SPACER END CLAMP

Abstract

One or more line spacers for installation onto lines are provided. A spacer includes an end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includes a first mating portion. The spacer includes a second mating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the end portion in the closed state. The spacer is installed on a line of the lines when the end portion is associated with the line and maintained in the closed state.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to in situ work upon utility lines, such as power/communication lines (e.g., a power transmission line). In an example, the present disclosure relates to a spacer end clamp for installation onto a utility line.

BACKGROUND

Many power/communication lines extend in a suspended manner, in air, by towers, poles or the line. In situ (i.e., in place) work upon such a power/communication line thus involves work at location(s) spaced up and away from terrain (i.e., spaced up and away from ground, building(s), water or the like).

In situ work upon such a power/communication line may be performed by one or more linemen or line technicians, possibly with the aid of hot stick(s) for safety. Performance of work by a line technician often includes placing the line technician within a working distance of the power/communication line upon which work is performed. Such placement of a line technician within a working distance of a power/communication line may include the use of a ladder, a lift apparatus (e.g., a bucket truck), a helicopter, or similar.

Working along an extended length of such a power/communication line may include a need to move/reposition the device (e.g., ladder, lift apparatus, helicopter, or similar) used to place the line technician within a working distance of the power/communication line.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a line spacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes an end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includes a first mating portion. The spacer includes a second mating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the end portion in the closed state. The spacer is installed on a line of the lines when the end portion is associated with the line and maintained in the closed state.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a line spacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes a first line clamp comprising a first clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition and a second clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition. The spacer includes a mechanism to actuate the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a line spacer for installation onto lines. The spacer a first end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includes a second end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includes a mechanism to place the first end portion in the closed state from the open state and to place the second end portion in the closed state from the open state, wherein the spacer is installed on a first line of the lines via the first end portion when the first end portion is associated with the first line and in the closed state and the spacer is installed on a second line of the lines via the second end portion when the second end portion is associated with the second line and in the closed state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the techniques presented herein may be embodied in alternative forms, the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are only a few examples that are supplemental of the description provided herein. These embodiments are not to be interpreted in a limiting manner, such as limiting the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 is a partially truncated illustration of an example automated drone system to install an item, such as a line spacer, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged and further schematized, illustration of an example portion of the drone system of FIG. 1, showing a portion for holding and releasing the spacer, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, reverse-angle illustration of an example portion of the drone system of FIG. 1, showing portions for providing motive force, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the drone system of FIG. 1, and an associated example spacer about to be installed upon lines in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an illustration similar to FIG. 4, during installation of the spacer upon the lines in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an illustration similar to FIG. 5, but after installation of the spacer and with the drone system departing in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective illustration of a portion of a spacer, in a partially open state, that may be installed onto a line by a drone system in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an illustration similar to FIG. 8, but with the spacer in a closed, secured state in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a spacer in an open state ready for installation onto lines by a drone system in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an illustration similar to FIG. 9, but shows the spacer in a closed, secured state, such as after installation onto a line, with the closure from the open state of FIG. 9 to the closed state of FIG. 10 being via a linear actuation in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a spacer, in the process of being actuated from an open state to a closed state, for installation, securing, onto lines by a drone system, with the closure from the open state to the closed state being via a linear actuation in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example embodiments. This description is not intended as an extensive or detailed discussion of known concepts. Details that are known generally to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may have been omitted, or may be handled in summary fashion.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the disclosed subject matter. Relative language used herein is best understood with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals are used to identify like or similar items. Further, in the drawings, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. The drawing sheets, and content contained thereon, are incorporated into this specification, and thus the patent application, by reference.

The following subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, such as methods, devices, components, and/or systems. Accordingly, this subject matter is not intended to be construed as limited to any illustrative embodiments set forth herein as examples. Rather, the embodiments are provided herein merely to be illustrative.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. It is evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are illustrated in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter. Relative size, orientation, etc. of parts, components, etc. may differ from that which is illustrated while not falling outside of the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Herein the term line is to be accorded a broad interpretation. The line may be a cable or the like. The line may include metal (e.g., copper, aluminum or the like) or other materials (e.g., fiber). Also, the line may be for transmission of electrical energy, transmission of communications or other functions. The line is suspended in air, typically at a height that increases challenge of accessing the line and extends for an expanse that increases challenge of accessing the line. The line may generally be considered a utility line. Such includes a transmission line and/or similar (e.g., suspended by utility pole, etc.).

