Patent Publication Number: US-2023163506-A1

Title: Concentric conductor

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a system used to provide electrical power to an electrically powered load or work machine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a conductive rod having concentric cylinder conductors concentrically aligned that provide for an electrically powered work machine to maintain an electrical and/or physical connection with a roadside power source. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Heavy work machines, such as earth-moving vehicles or hauling trucks, require significant power to carry out their functions. The machines themselves can be of substantial weight, and their loads require large amounts of power to move. Diesel engines typically provide that power, but they can have disadvantages. For instance, in some implementations, heavy work machines may need to travel large distances through rugged terrain. At a remote mining site, for example, groups of these machines are often employed to ferry extreme loads along roadways, or haul routes, extending between various locations within the mining site. Supplies of diesel fuel may be far away from such locations or not easily delivered to such locations. In addition, the groups of diesel machines can generate significant pollution. 
     Electrical power has been used to supplement these diesel engines while the work machines move. In some environments, the electrical power is delivered from wires over the haul route to a pantograph on the work machine as the machine travels the haul route, as in a cable car. But overhead wires cannot reliably provide sufficient electrical energy to power a heavy work machine during long movements. Nor can the overhead delivery provide enough current to charge backup batteries for an electric machine at the same time. As a result, electrical power provided through overhead wires typically supplements, rather than replaces, power generated by diesel engines in heavy work machines. 
     It is not uncommon for overhead wires to use a coaxial cable configuration. In conventional construction, a coaxial cable typically has a flexible core having an inner conductor, typically copper. The core is often shielded by a metallic sheath that surrounds the core and can serve as an outer conductor in some examples. The coaxial cable further often includes one or more layers of insulation, typically between the core and the metal sheath, as well as, around the outside of the cable itself. The insulation between the core and the metal sheath can act as a dielectric that surrounds the inner conductor and electrically insulates it from the surrounding metallic sheath. In many known coaxial cable constructions, an expanded foam dielectric surrounds the inner conductor and fills the space between the inner conductor and the surrounding metallic sheath. An example of a coaxial cable can be found in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0345904 to Nagahashi (the &#39;904 application). The &#39;904 application describes the use of an inner bundle of single wires and an outer bundle of single wires to create a coaxial cable. The inner wires are centrally positioning in the coaxial cable and extends along a length of the center of coaxial cable. A dielectric material surrounds and encapsulates the inner bundle of wires along the length of the coaxial cable. The outer bundle of wires, sometimes used as a sheath, surrounds the dielectric material and extends the length of the coaxial cable coaxially to the inner wires and the dielectric material. 
     However, the use of flexible (or deformable) coaxial cables can be problematic. In some examples, support for the conductor is essentially limited to the one end of the conductor at a load and the other end of the conductor at the power source. The flexible cable between the two supports is unsupported. While coaxial cables, such as the coaxial cable of &#39;904 application, are typically designed to be flexible, as they are often used in systems and environments in which it is necessary to manipulate the shape of the cable, this flexibility can cause the cable to continually deform during use under its own weight. Further, the flexible cable can move or sway as if the load moves. These and other dynamic forces applied to the flexible cable can only degrade the performance of the cable but may also cause safety issues with the movement of the flexible cable. 
     Examples of the present disclosure are directed to overcoming deficiencies of such systems. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, a conductor rod includes a first cylinder conductor extending along a longitudinal axis of the conductor rod, the first cylinder conductor having a first inner diameter, a first outer diameter, a first terminal connector assembly affixed to the first cylinder conductor proximate a first end of the conductor rod, and a second terminal connector assembly affixed to the first cylinder conductor proximate a second end of the conductor rod. The conductor rod further includes a barrel extending along the longitudinal axis of the conductor rod, the barrel having a second inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter, a third terminal connector assembly affixed to the barrel proximate the first end of the conductor rod, and a fourth terminal connector assembly affixed to the barrel proximate the second end of the conductor rod. The conductor rod additionally includes a head-end interface, the first terminal connector assembly being affixed to the head-end interface affixing the first cylinder conductor to the head-end interface, and, the third terminal connector assembly being affixed to the head-end interface affixing the barrel to the head-end interface, and a connector assembly, the second terminal connector assembly being affixed to the connector assembly affixing the first cylinder conductor to the connector assembly, and, the fourth terminal connector assembly being affixed to the connector assembly affixing the barrel to the connector assembly. 
     In another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, a work machine includes an electric engine, a conductor rod for providing electrical energy to the electric engine from a power source, the conductor rod extending along a longitudinal axis of the conductor rod, from a head-end interface proximate to the work machine to a connector assembly spaced laterally from the work machine. The conductor rod includes a first cylinder conductor extending along the longitudinal axis of the conductor rod having a first inner diameter and a first outer diameter, the first cylinder conductor comprising a first terminal connector assembly affixed to the head-end interface and a second terminal connector assembly affixed to the connector assembly, a second cylinder conductor extending along the longitudinal axis of the conductor rod having a second inner diameter greater than the first outer diameter of the first cylinder conductor and a second outer diameter, the second cylinder conductor comprising a third terminal connector assembly affixed to the head-end interface and a fourth terminal connector assembly affixed to the connector assembly, a barrel extending along the longitudinal axis of the conductor rod having a third inner diameter greater than the second outer diameter of the second cylinder conductor and a third outer diameter, the barrel comprising a fifth terminal connector assembly affixed to the head-end interface and a sixth terminal connector assembly affixed to the connector assembly, and wherein the first cylinder conductor or the second cylinder conductor comprise an electrically conductive material to conduct electrical power from a power source to the electric engine of the work machine. 
