Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-05-08)
Rejection types: 103 - Obviousness, 112 - Written Description/Enablement

CLAIMS:
What is claimed is:
1\. A wire rope, comprising: a strand that is formed by winding a plurality of metal wires, wherein: the strand includes a core wire arranged in a center of the plurality of metal wires, and side wires that make up a remainder of the plurality of metal wires, each of the side wires being arranged on an outer periphery of the core wire, in a transverse section of the strand, each of the side wires includes end portions positioned at opposite ends in a circumferential direction of the core wire, each of the end portions includes a contact portion in contact with an end portion of an adjacent side wire, and a non-contact portion not in contact with the adjacent side wire, a Vickers hardness of the contact portion is higher by 1% or more than a Vickers hardness of the non-contact portion, and a surface roughness Ra of an outer peripheral surface of each of the side wires is 0.10 μm or less.
2\. The wire rope according to claim 1, wherein at each of the end portions, the Vickers hardness of the contact portion is higher by 3% or more than the Vickers hardness of the non-contact portion.
3\. The wire rope according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of strands including the strand, wherein the wire rope is formed by winding the plurality of the strands.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
This is in response to application filed on April 23rd, 2024 in which claims 1-3 are presented for examination.
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Drawings
The drawings are objected to for the following:
Fig. 3 reference line for 12A1 (22A1) is recommended for review as it should be directed to a “contact portion” but seems to be directed to an area of a side wire 12 that is not at the contact point
No new matter should be entered.
Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance.
Specification
The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities:
As best understood, the invention indicates that its die-drawing method ([0023]) results in a better rope than swaging methods ([0028] and the comparison with prior art JPH11-47153 in [0004]).  However, it is unclear how applicant’s die-drawing method differs from that of swaging methods.  See extrinsic evidence Suncor NPL, wherein swaging is also performed via a die.  Though Suncor NPL indicates other swaging methods (such as hammering), the prior art JPH 11-47153 clearly indicates that its method is via a die (JPH 11-47153 [0020]).  As such, it is unclear how applicant’s “die-drawing” is different from swaging, such that the invention results in the disclosed Vickers hardnesses, surface roughness, etc.  For the purposes of applying art and providing rejections, the Vickers hardness and surface roughness will be considered met inasmuch as die-drawing is disclosed and the claimed structure of the strand of the wire rope is met.  Disagreement may warrant at least a 112(a) enablement and/or written description rejection without constituting a new rejection.
Review is requested of the term in [0024] “diameter of the core strand 10 after dies-drawing” – especially based on Figs. 2, 3, the core strand 10 is no longer circular such that it would have a diameter; For the purposes of applying art and providing rejections, the term will be considered the cross-sectional width
Similarly, review is requested of the term in [0024] “diameter of the side strand 20”-- especially based on Figs. 2, 3, the side strand 20 is no longer circular such that it would have a diameter; For the purposes of applying art and providing rejections, the term will be considered the cross-sectional width
Appropriate correction is required.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
Claim(s) 1-3 is/are rejected under U.S.C. 112(b).
The term “Vickers hardness” beginning in Claim 1 Line 11 is unclear and therefore renders the claim indefinite.  Especially in light of the specification objection, it is unclear how the disclosed structure/method results in the Vickers hardnesses claimed.  As aforementioned, for the purposes of applying art and providing rejections, the Vickers hardness range will be considered met inasmuch as die-drawing is disclosed and the claimed structure of the strand of the wire rope is met.  This applies to Claim 2 as well.
The term “surface roughness” in Claim 1 Line 13 is unclear and therefore renders the claim indefinite.  Especially in light of the specification objection, it is unclear how the disclosed structure/method results in the surface roughness claimed.  As aforementioned, for the purposes of applying art and providing rejections, the surface roughness will be considered met inasmuch as die-drawing is disclosed and the claimed structure of the strand of the wire rope is met.
Dependent claims are rejected at the least for depending on rejected claims.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1, 2 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hallidie (USPN 0251114) in view of Schoerner et al (USPN 3383704) et al, herein Schoerner.