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a line spacer for installation (e.g., placing, locating, securing, affixing, etc.) onto lines. The spacer includes an end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state. The spacer includes a first mating portion. The spacer includes a second mating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the end portion in the closed state. The spacer is installed on the line when the end portion is associated with the line and maintained in the closed state.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a line spacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes two line clamps. Each clamp includes two clamp portions actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition. The spacer includes a mechanism to simultaneously actuate both of the two clamps.

In accordance with an aspect, the present disclosure provides a line spacer for installation onto lines. The spacer includes at least one line clamp. Each clamp includes two clamp portions actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition. The spacer includes a mechanism for securing the clamp with the clamp portions in the closed condition, including a non-rotary securing arrangement.

Line spacers may be used in association with lines and in particular electrical transmission conductor lines that extend in a bundle (i.e., two or more extending lines). The line spacers help to maintain lines spaced at a fixed distance apart from one another. Such spacing helps to prevent the lines from damaging each other. Within some examples, damage may occur without such spacing and during wind induced sway, line vibration events or the like. Within some examples, several spacers may be placed along a span between adjacent support towers/poles. Within some examples, such line spacers may be located approximately 30-60 meters apart from each other along the lines of the bundle.

A typical line spacer includes portions that are actuatable to the line spacer upon the lines. It is to be appreciated that the actuatable portions of the line spacer may be varied and that such variations are not limitations upon the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is to be interpreted as being broad to cover the variations of line spacer and thus it is to be understood that the automated drone system and associated method may be varied to operate upon the variations of the line spacers.

Typically, installation of line spacers requires direct connection from a line worker (e.g., a line technician) in order to be installed. In some circumstances, the line technician may need to climb a pole or ladder. The line technicians may also use a hot stick or other device that enables them to install the hardware from a distance. Line technicians may also be lifted with a helicopter, or work out of a bucket truck. All of these methods require a direct connection between the line technician and the hardware being installed. All of these methods are physically demanding and include several safety risks to the line technician and the line itself.

FIGS. 1-6 show an example of an automated drone system 10 for installing an example item 12 (e.g., a line spacer 12, see FIGS. 4-6) upon adjacent suspended lines 14 (see FIGS. 4-6). It is to be appreciated that the drone system 10 may have remotely (e.g., controlled by a technician located on ground via radio transmission), have autonomous operation, or a combination of remote control and autonomous operation. Note that the drone system 10 presents just one example embodiment of a way to use a drone to install this type of hardware, e.g., a line spacer 12. Variations that may achieve the same or similar task are contemplated and such are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Within an example, the line spacer 12 is for spacing two lines 14 (e.g., see FIG. 6). Portions of the line spacer 12 that secure the line spacer onto the lines 14 includes clamp portions 16. The clamp portions 16 are an example securing portion to secure onto the lines 14. It is to be appreciated that the line spacer 12, and portions thereof (e.g., the clamp portions 16) may be varied. Of course, such variations need not be specific limitations upon the present disclosure. It is to be appreciated that the drone system 10, and portions thereof, may be varied to accommodate variations of the line spacer. Such variations of the drone system 10 are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

As can be appreciated, the drone system 10 includes a flying drone portion 20 for levitation of the drone system to the location on the lines 14. See that the shown example of the flying portion 20 includes multiple rotor prop portions 22. It is to be noted that the props are omitted from the figures to reduce clutter. Of course, such is simply an example. A different number of rotor prop portions or even a single rotor prop portion may be utilized. It is to be appreciated that the flying portion 20 may be varied and that such variation is within the scope of the present disclosure.

Within the shown example of the drone system 10, supported below the flying drone portion 20, the system includes: a portion 30 holding the line spacer 12 and releasing such spacer onto the lines at an appropriate time, and a portion 32 for actuating/securing portions (e.g., the clamp portions 16 of the shown example) of the spacer 12 to secure the line spacer upon the lines.

Attention is directed to the sequence of FIGS. 4-6 which show the drone system 10 flying an example of the spacer 12 to a location on two lines 14 (i.e., FIG. 4), securing the spacer onto the lines (FIG. 5), and then the system flying off/away from the lines after the spacer is installed/secured (FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 2, the portion 30 for holding is configured to hold and then release the spacer 12 onto the two lines 14. It is to be appreciated that the portion 30 for holding and releasing is somewhat schematically shown. Variation is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Within the shown example, the portion 30 for holding and releasing is a passive device using two resilient holding fingers 36 that are resilient and deflect to allow the spacer 12 to snap in between the holding arms and be held in place. Once the spacer 12 is fully installed, a large upward force will cause the holding fingers 36 to deflect and release the spacer. Of course, variation is possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, this portion/system could also be mechanically controlled in other embodiments.