     In a still further aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, a method of assembling a conductor rod for use on a work machine includes affixing a first cylinder conductor to a head-end interface by threading a first set of threaded members through the head-end interface into a first terminal connector assembly affixed to the first cylinder conductor, the first cylinder conductor having a first outer diameter, affixing a second cylinder conductor to the head-end interface by threading a second set of threaded members through the head-end interface into a second set of terminal connector assemblies affixed to the second cylinder conductor, wherein the second cylinder conductor has a second inner diameter and a second outer diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is greater than the first outer diameter of the first cylinder conductor defining a first cavity, affixing a barrel to the head-end interface by threading a third set of threaded members through the head-end interface into a third set of terminal connector assemblies affixed to the barrel, wherein the barrel has a third inner diameter and third outer diameter, wherein the third inner diameter is greater than the second outer diameter of the second cylinder conductor defining a second cavity, affixing the first cylinder conductor to connector assembly by threading a fourth set of threaded members through the connector assembly into a fourth terminal connector assembly affixed to the first cylinder conductor, affixing the second cylinder conductor to the connector assembly by threading a fifth set of threaded members through the connector assembly into a fifth set of terminal connector assemblies affixed to the second cylinder conductor, and affixing the barrel to the connector assembly by threading a sixth set of threaded members through the connector assembly into a sixth set of terminal connector assemblies affixed to the barrel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an isometric view of a work machine within an XYZ coordinate system as one example suitable for carrying out the principles discussed in the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a longitudinal section of a conductor rod with an arm disposed in a barrel, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conductor rod and a connector assembly, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is an isometric view of a cylinder conductor having a ring-type terminal connector assembly, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a cylinder conductor affixed to connector assembly, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of a second cylinder conductor and cuboid connectors, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS.  7  and  8    depict an example of a head-end interface with multiple tiered levels that may be used to electrically and physically connect a conductor rod to a load or work machine, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts.  FIG.  1    illustrates an isometric view of a work machine  100  within an XYZ coordinate system as one example suitable for carrying out the principles discussed in the present disclosure. The exemplary work machine  100  travels parallel to the X axis along a roadway, also termed a haul route  101 , typically from a source to a destination within a worksite. In one implementation as illustrated, work machine  100  is a hauling machine that hauls a load within or from a worksite within a mining operation. For instance, the work machine  100  may haul excavated ore or other earthen materials from an excavation area along haul route  101  to dump sites and then return to the excavation area. In this arrangement, work machine  100  may be one of many similar machines configured to ferry earthen material in a trolley arrangement. While a large mining truck in this instance, work machine  100  may be any machine that carries a load between different locations within a worksite, examples of which include an articulated truck, an off-highway truck, an on-highway dump truck, a wheel tractor scraper, or any other similar machine. Alternatively, work machine  100  may be an off-highway truck, on-highway truck, a dump truck, an articulated truck, a loader, an excavator, a pipe layer, or a motor grader. In other implementations, work machine  100  need not haul a load and may be any machine associated with various industrial applications including, but not limited to, mining, agriculture, forestry, construction, and other industrial applications. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an example work machine  100  includes a frame  103  powered by electric engine  102  to cause rotation of traction devices  104 . Traction devices  104  are typically four or more wheels with tires, although tracks or other mechanisms for engagement with the ground along haul route  101  are possible. Electric engine  102  functions to provide mechanical energy to work machine  100  based on an external electrical power source, such as described in further detail below. An example of mechanical energy provided by electric engine  102  includes propelling traction devices  104  to cause movement of work machine  100  along haul route  101 , but electric engine  102  also includes components sufficient to power other affiliated operations within work machine  100 . For instance, in some implementations, electric engine  102  includes equipment for converting electrical energy to provide pneumatic or hydraulic actions within work machine  100 . While electric engine  102  is configured to operate from an external electrical power source, electric engine  102  typically includes one or more batteries for storing electrical energy for auxiliary or backup operations. 
     In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, and relevant to the presently disclosed subject matter, the work machine  100  further includes a conductor rod  106  configured to receive electrical power from a power rail  108 . In some examples, power rail  108  is one or more beams of metal arranged substantially parallel to and a distance above the ground. In  FIG.  1   , power rail  108  is positioned to be substantially parallel to the X axis and the direction of travel of work machine  100 . Support mechanisms hold power rail  108  in place along a distance at the side of haul route  101  for work machine  100  to traverse. The support mechanisms and power rail  108  may be modular in construction, enabling their disassembly and reassembly at different locations or their repositioning along the existing haul route  101 . Moreover, while shown in  FIG.  1    to the left of work machine  100  from the perspective of an operator sitting in the cab of the work machine  100 , power rail  108  may be disposed to the right of work machine  100  or in other locations suitable to the particular implementation. 
     Power rail  108  provides a source of electrical power for work machine  100  as either AC or DC. In some examples, power rail  108  has two or more conductors, each providing voltage and current at a different electrical pole. In one implementation (e.g., an implementation in which the power rail  108  includes three conductors), one conductor provides positive DC voltage, a second conductor provides negative DC voltage, and a third conductor provides 0 volts relative to the other two conductors. The two powered conductors within power rail  108  provide +1500 VDC and −1500 VDC. These values are exemplary, and other physical and electrical configurations for power rail  108  are available and within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art Further, it should be understood that the voltages described herein are merely exemplary, as various levels of AC voltage may be used, as well as a combination of AC and DC voltages, depending on the particular configuration. 
