Patent ID: 8590480
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: B05B,E01D

Abstract:
1. A cable maintenance apparatus, comprising: a frame; said frame including a first annulus disposed in encircling relation to a cable having a predetermined longitudinal extent, said first annulus positioned in a plane that is substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of said cable; said frame including a second annulus disposed in encircling relation to said cable, said second annulus positioned in a plane that is substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis of said cable; a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart support bars that interconnect said first and second annuluses to one another, said support bars being disposed substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said cable; a lateral drivetrain, said lateral drivetrain having a straight configuration and being adjustably secured to said frame between said first annulus and said second annulus; said lateral drivetrain including a first motor; said lateral drivetrain including a continuous track that frictionally engages said cable, said first motor connected in driving relation to said continuous track; a radial drivetrain secured to a preselected annulus; a radial track rotatably mounted to said preselected annulus, said radial track being positioned in a plane that is substantially transverse to said longitudinal axis of said cable; said radial drivetrain including a second motor; said second motor being in mechanical communication with said radial track; a controller governing operation of said first motor in a first cable-climbing and in a second cable-descending direction; and said controller governing operation of said second motor so that said radial track oscillates in first and second directions relative to said longitudinal axis of said cable as said continuous track moves said cable maintenance apparatus along the longitudinal extent of said cable.