aid in the positioning of the fiber layer, and more specifically
the fibers wrapped around the core at and/or near the termination end, the
fibers within the groove may be impregnated with resin. Further, resin may be
applied to the entire length of the fiber layer. The addition of resin to the fiber
layer enhances the cable’s capabilities to transfer torque loads. However, it is
noted that resin is not required for the cable to possess efficient torque
transmission characteristics.
The torque transmission cable may include an end fitting
mounted to the core at the termination end, wherein the end fitting is adapted
to further secure the fiber layer to the core. The end fitting may also serve as
means for connecting the cable to other maritime equipment, such as a furler
drum and/or top swivel of a g system.
Other objectives are achieved by ing a torque
transmission cable including a core having at least one termination end and a
bight, and two or more layers of fiber concentrically wound around the core.
For example, the cable may have a first fiber layer and a second fiber layer.
At least one fiber in a portion of the first fiber layer disposed over a center
portion of the bight has a first pitch angle ve to a longitudinal axis of the
core while at least one fiber in a portion of the first fiber layer disposed over
the at least one termination end has a second pitch angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the core. The first fiber layer comprises a first transition
zone disposed between the at least one termination end and the center
portion of the bight, wherein at least one fiber in the first transition zone has
an orientation that transitions from the first pitch angle to the second pitch
angle. in addition, at least one fiber in a portion of the second fiber layer
disposed over the center n of the bight has a third pitch angle relative to
the longitudinal axis of the core while at least one fiber in a portion of the
second fiber layer ed over the at least one termination end has a forth
pitch angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the core. The second fiber layer
comprises a second transition zone disposed between the at least one
termination end and the center portion of the bight, wherein at least on fiber in
the second transition zone has an orientation that tions from the third
pitch angle to the fourth pitch angle. Additional fiber layers, for example a
third and fourth fiber layers, may be included in the cable.
in some embodiments, the first and third pitch angles are less
than the second and fourth pitch angles, respectively. For example, with
regard to the first fiber layer, the second pitch angle may be 90° while the first
pitch angle may be between 40° and 50°. Similarly, with regard to the second
fiber layer, the fourth pitch angle may be 90° while the third pitch angle may
be between 40° and 50°. The cable may be ured such that the second
and fourth pitch angles match each other. In similar respect, the first and third
pitch angles may match each other. However, in some ments, the first
pitch angle of the first fiber layer differs from the third pitch angle of the
second fiber layer and/or the second pitch angle of the first fiber layer differs
from the fourth pitch angle of the second fiber layer.
The cable may be ed such that each fiber layer comprises
at least one fiber helically wound around the core. in some embodiments,
each fiber layer comprises multiple fibers helically wound around the core,
either in the same direction or in te directions (i.e., clockwise and
counterclockwise). Moreover, the at least one fiber of each fiber layer may be
applied to the core at ent lengths. ingly, the fiber in the first layer
may be wrapped around the core with a first length while the fiber in the
second layer may be wrapped around the core with a second and different
length. This arrangement of wrapping fibers of separate fiber layers at
variable lengths provides for torque transmission characteristics to vary along
the length of the cable.
With multiple fiber layers, the cable includes multiple transitions
zones. The transition zones, e.g., the first transition zone of the first fiber
layer and the second transition zone of the second fiber layer, may be aligned
with each other such that they begin and/or end in the same positions ve
to the core. r, in some embodiments, the transition zones may not be
fully aligned with each other. The tion zones of the fiber layers may be
configured so that they have the same lengths and therefore span the bight
equally. Still, the cable need not be designed with multiple fiber layers having
transitions zones of equal length. The transition zones of the fiber layers may
have different lengths. By varying the alignment of the transition zones and/or
the s of the transition zones, various torque transmission characteristics
may be achieved in the cable.