     Conductor rod  106  enables electrical connection between work machine  100  and power rail  108 , including during movement of work machine  100  along haul route  101 . In the example shown in  FIG.  1   , conductor rod  106  is an elongated arm resembling a pole.  FIG.  1    shows conductor rod  106  positioned along a front side of work machine  100 , with respect to the direction of travel of work machine  100  in the direction of the X axis. In this arrangement, conductor rod  106  is located in  FIG.  1    in the Y-Z plane essentially along the Y axis with a first end  107  near a right side of work machine  100  and a second end  111  at a left side of work machine  100 . Conductor rod  106  may be attached to any convenient location within work machine  100 , such as to frame  103 , in a manner to couple conductor rod  106  to power rail  108 . Shown in  FIG.  1    as extending to a left side of work machine  100  toward power rail  108 , conductor rod  106  may alternatively be arranged to extend to a right side and at any desired angle from work machine  100  such that conductor rod  106  may be coupled to power rail  108  for obtaining electrical power. 
     As embodied in  FIG.  1   , conductor rod  106  includes a barrel  109  mounted to frame  103  of work machine  100 . Barrel  109  has a hollow interior and may be a conductive metal having suitable mechanical strength and resiliency, such as aluminum. Within barrel  109 , an arm  110  is retained. Arm  110  is engaged within conductor rod  106  along the Y axis in  FIG.  1   . A length of conductor rod  106  roughly spans the width of work machine  100 . A junction  112  serves as the junction or interface between arm  110  and barrel  109 , which is the main body of conductor rod  106 . When arm  110  is fully retracted or collapsed into barrel  109 , junction  112  essentially becomes the left edge of conductor rod  106 . On the other hand, when arm  110  is extended from barrel  109  of conductor rod  106 , arm  110  may reach from work machine  100  to proximate power rail  108  on the side of haul route  101 . 
     Within, and possibly including barrel  109 , conductor rod  106  includes a series of electrical conductors passing longitudinally, at least from a head  122  at a proximal end of the conductor rod  106  to a tip  124  at a distal end of the conductor rod  106 . Typically, the conductors within conductor rod  106  are formed of a metallic material and are rigid. In some examples, the conductors are concentric tubes, or hollow cylinders, of solid metal such as copper, aluminum, gold, silver, nickel, zinc, or alloys thereof nested together and sized to provide electrical capacity sufficient for powering work machine  100 . Other conductive materials may be used, such as graphite, and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Tubular conductors within arm  110  engage with corresponding tubular conductors within barrel  109  to provide for electrical continuity. In other examples, one or more concentric copper tubes, rather than aluminum, of varying diameters may be used as tubular conductors. Other types of conductive tubes may be used and are within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     At tip  124 , a connector assembly  114  provides an interface to power rail  108  via trailing arms  116  and contactor  118 . Power rail  108  is typically arranged along a side of haul route  101 , and work machine  100  is steered so that it traverses haul route  101  substantially in parallel with power rail  108 . Thus, in reference to  FIG.  1   , power rail  108  and a travel path for work machine  100  are substantially in parallel with each other and with the X axis. Contactor  118  is configured to maintain an electrical connection with power rail  108  while sliding along its surface in the direction of the X axis as work machine  100  moves. In some examples, trailing arms  116  are conductors coupled to contactor  118 , each conducting voltage and current at a different electrical pole and corresponding to the conductors within conductor rod  106 . In operation, electrical power is accessed from power rail  108  via contactor  118 , which remain in contact during movement of work machine  100 , and the electrical power is conducted through trailing arms  116  into connector assembly  114 . 
     From connector assembly  114 , the electrical power is conveyed at tip  124  through the nested tubular conductors within arm  110  and barrel  109  to head  122  of conductor rod  106  and through a head-end interface  120  to work machine  100 . Head-end interface  120  provides at least an electrical connection between conductor rod  106  and work machine  100  for powering electric engine  102  and otherwise enabling operations within work machine  100 . In some examples, head-end interface  120  may also provide an interface for inputs to control mechanical operation of conductor rod  106 . 
     As noted above, the tubular or cylindrical nature of conductor rod  106 , lending to a degree of rigidity greater than a solid conductor of similar or smaller mass or weight to conductor rod  106  due to a larger moment of inertia of a hollow tube than a solid rod of similar mass. Thus, by forming the conductive material into a hollow tube rather than a solid rod, for similar conductive performance, conductor rod  106  can provide a mechanism to conduct electrical power from a source to a load over an unsupported distance. As described above, trailing arms  116  are conductors coupled to contactor  118 , each conducting voltage and current at a different electrical pole and corresponding to the conductors within conductor rod  106 . Different cylindrical conductors within conductor rod  106  can provide for the transmission of different potentials along conductor rod  106 , illustrated in more detail in  FIG.  2   , below. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a longitudinal cross-section of a section of conductor rod  106  with arm  110  disposed in barrel  109 , in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. More specifically,  FIG.  2    depicts a longitudinal cross-section of a section of conductor rod  106  between head-end interface  120  and connector assembly  114 , from head  122  to tip  124 , when viewed facing in the direction of travel for work machine  100 , i.e., in the direction of the X axis along. Thus, conductor rod  106  lies in the Y-Z plane, as indicated in  FIG.  2   . 