Regarding Claim 1, Hallidie teaches a wire rope (see Figs. 2, 9; page 1 Line 8 invention relates to wire ropes), comprising:
a strand that is formed by winding a plurality of wires (see Fig. 9; page 1 Lines 53-56 Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the end of a seven-wire strand having the six inclosing-wires flattened in the form shown in Fig. 2), wherein:
the strand includes a core wire arranged in a center of the plurality of wires (see Fig. 9),
and side wires that make up a remainder of the plurality of wires (see Fig. 9),
each of the side wires being arranged on an outer periphery of the core wire (see Fig. 9),
in a transverse section of the strand, each of the side wires includes end portions positioned at opposite ends in a circumferential direction of the core wire (see Fig. 9),
each of the end portions includes a contact portion in a contact with an end portion of an adjacent side wire (see Fig. 9),
and a non-contact portion not in contact with the adjacent side wire (see Fig. 9; page 1 Lines 32-35 portions of the wires which are on the outside of the strand shall present a flattened surface, or a surface other than cylindrical or circular).
Hallidie at least suggests wherein the plurality of wires are metal (one of ordinary skill in the art understands that generally wire ropes are of metal).
Nevertheless, Schoerner teaches wherein the plurality of wires are metal (see Fig. 1; Col. 3 Lines 21-25 electrical cable...10, which includes a core strand 11 surrounded by a single concentric layer of helically wound strands 12; Col. 6 Lines 64-68 while only copper and aluminum strands have been mentioned in connection with the example, strands of other metals may be employed, such as bronze, silver, brass, steel, gold, magnesium, nickel, tungsten, zinc and alloys of the same).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Hallidie’s plurality of wires to be metal as taught by Schoerner as a known material for transmitting electricity (Col. 3 Lines 21-25), which Hallidie is for as well (page 1 Lines 8-10).
Modified Hallidie at least suggests a Vickers hardness of the contact portion is higher by 1% or more than a Vickers hardness of the non-contact portion (as best understood in light of the 112(b) rejections-- it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to measure the Vickers hardness and get the recited range.  Even if the range measured did not overlap but was merely close, a prima facie case of obviousness still exists.  See MPEP 2144.05, Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985.  Measuring Vickers hardness is also a known method in the art, see extrinsic evidence de Roose USPN 11993894), and
a surface roughness Ra of an outer peripheral surface of each of the side wires is 0.10 µm or less (as best understood in light of the 112(b) rejections-- it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to measure the Vickers hardness and get the recited range.  Even if the range measured did not overlap but was merely close, a prima facie case of obviousness still exists.  See MPEP 2144.05, Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985).  A difference in surface roughness is also a known result in the art from such a deformation, see extrinsic evidence Tarumoto JP 2004/124342).
Regarding Claim 2, modified Hallidie teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 1.
Modified Hallidie at least suggests wherein at each of the end portions, the Vickers hardness of the contact portion is higher by 3% or more than the Vickers hardness of the non-contact portion (as best understood in light of the 112(b) rejections-- it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to measure the Vickers hardness and get the recited range.  Even if the range measured did not overlap but was merely close, a prima facie case of obviousness still exists.  See MPEP 2144.05, Titanium Metals Corp. of America v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 783, 227 USPQ 773, 779 (Fed. Cir. 1985.  Measuring Vickers hardness is also a known method in the art, see extrinsic evidence de Roose USPN 11993894).
Claim(s) 3 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Hallidie (USPN 0251114) in view of Schoerner et al (USPN 3383704) et al, herein Schoerner, further in view of Warren Jr (USPN 2400181), herein Warren.
Regarding Claim 3, modified Hallidie teaches all the claimed limitations as discussed above in Claim 1.
Hallidie does not explicitly teach a plurality of strands including the strand,
wherein the wire rope is formed by winding the plurality of the strands.
However, Hallidie teaches all of the structure except with solid strands (1+6 in Fig. 9, or otherwise individually of Fig. 2).  In other words, modified Hallidie would meet the recitation should the structure be stranded strands.