Other features and aspects of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of e, the features in
accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims
attached thereto.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
is a schematic view of a torque transmission cable
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
is a schematic view of the torque transmission cable of
g the core partially wrapped by a layer of fiber.
is a side view of a sailboat having the torque transmission
cable of integrated into a furling system.
is a schematic view of a torque ission cable
according another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following detailed description illustrates the ion by
way of example, not by way of tion of the principles of the invention.
As used herein, the term "cable” encompasses cordage, lines,
wires, and ropes that connect and manipulate the sails of a boat, such as
rigging and furling the sails.
As previously noted, the term “bight” refers to the middle part of
a cable, as distinguished from the ends
Referring to the figures in detail and first to FIGS. 1-3, there is
shown an exemplary embodiment of a cable 100 for rigging or furling a sail
202 of a boat 200. The cable 100 is designed with a l core 102 having
at least one termination end 104 and a bight 106. Often, the core 102
includes two termination ends 104 positioned on opposing sides of the bight
106. The core 102 may be made from natural or tic fiber, composites,
ic alloys, or any combination of these materials. For example, the core
may be made of polybenzoxazole (PBO). Aramids, such as ® and
Technora®, may also be used to make the core 102. The core 102 is axially
stiff, has high tensile strength, and is adapted to withstand the tension and
torque load applied on the cable 100 when rigging or furling the sail 202 (see
. However, when there is no load on the cable 100, the core 102
remains flexible.
In preferred ments, the core 102 is designed with a first
diameter along the bight 106 and a second diameter at the termination end
104. The second diameter is set to be greater than the first diameter. This
configuration of the core 102 helps improve the cable’s tensile strength and
ability to efficiently transfer torque loads d at the termination end. The
core 102 is also constructed such that the termination end having the second
diameter tapers towards the bight having the first diameter. This feature
ensures a smooth transfer of tension and torque load between the termination
end 104 and the bight 106.
The cable 100 includes at least one layer of fiber 112 (112a,
112b) firmly wound over and around the core 102. The fiber layer 112 — and
the individual fibers therein — has high stiffness and is applied at high tension
to reduce its play once it is wound around the core 102. The fiber layer 112
also has high tensile and torsional strength. Accordingly, the mance of
the fiber layer does not degrade after being repeatedly subjected to tensile
forces and/or torque load applied on the cable during furling and unfurling of
the sail 202. In some embodiments, the fiber layer 112 comprises a single
fiber helically wound around the core 102, either in a clockwise direction (e.g.,
S—twist) or counterclockwise ion (e.g., Z—twist) from the bight 106
towards the termination end 104. In other embodiments, the fiber layer 112
comprises a plurality of fibers wrapped around the core 102 in a helical
configuration. The le fibers may all be wrapped around the core 102 in
_11_
a clockwise or counterclockwise ion from the bight towards the
termination end. atively, the fiber layer 112 may be constructed with a
first set of fibers wrapped around the core 102 in a clockwise direction while a
second set of fibers is wrapped around the core 102 in a counterclockwise
direction.
The fiber(s) in the fiber layer may be a textile fiber, natural fiber
(e.g., hemp, linen, cotton), or synthetic fiber (e.g., polypropylene, nylon,
polyesters, polyethylene, aramids, acrylics). In the case where the fiber layer
112 includes multiple fibers, each of the fibers may be composed of the same
material. In other embodiments, the fiber layer may include a collection of
different types of fibers, in order to achieve s tensile strength and torque
transmission characteristics. The fiber layer, for example, may have tic
fibers and natural fibers ntly wound around the core or an arrangement
of polyester fibers and aramids wrapped around the core.