Attention is now directed to the portion 32 for actuating/securing portions (e.g., the clamp portions 16 of the shown example) of the spacer 12. FIGS. 4 and 5 show, somewhat schematically, arms 42 that operate to close the clamp portions 16 of the spacer 12 onto the lines 14. The arms 42 are movable to accomplish the task of closing the clamp portions 16. The movement of the arms 42 may be any needed movement and may be accomplished in any desired manner. It is to be appreciated that such components/structures (e.g., arms 42) may be varied dependent upon the specifics of the spacer 12 and the clamp portions 16 thereof. Such variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Within the shown example, the arms 42 are linearly moved inwardly to engage and close the clamp portions 16. Within the shown example, the portion 32 for actuating/securing portions also includes a linear actuator control arrangement 44. The control arrangement 44 has a motorized mechanism that extends or retracts the two arms 42. Operation of the control arrangement 44 could be selectively controller via remote control or automated via inclusion of a more complex sensor/control system.

Within an example, the two arms 42 may also be used to hold the clamp portions 16 of the spacer 12 open while the drone system 10 is flying so that the lines 14 can be easily located into the clamp portions. Once in vicinity of the two lines 14, the drone system 10 may be lowered toward the two lines and the clamp portions 16 rest upon the lines. The arms 42 are then pulled inward by the control arrangement 44 (e.g., the linear actuator therein is operated), causing the clamp portions 16 to close onto the lines 14. Again, variation is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows further components/structures of the portion 32 for actuating/securing portions (e.g., the clamp portions 16 of the shown example) of the spacer 12. Specifically, components/structures for securing the clamp portions 16 onto the lines 14. It is to be appreciated that such components/structures may be varied dependent upon the specifics of the spacer 12 and the clamp portions 16 thereof. Such variations of the components/structures of the portion 32 for securing the clamp portions 16 are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

Within the shown example, moveable brackets 48 are provided that may be selective moved from locations not beneath the spacer 12, to locations beneath the spacer while the spacer is still held by the fingers 36, and then moved back to locations not beneath the spacer 12. Slots may be provided to guide the movements and such movements may be a sliding movement.

Electric motors 52 are provided to move the moveable brackets 48. The electric motors 52 may have a variety of constructions and configurations, such as gear reduction units, etc. The motors 52 are operated to control/drive leadscrews that provide for the movement of the brackets 48.

The brackets 48 and the motors 52 provide a compression module. Specifically, as the brackets 48 move, the brackets cam to press/squeeze upon the clamp portions 16. As such, there is a movement (e.g., a sliding motion) of the brackets 48 of the compression modules that cam under the clamp portions 16. Such pressing/squeezing forces the clamp portions 16 into a position onto the lines 14 such that the clamp portions are ready to be fixedly secured onto the lines.

The components/structures for securing the clamp portions 16 also includes a driver head/lead screws 62 and associated electric motors 64 at the end portion of each bracket 48. When the brackets 48 cam to press/squeeze upon the clamp portions 16, each driver head 62 is aligned/centered relative to a respective latching/locking member (e.g., twist lock, bolt or the like) on the clamp portions. The motors 64 are then actuated to rotate/drive respective latching/locking member to lock the spacer 12 in place onto the lines 14 and completing the installation.

The compression modules (e.g., the brackets 48 and the motors 64 located thereon) must be slid back, away when first placing (e.g., clipping) the spacer 12 into the portion 30 (e.g., fingers 36) for holding the spacer while the drone system 10 is on/at the ground. When the drone system 10 is in the air and correctly positioned over the lines 14, the compression module (e.g., the brackets 48 and the motors 64 located thereon) slides forward via the motors 52.

With regard to the steps of the method of securing the spacer 12 onto the lines 14, see that in FIG. 5, the spacer 12 is being locked onto the lines 14. Notice the two arms 42 have been pulled relatively inward by the linear actuator of the control arrangement 44 to close the clamp portions 16 onto the lines 14.

It is to be appreciated that the clamp portions 16 of the line spacer 12 are then secured. Note that within FIG. 5, the motors 64 were then used to drive the driver head/leadscrews 62 into the clamp portions 16, locking the spacer 12 onto the lines 14.