Warren teaches that a cord structure can be a solid strand or a stranded strand (see Figs. 1, 2; page 1 Col. 2 Lines 9-12 “filaments 15 may be solid thread-like elements of choosen diameters or each such filament may comprise a large number of very fine filaments twisted together”; see Figs. 3, 4; page 2 Col. 1 Lines 26-29 “rope…stiffness may be controlled by pre-determining the diameters…of the filaments”; see Figs. 5, 6; page 2 Col. 1 Lines 42-47 “each yarn…may comprise a single larger diameter filament although as shown it is made up of a number of filaments…depending on how flexible or how rigid a rope it is desired to produce”; see Figs. 9, 10; page 2 Col. 1 Lines 64-70 “each of said strands is shown as comprising a number of yarns 50 although each yarn comprises but one filament…it will be understood that if a more flexible rope is desired, each yarn be formed of a plurality of filaments as suggested in connection with rope 40”),
wherein the rope is formed by winding the plurality of the strands (see Figs. 1, 2; page 1 Col. 2 Lines 5-9 “a number of filaments 15 are twisted together to form a yarn…and the yarns are twisted together to form strands which latter when twisted together, form the rope”; see Figs. 3, 4; page 2 Col. 1 Lines 4-7 “filaments are twisted together to form the yarns and the latter are then twisted together to form the strands which are then twisted about the core 25”; see Figs. 5, 6; page 2 Col. 1 Lines 31-36 “twisting together three of the ropes…to form a cable laid rope”; see Figs. 7, 8; see Figs. 9, 10).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify Hallidie’s solid strands to be stranded strands as taught by Warren based on the flexibility desired in the rope (page 2 Col. 1 Lines 64-70), and also to be twisted/wound as recited as taught by Warren depending on the strength desired, as is known in the art (see extrinsic evidence Kado USPN 8991457).
As such, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that modified Hallidie teaches the wire rope further comprising a plurality of strands including the strand (Hallidie Fig. 9 wire rope further comprising a plurality of strands of Fig. 2, such that each strand of Fig. 2 is of stranded strands, based on Warren, that look like Hallidie Fig. 9),
wherein the wire rope is formed by winding the plurality of strands (Hallidie already at least suggests such winding with Fig.9, further taught in Warren).
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure and can be used to formulate a rejection if necessary: Glaze (USPN 3131469) directed to a die-drawn metal wire rope with contact and non-contact portions; Fokin (DE 102012023955), Glushko et al (USPN 3778993), Liu et al (USPN 11400766), directed to metal wire rope with contact and non-contact portions; Kondou (JPS 58120891), Hirofumi (USPN 5946898) directed to a strand with contact and non-contact portions; Browne et al (USPN 8881521) directed to a seven strand rope; Matsuura et al (USPN 4604861), Shinohara (WO 2021/033497) directed to non-circular outer strands; Pourladian (USPN 6260343), Mitsui (USPN 9162849), Glushko et al (USPN 4270341), Borden (USPN 4529837) directed to die drawing.


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given as a result of an interview with Patrick de la Pena on 8/14/25.
The application has been amended as follows:
Claim 1 Line 16 delete “42.9% to 85.7%” and substitute – “57.2% to 85.7%, or 42.9% to 71.4%,--
Claim(s) 1-3 is/are allowed over the art of record.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance:
None of the prior art of record discloses a wire rope comprising a strand obtained by die-drawing a twisted wire including a plurality of circular cross-section metal wires, and a cross-sectional width of the strand is 57.2% to 85.7%, or 42.9% to 71.4%, of a diameter of the twisted wire before the die drawing, in conjunction with the other structural limitations, such as the strand having a core wire arranged in a center of the plurality of metal wires, wherein each of the side wires include end portions in a transverse section of the strand, each of the end portions includes a contact portion and a non-contact portion, along with a Vickers hardness of the contact portion as recited and a surface roughness of each of the sides as recited, as set forth in the independent claim.  The use of wire rope comprising a strand with a core wire arranged in a center of the plurality of metal wires, each of the end portions including a contact portion and a non-contact portion is known in the art of wire rope, but the specific Vickers hardness and surface roughness resulting from the strand being obtained by die-drawing a twisted wire including a plurality of circular-cross-section metal wires, the cross-sectional width of the strand being the range percentages (%) relative to a diameter of the twisted wire before the die-drawing as claimed by the applicant is novel.  Specifically, prior art Hallidie (USPN 0251114) discloses a wire rope with a core arranged in a center of a plurality of sides, there being contact portions and non-contact portions as recited in the application.  Prior art Glaze (USPN 3131469) also discloses a core wire arranged in a center of a plurality of metal wires, the strand obtained by die-drawing a twisted wire including a plurality of circular cross-section metal wires, with contact portions.  However, none of the prior art discloses, teaches, or suggests a strand with a core wire arranged in a center of the plurality of metal wires, the strand obtained by die-drawing a twisted wire including a plurality of circular-cross-section metal wires, the cross-sectional width of the strand being the recited percentage (%) range of a diameter of the twisted wire before the die-drawing, the strand also having contact and non-contact portions.  