     Referring to the right side of  FIG.  2   , barrel  109  contains an arrangement of concentric conductors of tubular shape, i.e., as hollow cylinders. In this example, from an axial center AB outward, first cylinder conductor  202  is positioned concentrically along axial center AB (i.e. the longitudinal axis of barrel  109 ) of barrel  109  and is a tubular conductor made of aluminum or a similar metal with high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. For instance, an aluminum alloy such as 6061-T6 may be used for first cylinder conductor  202  and other conductive tubes in conductor rod  106 . Other suitable metals or alloys thereof may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. In some examples, first cylinder conductor  202  has an outer diameter of approximately 3.5 inches to 4.5 inches. However, it should be understood that dimensions provided herein are merely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limitations, as dimensions described in relation to various components may be greater or less than the examples provided herein. First cylinder conductor  202  begins at head  122  and extends axially along conductor rod  106  around axial center AB to a barrel end  205 . As a tube, first cylinder conductor  202  defines first cylinder cavity  204  within inner surface  207  of first cylinder conductor  202 . If arm  110  were removed from barrel  109  in  FIG.  2   , first cylinder cavity  204  would be an open space within first cylinder conductor  202  from head  122  to barrel end  205 . In one example, first cylinder cavity  204  has a diameter of about 2.5 to 3 inches. 
     A second cylinder conductor  206  is positioned concentrically along axial center AB and surrounds first cylinder conductor  202 . As with first cylinder conductor  202 , second cylinder conductor  206  is a tubular conductor made of aluminum or a similar metal with high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. Second cylinder conductor  206  is similarly positioned around a Y axis within  FIG.  2    and spans a distance from head  122  to barrel end  205 . In one example, second cylinder conductor  206  has an outer diameter of about 5 inches to 5.5 inches. These dimensions, as well as other dimensions discussed below, are merely examples and could be greater or lesser than the stated values. Being arranged concentrically around and, by definition, having a larger diameter than first cylinder conductor  202 , second cylinder conductor  206  forms a radial gap between it and first cylinder conductor  202 . In the example of  FIG.  2   , that gap is filled by second cylinder insulation  208 , which is an insulation comprised of a closed cell polyurethane foam. Other types of materials for second cylinder insulation  208  that provide electrical insulation and lightweight support within conductor rod  106  will be available and apparent to those of ordinary skill in the field. In some examples, second cylinder insulation  208  has a thickness of about 1.5 inches to 0.75 inches. 
     In some examples, second cylinder insulation  208  can be a dielectric. Dielectric materials can be solids, liquids, or gases. Some solids can be used as dielectrics, such as porcelain, glass, plastics, and the closed cell polyurethane foam described above. In configurations in which a cylinder conductor or piston conductor is hermetically sealed on both ends of the cylinder conductor or piston conductor, fluidic dielectrics can be used in gaps, such as radial gap first cylinder conductor  202  and second cylinder conductor  206 . Fluid dielectrics can include some forms of oil or gaseous dielectrics such as air, nitrogen, helium, and other dry gases such as sulfur hexafluoride. In further configurations in which a cylinder conductor or piston conductor is hermetically sealed on both ends of the cylinder conductor or piston conductor, a partial vacuum can be used. In various examples, a partial vacuum can be used as a nearly lossless dielectric even though its relative dielectric constant is unity. It should be noted that the dielectrics disclosed herein are merely examples, as other dielectrics may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. Different dielectrics can be used in various radial gaps of conductor rod  106  to allow for different voltages and different types of potentials to be conducted by conductor rod  106 . A partial vacuum can be created by pulling air from within a conductor rod, such as from within a cavity, explained in more detail in  FIG.  7   . 
     Moving farther out radially on the right side of  FIG.  2   , third cylinder conductor  210  is positioned concentrically along axial center AB and surrounds second cylinder conductor  206  and first cylinder conductor  202 . Third cylinder conductor  210  is a tubular conductor made of aluminum or a similar metal with high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. As with the other tubes discussed, third cylinder conductor  210  extends from head  122  to barrel end  205  within conductor rod  106 . In one example, third cylinder conductor  210  has an outer diameter of about 8 to 9 inches. A third cylinder cavity  212  between second cylinder conductor  206  and third cylinder conductor  210  is an open space, which, if arm  110  were removed from barrel  109  in  FIG.  2   , would form a tubular cavity extending from head  122  to barrel end  205 . 
     Concentrically along axial center AB and around third cylinder conductor  210  and the other tubular conductors, fourth cylinder conductor  214  forms an outer conductive path from head  122  to barrel end  205 . Similarly, fourth cylinder conductor  214  is a tubular conductor made of an aluminum alloy or a similar metal with high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. In one example, fourth cylinder conductor  214  has an outer diameter of about 14 inches. A gap  215  defined as a space between outer surface  217  of third cylinder conductor  210  and an inner surface  219  of fourth cylinder conductor  214 , in some examples, is about 0.75 inches and is filled with fourth cylinder insulation  216 , which is a closed cell polyurethane foam, dielectric, or similar substance. 
     Radially beyond fourth cylinder conductor  214 , a covering or barrel shell  218  encases conductor rod  106 . Barrel shell  218  is typically a metal or similar substance providing structural integrity to conductor rod  106 . Barrel shell  218  has an inner diameter in excess of an outer diameter of fourth cylinder conductor  214 . As a result, a retraction cavity  220  of a tubular shape is formed between fourth cylinder conductor  214  and barrel shell  218  that extends from head  122  to barrel end  205 . A stop  222 , which is part of a housing for conductor rod  106  at junction  112 , defines a longitudinal end for retraction cavity  220  away from head  122 . 