Turning to FIG. 6, the figure shows the line spacer 12 fully installed and released from the drone system 10. Notice the two arms 42 have been pulled relatively outward by the linear actuator of the control arrangement 44 and the compression modules (e.g., the brackets 48 and the motors 64 located thereon) have been driven back, via motors 52, to their retracted positions. Within the shown example, such steps are needed to allow the spacer 12 to be fully released from the drone system 10.

Of course, the above-mentioned sequence (e.g., method steps) may be repeated for a subsequent line spacer at a different (e.g., subsequent) location.

As mentioned, the various structures and components of the drone system 10 may be varied and that such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Also as mentioned, the various structures and components of the line spacer 12 may be varied and that such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Focusing upon spacers, it is to be appreciated that efficiency/ease of securing spacers onto lines is a concept that is provided via the present disclosure. As such, various structures and components of line spacers that provide for efficiency/ease of securing spacers on to the lines are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7-11 provide some non-limiting examples of such. Of course, it is to be appreciated that associated variations to structures and components of drone assemblies, such as to hold and actuate such spacers are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a spacer 112 that for installation onto lines by a drone assembly. FIG. 7 illustrates the spacer 112 in a slightly open, unlatched, etc. state. FIG. 8 illustrates the spacer in a closed, latched, etc. state. It is to be appreciated that FIGS. 7 and 8 show only a portion of the spacer 112 and specifically show a portion that includes one of two clamps 116 of the spacer. It is to be understood that the spacer 112 does have two clamps 116, one on each end of the spacer. Also, it is to be appreciated that each of the two clamps 116 have structures/functions that are the same, albeit in mirror-image. Just the shown clamp 116 is described with the understanding that the descriptions are applicable to the other clamp.

The clamp 116 is provided as two clamp parts 120, 122 with a first clamp part 120 fixed relative to a bulk of the spacer 112 and a second clamp part 122 pivotal relative to the first clamp part. The two clamp parts 120, 122, when in a closed state (FIG. 8), define a passage through which a line (e.g., 14) extends. A resilient cushion member 126 may be provided and is shown as being provided. The resilient cushion may be provided as two pieces (e.g., one piece being associated with each of the two clamp parts 120, 122. The resilient cushion member 126 may have a variety of constructions/configurations and such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The clamp 116 of the spacer 112 has a latching mechanism 130. The latching mechanism 130 may also be considered to be a keeper, etc. The latching mechanism 130 allows the clamp 116 to be maintained, held, etc. in the closed state, such as around the line (e.g., 14). For example, the clamp 116 of the spacer 112 has one or more mating portions that mate, engage, etc. to keep the clamp 116 in the closed state. In an example, the clamp 116 is in the open state when the one or more mating portions are not engaged. In an example, the clamp 116 is in the closed state when the one or more mating portions are engaged. In an example, a first mating portion 132 defines an opening, recess, aperture, etc. that receives a second mating portion 134. In an example, at least one of the first mating portion 132 or the second mating portion 134 has a tapered, beveled, angled, etc. surface to facilitate sliding, guiding, etc. of the second mating portion into the opening, such as through interaction, interfacing, etc. between surfaces of the first mating portion and the second mating portion. In an example, the second mating portion 134 is biased to an extended state, such as by a spring, deformation, etc., such that the second mating portion is compressed, extends to a lesser degree, etc. when the second mating portion is in contact with, interfacing with, etc. the first mating portion 132 but not received within the opening. The second mating portion 134 is uncompressed, extends to a greater degree, etc. when the second mating portion is received within the opening, such as illustrated in FIG. 8, due to the biasing.

Within the shown example, the first mating portion 132 includes a projection, with an opening, that is located on a main portion of the spacer 112, adjacent to the first clamp part 120. So, for each clamp 116, the first mating portion 132 is associated within one portion of the clamp and the second mating portion 134 is associated with another portion of the clamp. Also, within the shown example, the second portion 134 is a spring-biased movable projection that is movably supported on the second clamp part 122. The second portion 134 acts like a spring-biased detent that will extend into the opening of the projection of the first mating portion 132 when the clamp 116 is fully closed. So, the second mating portion 134 is biased toward mating with the first mating portion 132. Also, such is a linearly moving portion causing the mating of the first mating portion 132 and the second mating portion 134. Within the extension, the clamp 116 is secured in the closed state. Such extension is automatic. So, the securing of the clamp 116 in the closed state is efficient and automatic. Simultaneous actuation is possible.

Also, note that there is no need for a rotary securing member (e.g., screw, bolt or similar). So, the arrangement is a non-rotary securing arrangement. The drone system 10 may be modified accordingly to install such onto lines 14.

