Method and apparatus for advancing tethers

Patent · Tue Jun 02 04:00:00 EDT 1998

OSTI ID:672555

Zollinger, W T

A tether puller for advancing a tether through a channel may include a bellows assembly having a leading end fixedly attached to the tether at a first position and a trailing end fixedly attached to the tether at a second position so that the leading and trailing ends of the bellows assembly are located a substantially fixed distance apart. The bellows assembly includes a plurality of independently inflatable elements each of which may be separately inflated to an extended position and deflated to a retracted position. Each of the independently inflatable elements expands radially and axially upon inflation. An inflation system connected to the independently inflatable elements inflates and deflates selected ones of the independently inflatable elements to cause the bellows assembly to apply a tractive force to the tether and advance it in the channel. 9 figs.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Martin Idaho Tech Co
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-94ID13223
• Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,758,731/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-613,563
• OSTI ID: 672555
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
DESIGN
FASTENERS
MATERIALS HANDLING
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
OPERATION