     The various annular or tubular cavities within barrel  109 , namely, first cylinder cavity  204 , third cylinder cavity  212 , and the head end of retraction cavity  220  (barrel shell cavity  242 , described below), are sealed or capped by the attachment of head-end interface  120  to their ends at head  122 . The attachment of head-end interface  120  is designed to provide an airtight (or hermetic) seal within these cavities, for purposes to be understood further below. 
     Viewing  FIGS.  1  and  2    together, arm  110  is a substantially cylindrical body having an outer diameter D 1  that is smaller than inner diameter D 2  of barrel shell  218 , allowing arm  110  to slidable engage into barrel  109 . As well as providing a longitudinal end for retraction cavity  220 , stop  222  also defines an inner diameter D 3  through which arm  110  slides, as shown to the left of  FIG.  2   . By sliding, it is meant that arm  110  may move longitudinally along the Y axis within barrel  109  as arm  110  is moved axially with respect to conductor rod  106 , from left to right in  FIG.  2    for retraction and from right to left in  FIG.  2    for extension. The result of the sliding is the increase or decrease in the overall length of conductor rod  106  via arm  110 , as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring now to the left side of  FIG.  2   , arm  110  also contains a series of concentric conductors of cylindrical or tubular shape. In this example, from the axial center outward, first piston conductor  224  is positioned at a center of arm  110  and is, as with the other tubular conductors of arm  110 , made of a metal such as aluminum 6061-T6 or similar substance having high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. First piston conductor  224  extends from tip  124  to an arm end  225 , shown at the right side of  FIG.  2   . Being tubular, first piston conductor  224  has a first piston cavity  226  within its inner diameter that is filled with air or another gas. A second piston conductor  228  concentrically surrounds first piston conductor  224  and extends from tip  124  to arm end  225 . Second piston conductor  228  is made of a conductive material, and in some examples has an inner diameter of between about 5 and 6 inches. A space defined as second piston cavity  230  is formed between the inner diameter of second piston conductor  228  and the outer diameter of first piston conductor  224 , which is left unfilled other than with air or a similar gas. 
     Moving radially outward from second piston conductor  228 , a third piston conductor  232  axially centered on the Y axis concentrically surrounds second piston conductor  228 . Similarly made of a conductive material, third piston conductor  232  is set off radially from second piston conductor  228  a distance of less than 1 inch, which is filled with a third piston insulation  234 . As with second cylinder insulation  208  and fourth cylinder insulation  216 , third piston insulation  234  can be a closed cell polyurethane foam or comparable substance providing electrical insulation and lightweight stability. An arm shell  236  of conductive material such as metal concentrically surrounds third piston conductor  232  from tip  124  to about arm end  225 . In some examples, arm shell  236  has an outer diameter of about 11.625 inches. Within an inner diameter of arm shell  236 , an arm shell cavity  238  of free space exists between arm shell  236  and third piston conductor  232 . 
     In some examples, the outer surface of arm shell  236  includes gasket  240 , which serves to stably set apart arm shell  236 , and arm  110  generally, from barrel shell  218 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , as arm  110  is retracted or extended within barrel  109 , gasket  240  separates retraction cavity  220  from a barrel shell cavity  242 . As well, gasket  240  can help retain arm  110  within conductor rod  106  in a state of maximum extension by butting against stop  222 . 
     As illustrated,  FIG.  2    represents an arrangement in which conductor rod  106  essentially has two longitudinal halves. It should be noted, however, that a conductor rod of the presently disclosure does not require multiple halves, illustrated in  FIG.  3   , below. Returning to  FIG.  2   , a first half, barrel  109 , on the right side of  FIG.  2   , includes barrel shell  218  enclosing a series of tubular cylinder conductors aligned along the Y axis. Those cylinder conductors, viewed radially from axial center AB, are first cylinder conductor  202 , second cylinder conductor  206 , third cylinder conductor  210 , and fourth cylinder conductor  214 . Within that concentric arrangement, tubular regions of open space exist within first cylinder cavity  204  and third cylinder cavity  212 . Further, barrel shell  218  encases barrel  109  and forms an open space  244  within retraction cavity  220  and barrel shell cavity  242 . On the left side of  FIG.  2   , arm  110  includes arm shell  236  enclosing a series of tubular piston conductors also aligned along axial center AB of conductor rod  106 . Those piston conductors, viewed radially from axial center AB, are first piston conductor  224 , second piston conductor  228 , and third piston conductor  232 . Within that concentric arrangement, tubular regions of open space exist within first piston cavity  226  and second piston cavity  230 . Further arm shell  236  encases arm  110  and forms an open space  246  within arm shell cavity  238 . 
     In an operating state for conductor rod  106 , arm  110  is inserted into barrel  109  to form a nested configuration of the piston conductors and the cylinder conductors. For example, when arm  110  is inserted into barrel  109 , the outer surface  227  of first piston conductor  224  fits within an internal space formed by an inner surface  229  of first cylinder conductor  202 . During operation, first piston conductor  224  maintains electrical contact with first cylinder conductor  202 , permitting electrical conductivity between those tubular conductors. When first piston conductor  224  is mated within first cylinder conductor  202 , first piston cavity  226  and first cylinder cavity  204  connectively extend axially through conductor rod  106  from head  122  to tip  124 . 