A feature of the cable 100 which provides for efficient torque
transmission characteristics is the angular configuration of the fiber in the fiber
layer 112 wound around the core 102. In particular, at least one fiber in the
fiber layer 112, or more specifically in section 112b, disposed over a center
portion 108 of the bight 106 has a first pitch angle or relative to the udinal
axis 110 of the core. Conversely, at least one fiber in the fiber layer 112, or
more specifically in section 112a, ed over the termination end 104 is
wound around the core 102 such that the fibers have a second pitch angle [3
relative to the longitudinal axis 110 of the core. Further, between the
termination end 104 and the center n 108 of the bight, a transition zone
114 is introduced in the fiber layer 112. The fiber(s) disposed within the
transition zone 114 is configured such that it has an orientation which
gradually changes from the first pitch angle or (defining the fiber located over
the center portion of the bight) to the second pitch angle [3 (defining the fiber
located over the termination end). It is noted that, in some cases, the
transition zone may e for the pitch angle of the fiber(s) to shift by
incremental jumps in degree, instead of a smooth and continuous transition.
The transition zone 114 extends over a section of the bight 106
of the core 102 in some embodiments. For example, the transition zone 114
may span partially or entirely the portion of the core where the termination end
104 tapers towards the bight 106. The transition zone 114 may instead span
a length greater than the portion of the core where the termination end tapers
towards the bight (see . In other embodiments, the position of the
transition zone 114 may be confined to the termination end only. Still, in
further embodiments of the cable 100, the tion zone 114 may extend
both the termination end 104 and a portion of the bight 106 adjacent to the
termination end. Any of these configurations of the transition zone provides
for efficient torque ission characteristics in the cable.
In preferred embodiments, the first pitch angle a is less than the
second pitch angle 6. The angular orientation of the fiber wrapping, ore,
increases from the center portion 108 towards the termination end 104. The
first pitch angle a of the fiber in the fiber layer 112 disposed over the center
portion 108 of the bight 106 is generally between 30° and 60°, ive. In
further embodiments, the first pitch angle a is set between 40° and 50°,
inclusive. The second pitch angle 6 of the fiber in the fiber layer 112 disposed
over the termination end 104 is ably 90°. When the second pitch angle
6 is 90°, the section of the fiber layer 112 disposed over the termination end
, and more specifically the at least one fiber therein, no longer wraps
around the core 102 in helical manner. Instead, the at least one fiber wraps
around the core 102 in a concentric — or substantially concentric — . It
is noted that once the fiber layer 112 transitions to 90° at and/or proximate to
the termination end 104, additional concentric wrapping of the at least one
fiber at 90° is provided. In particular, as shown in the fiber disposed
within a groove 116 (discussed below in further detail) is wrapped around the
core 102 with a 90° pitch angle.
With the above angular orientation and transitioning of the fiber
layer 112, and in particular the incorporation of 90° fibers at the termination
end 104, the transmission of torque load through the cable 100 can be
maximized. Moreover, the angular orientation and transitioning of the fiber
layer provides for the cable to efficiently transfer torque load without requiring
the infusion of resin into the fibers. In contrast to the above configuration of
pitch angles, the fiber layer 112 may be designed with the first pitch angle 0
being greater than the second pitch angle 6. Accordingly, the pitch angle of
the fiber ng ses from the center portion 108 of the bight 106
towards the termination end 104.
Regardless of whether the first pitch angle is greater than or less
than the second pitch angle, the core 102 with the at least one fiber layer 112
provides for high axial stiffness when a load is applied to the cable. This
characteristic is important since the application of high tensile load on the
cable — and in general any luff rope/cable — is necessary to achieve proper
sail shape for stowing or dousing the sail. As the cable 100 is tensioned
axially, the fibers within the fiber layer 112 are also tensioned, y
improving the cable’s performance and response in g or furling
operations. The cable 100 can withstand high tensile forces experienced
during furling or unfurling the sail 202 (see . In addition, when there is
no load on the cable 100, it s flexible. This feature of the cable
provides for the cable to be easily flaked or coiled in a vely small
diameter for stowage, without causing damage to the core 102 or the fiber
layer 112 and without impairing the l integrity of the cable.