To modify Hallidie such that the strand is obtained by die-drawing a twisted wire of circular cross-section metal wires merely to be as recited in the current application would be impermissible hindsight reconstruction of the applicant’s invention without any disclosure, teaching, or suggestion from the prior art of record, as is presently the case, especially in light of remarks 8/5/25 page 9 (“wires are individually shaped and then twisted in Hallidie”), as opposed to the claimed die-drawn/shaped after twisting together.  Though Glaze teaches stranded/twisted and then die-drawn (Col. 2 Lines 22-24), the final structure (Fig. 1) does not have non-contact portions; the claims would be that of Fig. 4A, but there is no disclosure, teaching, or suggestion from the prior art of record to stop the processing at Fig. 4A, especially as there is no disclosure of the claimed cross-sectional width of the strand being 57.2% to 85.7%, or 42.9% to 71.4%, of a diameter of the twisted wire before the die drawing which, in light of the rest of the structural limitations, would result in the claimed Vickers hardness and surface roughness, as indicated in remarks 8/5/25 pages 7, 9, differentiating the die-drawing from the prior art swaging.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon but is considered pertinent to applicant’s disclosure: Pourladian et al (WO 2012/050997) directed in Fig. 3 to multiple core wires surrounded by side wires, there being contact and non-contact portions, formed from twisting and then compaction; Kurata et al (AU 745343) directed in Fig. 4A to a core wire arranged in a center of a plurality of metal wires, there being contact and non-contact portions, formed from twisting and then die-drawn, but without a recitation of cross-sectional width of the resulting strand relative to the diameter before being die-drawn.

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US4604861A: Claims:
A method for stranding a plurality of profile strands (7) together around a central wire means having a central axis (2), comprising the steps of: first imparting a spiral twist having a given twist pitch to each of said plurality of profile strands (7) whereby a certain stress is introduced into each profile strand, then subjecting said strands to a heat treatment within a temperature range and for a time duration sufficient for again removing said stress from said twisted profile strands for providing twisted but unstressed strands, and then subjecting said twisted and unstressed strands to a planetary motion with respect to said central axis for stranding said plurality of twisted and unstressed profile strands around said central wire means thereby using a stranding twist pitch which is substantially the same as said given twist pitch.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of imparting spiral twist to each of said profile strands (7) is performed by using a rigid type stranding machine.
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of imparting spiral twist to each of said profile strands (7) is performed by using a take-up rotary type stranding machine not having an untwisting function.
The method of claim 1, comprising using steel wires having a tensile strength of at least 60 kg/mm 2 for forming said twisted profile strands.
The method of claim 4, wherein said steel wires are aluminum-covered steel wires.
The method of claim 5, wherein said heat treatment step for removing said stress from the twisted profile strands is performed within a temperature range of 200Â°-500Â° C.
The method of claim 1, wherein said stranding step is performed by causing said twisted and unstressed profile strands (7) to execute a planetary motion around said central axis of said central wire means without rotating said central wire means.
The method of claim 7, wherein said stranding step is performed by using a planetary type stranding machine.
The method of claim 1, wherein said stranding step is performed by rotating said central wire means around its central axis while rotating the profile strands (7) around respective strand axes having substantially fixed positions.
The method of claim 9, wherein said stranding step is performed by using a take-up rotary type stranding machine having an untwisting function.
The method of claim 1, comprising using as said central wire means an optical fiber conductor means.
The method of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of said profile strands (7) is substantially sectorial.
The method of claim 1, wherein said heat treatment is performed with said twisted profile strand (7) wound on a bobbin.
The method of claim 1, wherein said heat treatment is performed before said twisted profile strand (7) is wound on a bobbin.
An apparatus for stranding profile strands, comprising: a device for producing profile strands which having a spiral twist with a given twist pitch, a plurality of bobbins (12) each holding thereon said twisted profile strand (7) as wound thereon, central core feeding means for feeding a central core in a predetermined direction forming a central axis of said core, an eyeplate (16) forming a guide through which a plurality of profile strands (7) drawn out of said bobbins, are passed, a collector die (18) for collecting and stranding together the plurality of profile strands (7) drawn out of said bobbins (12) around said central core, relative rotation means for causing the plurality of bobbins (12) to execute a planetary motion relative to said central core and for providing relative rotation around said central axis between a first group including the plurality of bobbins (12) and said eyeplate (16), and a second group including said central core and said collector die (18), and restraining means 17, 21, 22, 28-33, 68, 52-57) for restraining the inclined attitudes of said profile strands on their cross-sections at least at one location between said bobbins (12) and said collector die (18).