     Similarly, when the combination of second piston conductor  228 , third piston conductor  232 , and interposed third piston insulation  234  are slid as part of arm  110  into barrel  109 , an outer surface  231  of third piston conductor  232  fits within an inner surface  233  of third cylinder conductor  210 , and an inner surface  235  of second piston conductor  228  fits over an outer surface  237  of second cylinder conductor  206 . As a result, second piston conductor  228 , third piston conductor  232 , and third piston insulation  234  are disposed in the empty space defined by third cylinder cavity  212 . In this configuration, third piston conductor  232  electrically contacts third cylinder conductor  210 , and second piston conductor  228  electrically contacts second cylinder conductor  206 . In some examples, and as shown similarly in  FIG.  2   , when conductor rod  106  is fully collapsed, at least some volume of empty space will remain within third cylinder cavity  212 , which will have an annular or tubular shape and be defined radially by portions of second cylinder conductor  206  and third cylinder conductor  210 . 
     Conversely, when arm  110  is inserted into barrel  109 , the cylinder conductors will be disposed within cavities within the piston from left to right in  FIG.  2   , and the cylinder conductors are nested with the piston conductors. For example, the combination of first cylinder conductor  202 , second cylinder conductor  206 , and second cylinder insulation  208  are in the open space defined by second piston cavity  230  within arm  110 , during which, as mentioned, first cylinder conductor  202  electrically contacts first piston conductor  224  and second cylinder conductor  206  electrically contacts second piston conductor  228 . Likewise, in the illustrated example, the sandwich of third cylinder conductor  210 , fourth cylinder conductor  214 , and fourth cylinder insulation  216  are in the open space defined by arm shell cavity  238  within arm  110 . Third cylinder conductor  210  will contact third piston conductor  232 , and fourth cylinder conductor  214  will do the same against arm shell  236 . 
     As mentioned above, head-end interface  120  provides at least an electrical connection between conductor rod  106  and work machine  100  for powering electric engine  102  and otherwise enabling operations within work machine  100 . Head-end interface  120  also provides the physical securement of first cylinder conductor  202 , second cylinder conductor  206 , third cylinder conductor  210 , and fourth cylinder conductor  214  to work machine  100 , allowing arm  110  to extend and retract in relation to conductor rod  106 , illustrated in more detail in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , below. 
       FIG.  3    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a conductor rod  300  on the side of a tip  324  proximate to connector assembly  312 , in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. For purposes of simplicity, only the side of conductor rod  300  proximate to connector assembly  312  is illustrated, though the technologies and techniques described in  FIG.  3    and below are applicable to conductor rod  300  proximate to a head-end interface, such as head-end interface  120  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   .  FIG.  3    depicts a longitudinal cross-sectional of a portion of conductor rod  300  when viewed facing in the direction of travel for a work machine, such as work machine  100  of  FIG.  1   , i.e., in the direction of the X axis. Thus, conductor rod  300  lies in the Y-Z plane, as indicated in  FIG.  3   . Conductor rod  300  includes first cylinder conductor  302 , second cylinder conductor  304 , third cylinder conductor  306 , and barrel  308 . Conductor rod  300  includes connector assembly  312 . Similar to the conductor rod  106  of  FIG.  1   , connector assembly  312  is located proximate to a power supply to conduct power from the power supply to work machine  100  (or load). 
     First cylinder conductor  302 , second cylinder conductor  304 , and third cylinder conductor  306  are concentric conductors of tubular shape, i.e. as hollow cylinders. In  FIG.  3   , from axial center CD outward, first cylinder conductor  302  is positioned at a center of barrel  308 . Second cylinder conductor  304  concentrically surrounds first cylinder conductor  302 . As with first cylinder conductor  302 , second cylinder conductor  304  is a tubular conductor made of aluminum or a similar metal with high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength. Second cylinder conductor  304  is similarly positioned concentrically around axial center CD. Moving farther out radially, third cylinder conductor  306  concentrically surrounds second cylinder conductor  304  and first cylinder conductor  302 . Concentrically around third cylinder conductor  306  and the other tubular conductors, barrel  308  forms an outer conductive path. In some examples, barrel  308  can act as a fourth cylinder conductor if constructed from a conductive material. First cylinder conductor  302 , second cylinder conductor  304 , third cylinder conductor  306 , and barrel  308  span a distance from head-end interface  310  to connector assembly  312 . Radially beyond fourth cylinder conductor  214 , barrel  308  encases conductor rod  300 . Barrel  308  is typically a metal or similar substance providing structural integrity to conductor rod  300 . However, in some examples, barrel  308  is a non-conductive material that isolations the electrically energized interior of conductor rod  300  from an environment. Barrel  308  has an inner diameter in excess of an outer diameter of fourth cylinder conductor  214 . 