Focusing back to the spacer 112, it is to be noted that there may be provide an arrangement to release the second portion 134 from the first mating portion 132. Within the shown example, the second portion 134 includes a protrusion that may be engaged to move the second portion 134 back from the first mating portion 132. Also, it may be possible to otherwise push the second portion 134 back from the first mating portion 132.

Other arrangements, configurations, etc. of the spacer, and particularly techniques, features, mechanisms, etc. for allowing the end portion to be transitioned between and maintained within the open and closed states are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

As some examples of such other arrangements, configurations, etc. of the spacer, and particularly techniques, features, mechanisms, etc., attention is directed to the example of FIGS. 9 and 10 and the example of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 9 and 10 provides two illustrations of a spacer 212 having clamps 216 at the two ends of the spacer. FIG. 9 shows the spacer 212 in an open state and FIG. 10 showing the spacer in a closed state. The spacer 212 is for installation onto lines (e.g., 14) by a drone assembly, with the closure from the open state to the closed state being via a linear actuation. Simultaneous actuation is possible.

As can be appreciated from FIGS. 9 and 10, each clamp 216 is provided by linearly movable portions 226, 228 that may move, via a sliding movement, relative to each other. The sliding movement is a linear movement, one portion moving linearly relative to the other portion. Such provides a linearly moving portion causing the mating of the first mating portion and the second mating portion. Within the shown example, the portions 226 of the two clamps 216 are fixed relative to a rigid center portion 230. Each portion is connected to a slider portion 232 that slides relative to the center portion 230.

Note that the relatively moving slider portions 232 include mating segments 236 (i.e., see upwardly extending segments within the example), that can be mated (e.g., engaged to each other) and secured together via a single fastener (e.g., a clip, bolt screw or similar) once the spacer 212 is in the closed state. As such, the segments 236 are first and second mating portions configured to mate (engage) to maintain the closed state. Such provides efficiency/ease of securing the spacer 212 onto lines (e.g., 14). Also, at least one of the first and second mating portions is associated with one of the two portions of each clamp.

Also, note that if a rotary securing member (e.g., screw, bolt or similar) is not used (e.g., a clip or similar is used), the arrangement is a non-rotary securing arrangement. The drone system 10 may be modified accordingly to install such onto lines 14.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of another example spacer 312. The spacer has two clamps 316 at the two ends of the spacer. The spacer 312 is for installation onto lines (e.g., 14) by a drone assembly.

Each clamp 316 is provided as two clamp parts 320, 322 with a first clamp part 320 fixed relative to a center portion 330 of the spacer 312 and a second clamp part 322 pivotal relative to the first clamp part. The two clamp parts 320, 322, when in a closed state, define a passage through which a line (e.g., 14) extends. The second clamp part 322 has a sloped surface 332 and a notch 334 located along the sloped surface.

The clamp 316 of the spacer 312 has a closing and latching mechanism 340. The closing and latching mechanism 340 cooperates with the sloped surface 332 and the notch 334 of the second clamp part 322 to close and latch the clamp 316.

Within the shown example, the closing and latching mechanism 340 has a linear actuator 350. Each end of the linear actuator is pivotally mounted on a respective pivot link 352. The distal end of each pivot link 352 it pivotally mounted on the center portion 330 near the respective clamp part 320. So, for each clamp 316, the first mating portion is associated within one portion of the clamp and the second mating portion is associated with another portion of the clamp. The location of each pivot link 352 is adjacent to a respective sloped surface 332 of the second clamp part 322, when the clamp 316 is ready to be fully closed and secured.

Along each pivot link 352 is a roller 354 mounted for rotation. The roller 354 is for engagement with the respective sloped surface 332. It is to be appreciated that as the linear actuator is extended, the roller bears against the respect sloped surface. The bearing roller forces the sloped surface down toward the center portion. With the sloped surface being on the second clamp part 322, the second clamp part thus moves and closes the clamp. Such is a camming action. The notch 334 is positioned along the sloped surface 332 such that once the clamp 316 is fully closed, the roller 354 reaches the notch and enters the notch. Such acts as a detent arrangement to hold the roller 354 in the notch 334 and thus hold the clamp 316 closed.

As such, the notch 334 and the roller 354 are first and second mating portions configured to mate (engage) to maintain the closed state. Such provides efficiency/ease of securing the spacer 312 onto lines (e.g., 14). Simultaneous actuation is possible.