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said relative rotation means causes said plurality of bobbins (12) to execute a planetary motion around said central core while maintaining their axial directions unchanged without rotating said central core and said collector die (18), while rotating said eyeplate (16) around said central axis of said central core synchronously with the planetary motion of said bobbins (12).
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said relative rotation means rotate said central core and said collector die (18) around said central axis of said central core while holding said bobbins (12) and said eyeplate (16) in fixed positions, and while rotating said bobbins (12) so that said profile strands rotate around their respective axes.
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means comprise rollers (21, 22) forming a pair, the peripheral surfaces of said rollers (21, 22) having grooves (24, 25) with cross-sections which, when combined, correspond to the cross-section of the profile strands (7).
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means comprises a die (68) having a hole (69) corresponding to the cross-section of the profile strands (7).
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means (28-33, 52-57) are installed at a plurality of locations along the direction of the length of each profile strand (7).
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means (28-33) are arranged so that an angle of rotation around a centerline of the profile strand (7) is adjustable.
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means (52-57) are arranged so that the position in the direction of the length of the profile strand (7) is adjustable.
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means (21, 22) are attached to said eyeplate (16).
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said inclined attitude restraining means (28-33, 52-57) are positioned between said eyeplate (16) and said collector die (18) and are caused to execute an orbital rotation relative to said central core synchronously with the relative planetary motion of said bobbins (12).
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said profile strand producing device comprises a rigid type stranding machine for imparting a spiral twist to said profile strand (7), and a stress removing device (14, 15, 76a-76f) for removing any stress from the twisted profile strand (7).
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said strain removing device includes a heat treating device (14, 15).
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said strain removing device includes a plurality of rollers (76a-76f) acting on the twisted profile strand (7).
The apparatus of claim 15, including detecting means (74) disposed between said bobbin (12) and said eyeplate (16) for detecting the inclined attitude of the profile strand (7) in its cross-section and for producing a respective control output signal, means (75) responsive to said control output signal for controlling the inclination of said bobbins (12) with respect to said central core whereby an excessive force in the twist direction is prevented from being effective on the profile strand (7) being drawn out of said bobbin (12).
A method for stranding a plurality of profile strands together around a central wire means having a central axis, comprising the steps of: first imparting a spiral twist having a given twist pitch to each of said plurality of profile strands (7) whereby a certain stress is introduced into each profile strand, then subjecting said strands to a mechanical roller treatment for again removing said stress from said twisted profile strands for providing twisted but unstressed strands, and then subjecting said twisted and unstressed strands to a planetary motion with respect to said central axis for stranding said plurality of twisted and unstressed profile strands around said central wire means thereby using a stranding twist pitch which is substantially the same as said given twist pitch.
Ref US8881521B2: Claims:
A method of reducing an initial stress on a cable, the method comprising: stretching the cable to a first length in response to a force generated by a load to thereby define the initial stress on the cable, wherein the cable has a central longitudinal axis and includes: a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length; after stretching, activating the shape memory alloy by exposing the shape memory alloy to the activation signal such that the shape memory alloy transitions from the first temperature-dependent state to the second temperature-dependent state; and concurrent to activating, elongating the cable to a second length that is greater than the first length in response to the force to define a second stress on the cable that is less than the initial stress and thereby reduce the initial stress on the cable.
stretching the cable to a first length in response to a force generated by a load to thereby define the initial stress on the cable, wherein the cable has a central longitudinal axis and includes: a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length;
a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length;
after stretching, activating the shape memory alloy by exposing the shape memory alloy to the activation signal such that the shape memory alloy transitions from the first temperature-dependent state to the second temperature-dependent state; and
concurrent to activating, elongating the cable to a second length that is greater than the first length in response to the force to define a second stress on the cable that is less than the initial stress and thereby reduce the initial stress on the cable.
The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of wires is twisted around the central longitudinal axis into a first twisted configuration when the shape memory alloy has the first temperature-dependent state, and wherein each of the plurality of wires is slackened about the central longitudinal axis into a second twisted configuration when the shape memory alloy has the second temperature-dependent state, and further wherein concurrently activating and elongating includes partially untwisting the plurality of wires with respect to the central longitudinal axis from the first twisted configuration to the second twisted configuration.