     As tubes, first cylinder conductor  302  defines first cylinder cavity  314  within inner surface  315  of first cylinder conductor  302 , second cylinder conductor  304  defines second cylinder cavity  316  between inner surface  317  of second cylinder conductor  304  and outer surface  319  of first cylinder conductor  302 , third cylinder conductor  306  defines third cylinder cavity  318  between inner surface  321  of third cylinder conductor  306  and outer surface  323  of the second cylinder conductor  304 , and barrel  308  defines fourth cylinder cavity  320  between inner surface  325  of barrel  308  and outer surface  327  of the third cylinder conductor  306 . First cylinder cavity  314 , second cylinder cavity  316 , third cylinder cavity  318 , and/or fourth cylinder cavity  320  can be filled with insulative materials such as closed cell polyurethane foam. In other examples, first cylinder cavity  314 , second cylinder cavity  316 , third cylinder cavity  318 , and/or fourth cylinder cavity  320  are filled with a dielectric. Dielectric materials can be solids, liquids, or gases. Some solids can be used as dielectrics, such as porcelain, glass, plastics, and the closed cell polyurethane foam described above. In configurations in which a cylinder conductor is hermetically sealed on both ends of cylinder conductor rod  300 , fluidic dielectrics can be used in cavities, First cylinder cavity  314 , second cylinder cavity  316 , third cylinder cavity  318 , and/or fourth cylinder cavity  320 . Fluid dielectrics can include some forms of oil or gaseous dielectrics such as air, nitrogen, helium, and other dry gases such as sulfur hexafluoride. In further configurations in which a cylinder conductor or piston conductor is hermetically sealed on both ends of the cylinder conductor or piston conductor, a partial vacuum can be used. In various examples, a partial vacuum can be used as a nearly lossless dielectric even though its relative dielectric constant is unity. It should be noted that the dielectrics disclosed herein are merely examples, as other dielectrics may be used and are considered to be within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     Different dielectrics can be used in various cylinder cavities of conductor rod  300  to allow for different voltages and different types of potentials to be conducted by conductor rod  300 . For example, first cylinder conductor  302  and second cylinder conductor  304  can be configured to conduct a DC voltage and third cylinder conductor  306  can be configured to conduct an AC voltage. Because both first cylinder conductor  302  and second cylinder conductor  304  are conducting DC voltage, there may be no need or requirement to have a dielectric other than air between first cylinder conductor  302  and second cylinder conductor  304 . However, if the AC voltage being carried on third cylinder conductor  306  is of a certain voltage level or frequency, a dielectric of suitable strength can be used to prevent a short between second cylinder conductor  304  and third cylinder conductor  306 . 
     The various annular or tubular cavities within barrel  308 , namely, first cylinder cavity  314 , second cylinder cavity  316 , third cylinder cavity  318 , and/or fourth cylinder cavity  320 , are sealed or capped by the attachment of the ends of the cylinder conductors to an interface. In  FIG.  3   , the interface is connector assembly  312 , though the same technology and techniques can be used to attach the other ends of cylinder conductors to another interfaces, such as head-end interface  120  of  FIG.  2   . The attachment is designed to provide an airtight (or hermetic) seal within these cavities. For example, when using fluidic insulative materials or dielectrics, or a partial vacuum, a hermetic seal maintains the fluid within the particular cavity to which the fluid is inserted, or, maintains the partial vacuum from which the air was pumped out. To provide for an airtight seal, the ends of the cylinder conductors can be affixed to interfaces using various technologies, including welding, glue, adhesive, gaskets, and the like. To removably affix the ends of the cylinder conductors, whereby the ends can be installed, removed, and reinstalled, the cylinder conductors can use a terminal connector assembly. The terminal connector assemblies use a threaded member inserted into a terminal receiver. The terminal receiver is affixed to a respective cylinder conductor, thereby providing for affixing and removing the cylinder conductors from either a head-end interface, such as head-end interface of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , or connector assembly  312 . 
     Conductor rod  300  of  FIG.  3    is illustrated as using different types of terminal connector assemblies. In  FIG.  3   , first cylinder conductor  302  is affixed to connector assembly  312  using terminal connector assembly  330  and threaded members  332 A and  332 B. Threaded members  332 A and  332 B are inserted through connecter assembly  312  and into terminal connector assembly  330 . At head-end interface  310 , first cylinder conductor  302  is affixed to head-end interface  310  using terminal connector assembly  334  and threaded members  336 A and  336 B. Threaded members  336 A and  336 B are inserted through head-end interface  310  and into terminal connector assembly  334 . Terminal connector assemblies  330  and  334  are affixed to first cylinder conductor  302  using various technologies such as, but not limited to, welding, soldering, and the like. Terminal connector assemblies  330  and  334  are ring-type connector assemblies. Ring-type terminal connector assemblies use a cylindrical ring to which a cylinder conductor is affixed, shown in more detail in  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  4    is an isometric view of first cylinder conductor  302  illustrating a ring-type terminal connector assembly, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. First cylinder conductor  302  has disposed within an inner diameter of first cylinder conductor  302  a terminal connector assembly  330 . Terminal connector assembly  330  is a tubular shape that has an outer diameter, when measured radially from the center of first cylinder conductor  302 , that allows an inner surface of first cylinder conductor  302  to abut and be affixed to terminal connector assembly  330  at interface  400 . Terminal connector assembly  330  includes receiving locations  402  and  404 . Receiving locations  402  and  404  are locations in terminal connector assembly  330  into which threaded members  332 A and  332 B are inserted and threaded to secure first cylinder conductor  302  and terminal connector assembly  330  to connector assembly  312 . It should be noted that because terminal connector assembly  330  is tubular in shape, first cylinder conductor  302  may be removably affixed against connector assembly  312  without mechanical attachment to terminal connector assembly  330 . For example, terminal connector assembly  330  may be removably affixed to connector assembly  312  and then first cylinder conductor  302  is inserted onto and around terminal connector assembly  330 , whereby an inner surface  406  of first cylinder conductor  302  is inserted over an outer surface  408  of terminal connector assembly  330  at interface  400 . While this may not mechanically affix first cylinder conductor  302  to connector assembly  312  in the same manner as if first cylinder conductor  302  was welded to terminal connector assembly  330 , when first cylinder conductor  302  is placed over terminal connector assembly  330 , terminal connector assembly  330  positionally secures first cylinder conductor  302 . First cylinder conductor  302  may be affixed to a particular location on connector assembly  312  using not only the secured position of terminal connector assembly  330  on connector assembly  312 , but also by the use of shaped surfaces, illustrated in more detail in  FIG.  5   , below. 