The core 102 may include a groove or slot 116 at the
termination end 104 for securing the fiber in terminal section of the fiber layer
(112a) to the core 102 at the second pitch angle B. For example, the fiber
layer 1123 wrapped around and within the groove 116 is vely locked at
90°. The groove 116 is further adapted to reduce the play of the fiber layer
ed at the termination end 104 as well as the fiber layer disposed along
the bight 106. In some embodiments, the cable 100 uses a locking
mechanism instead of a groove to positively lock the fiber layer incorporated
into the termination end 104 at the second pitch angle 6. In other
embodiments, the cable 100 includes both a groove 116 and a locking
mechanism to secure the fiber layer to the core and reduce any play or
movement of the fiber layer relative to the core.
The cable 100, with the features of the core 102, fiber layer 112,
transition zone 114, and groove 116, is adapted for efficient torque
transmission, wherein, for example, one turn in the furler drum 204 results in
one turn at the top swivel 206, thus ensuring good furling of the sail 202 (see
. The cable 100 is able to accommodate high torque transfer loads in
order to initiate g as quickly as possible. In other words, the cable is
adapted such that the furler drum 204 es less number of turns before a
corresponding top swivel 206 begins to turn and wrap the top portion of the
sail 202.
It is noted that the cable 100 is able to provide ent torque
ission without relying on resin and impregnating the fiber layer 112 with
resin. However, resin may be incorporated into the cable 100 in order to
further enhance the cable’s tensile strength and torque transmission
capabilities as well as reinforce the positioning of the fiber layer. In some
embodiments, resin is added in the groove 116, such that the fibers disposed
therein are fused with resin. In other embodiments, resin is applied in the
groove 16 and along the termination end 104 of the core 102. Still further, the
fiber layer 112, along the entire length of the cable (i.e., from center portion
108 of bight 106 to the termination end 104 including groove 116) may be
impregnated with resin.
As shown in FIGS. 12, the cable 100 also includes an end
fitting 118 mounted to the at least one termination end 104 of the core 102.
More specifically, the end fitting 118 is attached to the groove 116 and is
adapted to secure the fiber layer 112 to the core 102 and t the fibers
from fraying. The end fitting 118 also serves as a tion between the
cable 100 and other me equipment, such as a furler drum 204 or a top
swivel 206 of a furling system. Different types of end fittings, including marine
eye, lashing eye, spreader eye, fork, toggle, bi—conic socket, turnbuckle,
threaded stud, headed stud, strop, halyard lock, etc., may be used in the
cable 100.
Referring to another exemplary embodiment of the
torque transmission cable is disclosed herein. More specifically, a cable 300
includes a core 302 having two termination ends 304 and a bight 306 n
the ends 304. The core 302 comprises a first diameter along the bight 306
and a second diameter at the termination ends 304, wherein the second
diameter is r than the first diameter. A portion of the core 302 tapers
between the ation ends and the bight. Further, the cable 300 includes
two or more layers of fiber (designated as elements 311, 312) wrapped
concentrically over and around the core 302. By including multiple fiber layers
311, 312, wherein each fiber layer includes a transition zone 314, the torque
transmission characteristics of the cable 300 are further enhanced as
compared to a cable having only one fiber layer. Noted herein, for ease of
illustration, shows only a portion of a second fiber layer 311 wrapped
over the core 302.
Each of the fiber layers 311, 312 ses one or more fibers.
Each fiber in first fiber layer 312 and second fiber layer 311 is helically wound
—16—
around the core 302. In some embodiments, all the fibers in a given fiber
layer are wound in a clockwise (e.g., S—twist) or rclockwise direction
(e.g., Z~twist) from one termination end to the other. Alternatively, a first
subset of fibers in a given fiber layer are wound in a ise direction while
a second subset of fibers are wound in a counterclockwise direction. The
fiber wrapping of separate fiber layers 311, 312 may also be designed to
either match or vary. For example, the fibers in first fiber layer 312 and
second fiber layer 311 are both wound helically in a clockwise (or
counterclockwise) direction. In contrast, the fibers in first fiber layer 312 may
be wound in a ise direction while the fibers in second fiber layer 311
may be wound in a counterclockwise direction.