The method of claim 2 , further including, prior to activating, retaining the cable in the first twisted configuration.
The method of claim 3 , wherein retaining includes constraining the cable between a plurality of rails disposed adjacent to the cable.
The method of claim 3 , wherein the cable has a fixed end and a distal end spaced opposite the fixed end, and further includes a sheath attached to the distal end and including a constraining pin extending therefrom, and further wherein retaining includes constraining the constraining pin between the plurality of rails disposed adjacent to the cable.
The method of claim 4 , wherein elongating includes translating the plurality of rails away from the cable to thereby unconstrain the cable and reduce the initial stress to the second stress.
The method of claim 1 , wherein elongating includes lengthening each of the plurality of wires from the second temperature-dependent length.
A method of reducing an initial stress on a cable, the method comprising: stretching the cable to a first length in response to a force generated by a load to thereby define the initial stress on the cable, wherein the cable has a central longitudinal axis and includes: a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length; and an inter-wire element longitudinally engaged with and disposed adjacent to the plurality of wires, wherein the inter-wire element is operable to modify interaction between the plurality of wires; after stretching, activating the shape memory alloy by exposing the shape memory alloy to the activation signal such that the shape memory alloy transitions from the first temperature-dependent state to the second temperature-dependent state; concurrent to activating, contacting at least one of the plurality of wires and the inter-wire element; and concurrent to contacting, elongating the cable to a second length that is greater than the first length in response to the force to define a second stress on the cable that is less than the initial stress and thereby reduce the initial stress on the cable.
stretching the cable to a first length in response to a force generated by a load to thereby define the initial stress on the cable, wherein the cable has a central longitudinal axis and includes: a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length; and an inter-wire element longitudinally engaged with and disposed adjacent to the plurality of wires, wherein the inter-wire element is operable to modify interaction between the plurality of wires;
a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length; and
an inter-wire element longitudinally engaged with and disposed adjacent to the plurality of wires, wherein the inter-wire element is operable to modify interaction between the plurality of wires;
after stretching, activating the shape memory alloy by exposing the shape memory alloy to the activation signal such that the shape memory alloy transitions from the first temperature-dependent state to the second temperature-dependent state;
concurrent to activating, contacting at least one of the plurality of wires and the inter-wire element; and
concurrent to contacting, elongating the cable to a second length that is greater than the first length in response to the force to define a second stress on the cable that is less than the initial stress and thereby reduce the initial stress on the cable.
The method of claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of wires is twisted around the central longitudinal axis into a first twisted configuration when the shape memory alloy has the first temperature-dependent state, and wherein each of the plurality of wires is slackened about the central longitudinal axis into a second twisted configuration when the shape memory alloy has the second temperature-dependent state, and further wherein concurrently activating and contacting includes partially untwisting the plurality of wires with respect to the central longitudinal axis from the first twisted configuration to the second twisted configuration.
The method of claim 8 , wherein the inter-wire element includes one or more spacers disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wires, and further wherein contacting includes spreading adjacent ones of the plurality of wires apart from one another.
The method of claim 10 , wherein contacting includes resisting compression of each of the plurality of wires in a direction perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the cable.
The method of claim 8 , wherein contacting includes reducing a coefficient of friction between adjacent ones of the plurality of wires to thereby reduce the initial stress to the second stress.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the inter-wire element includes a lubricant disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wires, and further wherein contacting includes longitudinally sliding adjacent ones of the plurality of wires with respect to one another to thereby partially untwist the plurality of wires with respect to the central longitudinal axis.
The method of claim 12 , wherein the inter-wire element changes phase in response to the activation signal between a first phase having a first flexibility and a second phase having a second flexibility that is greater than the first flexibility, and further wherein concurrently activating and contacting includes partially untwisting the plurality of wires with respect to the central longitudinal axis.
A cable protection system comprising: a cable having a central longitudinal axis and including: a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length; and a lubricant disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wires; and a plurality of rails translatable between a first position wherein each of the plurality of rails is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the cable, and a second position wherein each of the plurality of rails is spaced apart from the cable.
a cable having a central longitudinal axis and including: a plurality of wires each twisted around the central longitudinal axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to an activation signal between a first temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second temperature-dependent state wherein each of the plurality of wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first temperature-dependent length; and a lubricant disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wires; and
a lubricant disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wires; and
a plurality of rails translatable between a first position wherein each of the plurality of rails is disposed a
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