Also, note that there is no need for a rotary securing member (e.g., screw, bolt or similar). So, the arrangement is a non-rotary securing arrangement.

It is to be appreciated that FIG. 11 shows the spacer 312 in the process of being actuated from an open state to a closed state. Such actuation is may be via (e.g., operated, controlled) the drone assembly. As mentioned, the closure from the open state to the closed state being via a linear actuation of a linear actuator on the spacer 312. Such provides a linearly moving portion causing the mating of the first mating portion and the second mating portion. Such closing at the two sides may be simultaneous. It is to be noted that the actuation can be considered to be a single action for actuation.

Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that in addition to the linear actuation, there are camming actions. It is to be appreciated that the spacer 312 of FIG. 11 is just one example and that variations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Specifically, various types of rollers, shafts, etc. that provide for rolling/camming upon a counterpart ramp/sloped surface are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. In general, the movement of a roller to force/push a respective clamp closed is contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure. Also note that locking occurs. The example shows that once each roller shaft reaches and enters a respective notch located along the ramp surface. However, variations regarding locking are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure.

The drone system 10 may be modified accordingly to install such onto lines 14.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order in which some or all of the operations described should not be construed to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated having the benefit of this description. Further, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in each embodiment provided herein. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some embodiments.

Many modifications may be made to the instant disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless specified otherwise, “first,” “second,” or the like are not intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering, etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. for features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first location and a second location correspond to location A and location B or two different or two identical locations or the same location.

Moreover, “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and not necessarily as advantageous. As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. In addition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are to be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Also, at least one of A and B or the like means A or B or both A and B. Furthermore, to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to “comprising”.

Also, although the disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above-described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

1. A line spacer for installation onto lines, the spacer comprising: an end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state;a first mating portion; anda second mating portion configured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the end portion in the closed state, wherein the spacer is installed on a line of the lines when the end portion is associated with the line and maintained in the closed state.

2. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the first mating portion defines an opening; andthe second mating portion is received within the opening to maintain the end portion in the closed state.

3. The spacer as set forth in claim 2, wherein: at least one of the first mating portion has a first surface that is beveled or the second mating portion has a second surface that is beveled to facilitate guiding the second mating portion into the opening.

4. The spacer as set forth in claim 3, wherein: the second mating portion is biased to an extended state.

5. The spacer as set forth in claim 4, wherein: the second mating portion is in the extended state when the second mating portion is received within the opening.

6. The spacer as set forth in claim 5, wherein: the second mating portion is not in the extended state when the second surface is in contact with the first surface but the second mating portion is not received within the opening.

7. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second mating portion is biased toward mating with the first mating portion.

8. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first mating portion or the second mating portion comprises a linearly moving portion.

9. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first mating portion comprises a notch and the second mating portion comprises a roller.

10. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises a line clamp that comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first mating portion is associated with the first portion and the second mating portion is associated with the second portion.

11. The spacer as set forth in claim 1, comprising a second end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state, wherein the second mating portion is configured to mate with the first mating portion to maintain the second end portion in the closed state.

12. A line spacer for installation onto lines, the line spacer comprising: a first line clamp comprising a first clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition and a second clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition; anda mechanism to actuate the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

13. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, wherein the mechanism concurrently actuates the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

14. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, wherein the mechanism independently actuates the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion.

15. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, wherein the first clamp portion is in at least one of the open condition or the closed condition while the second clamp portion is in at least one of the open condition or the closed condition.

16. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, comprising: a second line clamp comprising a third clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition and a fourth clamp portion actuatable between an open condition and a closed condition, wherein the mechanism articulates the third clamp portion and the fourth clamp portion.

17. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, wherein the mechanism concurrently actuates the first clamp portion, the second clamp portion, the third clamp portion, and the fourth clamp portion.

18. The spacer as set forth in claim 12, wherein the mechanism independently actuates the first clamp portion, the second clamp portion, the third clamp portion, and the fourth clamp portion.

19. A line spacer for installation onto lines, the spacer comprising: a first end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state;a second end portion configured to transition between an open state and a closed state; anda mechanism to place the first end portion in the closed state from the open state and to place the second end portion in the closed state from the open state, wherein the spacer is installed on a first line of the lines via the first end portion when the first end portion is associated with the first line and in the closed state and the spacer is installed on a second line of the lines via the second end portion when the second end portion is associated with the second line and in the closed state.

20. The spacer as set forth in claim 19, comprising a fixing feature to keep the mechanism in a condition that maintains the first end portion in the closed state and the second end portion in the closed state.