As shown in each fiber layer comprises a portion
disposed over a center portion 308 of the bight 306. In particular, the first
fiber layer 312 includes a n 312b having at least one fiber that is
disposed over the center portion of the bight and that has a first pitch angle (‘11
relative to the longitudinal axis 310 of the core 302. The second fiber layer
311 includes a portion 311b having at least one fiber that is disposed over the
center portion of the bight and that has a third angle 02 relative to the
longitudinal axis 310. Each fiber layer also ses a portion having at
least one fiber that is disposed over the termination end 304 and that has a
different pitch angle configuration. Specifically, the first fiber layer 312 has a
portion 312a having at least one fiber that is disposed over the termination
end and that is defined by a second pitch angle [31. The second fiber layer
311 has a portion 311a having at least one fiber that is disposed over the
termination end and that is d by a fourth pitch angle {32. It is noted that
portion 311a of second fiber layer 311 and fourth pitch angle [32 are not
identified in due to ease of illustrating multiple fiber layers wrapped
around the core.
Between the termination ends 304 and the center n 308 of
the bight 306, each fiber layer 311, 312 has a transition zone 314.
Accordingly, the fibers disposed within the transition zone of the first fiber
layer 312 are arranged such that they have an orientation which gradually
transitions from the first pitch angle 01 to the second pitch angle [51. On the
other hand, the fibers disposed within the transition zone of the second fiber
layer 311 are arranged such that they have an orientation which gradually
transitions from the third pitch angle (12 to the fourth pitch angle [52.
In some embodiments, the first and third pitch angles (11, 02 are
less than the second and fourth pitch angles [31, I32, respectively. As such, the
angular orientation of the fiber wrappings in first fiber layer 312 and second
fiber layer 311 increases from the center portion 308 towards the termination
end 304. The first pitch angle 01 and the third pitch angle 02 may be set to
either coincide/match or differ in s. Similarly, the second pitch angle B1
and fourth pitch angle 32 may be the same or ent. However, it is
preferable that the second and fourth pitch angles be set to the same degree,
i.e. 90°. Regarding the first and third pitch angles, each angle is preferably
n 40° and 50°.
The position of the transition zones 314 of the fiber layers 311,
312 relative to one another may vary. In some embodiments, the transition
zones 314 are aligned with each other such that they begin and/or end in the
same location on the core. In other embodiments, the transition zones 314
may not be aligned, i.e., the beginning and end of each of the transition zones
314 do not coincide. By adjusting the location of the transition zones of each
fiber layer on the core so that they are aligned (i.e., the start and/or end of the
transition zones are el) or not d, the cable 300 can possess
different torque transmission and tensile strength characteristics.
The transitions zones 314 of the fiber layers 311, 312 may also
vary in their s. In other words, each transition zone may span the core
302 differently. For example, the transition zone of one fiber layer may extend
the entire length of the bight 306 of the core 302 while the transition zone of
another fiber layer may extend only partially the length of the bight 306. As
another example, the transition zone of one fiber layer may extend over a
section of the bight 306 while the tion zone of another fiber layer s
both the termination end 304 and a section of the bight 306. Conversely, the
transition zones of the all the fiber iayers may span the core 302 equally. For
example, the transition zone of each fiber layer may be set to span the core
by one foot (1 ft). As such, the transitioning of pitch angle of each fiber layer
occurs within a common length of the core. By adjusting the lengths of the
transition zones of each fiber layer so that they are the same or differ, the
cable 300 can possess different torque transmission and tensile strength
characteristics.
The cable 300 can also be designed with variable fiber
dimensions between different fiber layers 311,312. For example, the fibers in
the first fiber layer 312 may be wound around the core 302 with one fiber
length while the fibers in the second fiber layer 311 may be wrapped around
the core 302 with a different fiber . By varying the fiber lengths between
the fiber layers, the cable 300 can achieve torque transmission characteristics
which vary along the cable.
The cable 300 with multiple fiber layers 311, 312 may include a
groove 316 in the core 302 at the termination end 304, or a locking
mechanism disposed at the ation end 304, for securing the terminal
sections 312a, 311a of each fiber layer to the core 302 at corresponding
second and fourth pitch angles. The groove 316 (and g mechanism)
also helps to prevent play in each of the fiber iayers 311, 312.
The cable 300 also includes an end fitting 318 mounted to the
termination end 304 nt to the groove 316. The end fitting 318 is
adapted to secure the le fiber layers 311, 312 to the core 302 as well as
connect the cable 300 with other maritime equipment (e.g., furler drum 204,
top swivel 206).
In view of the above, the cable 100 and cable 300 are
specifically adapted to provide high tensile and torsional th. These
features are ant since luff cables are subjected to high loads during
rigging and furling operations. Compared to conventional ropes and cables,
such as braided or resin impregnated braided cables, the cable 100 and cable
300 both provide superior torque transfer capabilities by gradually changing
the angular orientation of fiber layer(s) from 40° — 50° to 90° and t
relying on resin.
Although the invention has been described with reference to
particular arrangement of parts, features, and the like, these are not intended
to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed many
modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.
Claims (13)
1. A flexible cable adapted to transmit torque in g or furling a sail while under tensile stress, said flexible cable sing: a flexible core having at least one termination end and a bight; and at least one le fiber layer wound around, and disposed against an outer surface of, said flexible core; wherein a fiber in a first portion of said flexible fiber layer disposed over a center portion of said bight has a first pitch angle relative to a longitudinal axis of said flexible core such that the cable exhibits a first torque ission characteristic proximate to the center portion of said bight; wherein the fiber in a second portion of said fiber layer disposed over said at least one termination end has a second pitch angle relative to said longitudinal axis of said flexible core such that the cable exhibits a second torque transmission characteristic proximate to the at least one termination end, wherein the first torque transmission characteristic is different than the second torque transmission teristic; and wherein said flexible fiber layer comprises a transition zone disposed between said at least one termination end and said center portion of said bight, wherein the fiber in said transition zone has an orientation that tions from said first pitch angle to said second pitch angle.
2. The cable of claim 1, wherein said at least one flexible fiber layer comprises at least one fiber helically wound around said core.
3. The cable of claim 1, wherein said core comprises a material selected from a group consisting of fiber, composite, and metal.
4. The cable of claim 1, wherein said first pitch angle is between 30° and 60°, inclusive.
5. The cable of claim 4, wherein said first pitch angle is between 40° and 50°, inclusive.
6. The cable of claim 1, wherein said second pitch angle is 90°.
7. The cable of claim 1, wherein said core comprises a groove at said termination end, said groove securing said fiber layer to said core such that said fiber in said portion of said fiber layer disposed over said ation end is secured at the second pitch angle.
8. The cable of claim 7, wherein at least said fiber layer disposed within said groove is impregnated with resin.
9. The cable of claim 7, wherein said core has a first diameter along said bight and a second diameter at said termination end proximate to said , said second diameter being greater than said first diameter.
10. The cable of claim 9, wherein said transition zone is aligned with a portion of said core where said termination end tapers towards said bight.
11. The cable of claim 1, further comprising an end fitting attached at said termination end of said core.
12. The cable of claim 1, wherein with said termination end being free of tensile and torque load, said core and fiber layer are le, and with said termination end being loaded, said core and fiber layer are axially stiff.
13. A cable ing to claim 1, substantially as herein described or exemplified. Hayn Enterprises, LLC By Their Attorneys HENRY HUGHES Per: oer § wow xiv: amww New \wIIIIIIIIIIIII|IIIIIMVIIIII1 w: HG. 3 .1an w“?fiafiflfiU<Nfii£$iwx
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BE2011/0705 | 2011-12-05 | ||
BE2012/0681 | 2012-10-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ722698B true NZ722698B (en) |
Family
ID=
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