     Second cylinder conductor  304 , third cylinder conductor  306 , and barrel  308  are affixed to connector assembly  312  using cuboid connectors. More specifically, second cylinder conductor  304  is affixed to connector assembly  312  using cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B. Third cylinder conductor  306  is affixed to connector assembly  312  using cuboid connectors  362 A and  362 B. Barrel  308  is affixed to connector assembly  312  using cuboid connectors  364 A and  364 B. As with terminal connector assembly  330 , the cuboid connectors use threaded members to affix their respective cuboid connectors to connector assembly  312 , and thus, affixing their respective cylinder conductor to connector assembly  312 . In  FIG.  3   , threaded members  346 A and  346 B affix cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B, respectively, to connector assembly  312 . Threaded members  348 A and  348 B securely affix cuboid connectors  362 A and  362 B, respectively, to connector assembly  312 . Threaded members  350 A and  350 B securely affix cuboid connectors  364 A and  364 B, respectively, to connector assembly  312 . The cylinder conductors can be permanently affixed to their respective cuboid connectors using welding, soldering, or other similar technology. In other examples, the cylinder conductors can be placed against their respective cuboid connectors whereby the cuboid connector provides a physical barrier to movement of the cylinder conductor. In either technology, the cuboid connector is sized and shaped to abut to an outer surface of their respective cylinder conductor, illustrated in more detail in  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view showing the portion of first cylinder conductor  302  affixed to connector assembly  312 , in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. As illustrated in  FIG.  5   , first cylinder conductor  302  is affixed to connector assembly  312  by terminal connector assembly  330 . In  FIG.  5   , first cylinder conductor  302  is engaged onto terminal connector assembly  330  at interface  400 . As noted above, first cylinder conductor  302  can be engaged onto terminal connector assembly  330  at interface  400  by affixing first cylinder conductor  302  to terminal connector assembly  330  using welding, soldering, or other similar technique. In another example, first cylinder conductor  302  can be engaged onto terminal connector assembly  330  at interface  400  by slidable engaging first cylinder conductor  302  onto terminal connector assembly  330  at interface  400 . The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular technology for affixing, either permanently or temporarily, first cylinder conductor  302  onto terminal connector assembly  330 . Also illustrated in  FIG.  5    are threaded members  332 A and  332 B. Threaded members  332 A and  332 B are inserted through connector assembly  312  thru receiving locations  402  and  404 , respectively, and into terminal connector assembly  330 . 
     As noted above with respect to  FIG.  4   , first cylinder conductor  302  and terminal connector assembly  330  may be shaped or formed to provide additional securement capabilities. This means that and end of first cylinder conductor  302  and terminal connector assembly  330  may not be perfectly cylindrical, but rather, may be shaped in a manner to provide additional mechanical benefits. As shown in  FIG.  5   , first cylinder conductor  302  includes flange  500  and receiving slot  502 . Terminal connector assembly  330  includes flange  504 . In some examples, the flange  504  is sized and shaped to fit securely within receiving slot  502 . Flange  500  can be sized and shaped to provide an increased surface area onto which first cylinder conductor  302  is secured to the surface of connector assembly  312 . In a similar manner, flange  504  can be sized and shaped to provide an increased surface area onto which terminal connector assembly  330  is secured to the surface of connector assembly  312 . The additional surface area provided by flange  500  and flange  504  can provide for hermetically sealing first cylinder conductor  302  to connector assembly  312 .  FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate an example configuration for securing a cylinder conductor to connector assembly  312  or head-end interface  310 . While terminal connector assembly  330  is described as a ring structure over which and onto first cylinder conductor  302  is inserted, other types of terminal connector assemblies may be used, such as cuboid connectors described in more detail in  FIG.  6   . 
       FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view of second cylinder conductor  304  and cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B along the cut lines illustrated in  FIG.  3    but with first cylinder conductor  302  and connector assembly  330  removed for purposes of simplicity, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG.  6   , cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B abut to an outer surface of second cylinder conductor  304  at interfaces  600 A and  600 B. As noted above, second cylinder conductor  304  can be engaged with cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B at interfaces  600 A and  600 B by affixing second cylinder conductor  304  to cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B at interfaces  600 A and  600 B, respectively, using welding, soldering, or other similar techniques. In another example, second cylinder conductor  304  can be engaged into cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B at interfaces  600 A and  600 B by slidably engaging second cylinder conductor  304  into the inner surfaces of cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B at interfaces  600 A and  600 B. The presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to any particular technology for affixing, either permanently or temporarily, second cylinder conductor  304  onto cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B. Also illustrated in  FIG.  6    are receiving locations  602  and  604 , into which threaded members  346 A and  346 B are inserted. 
     Threaded members, such as threaded members  346 A and  346 B, are used to secure cuboid connectors, such as cuboid connectors  360 A and  360 B of  FIG.  6   , or ring-like connector assemblies, such as terminal connector assembly  330  of  FIG.  4   , to a head-end interface or connector assembly. However, these threaded members may also be used to electrically connect a load to one or more power sources, such as a power rail system, illustrated in more detail in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , below. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    depict an example of a head-end interface  700  with multiple tiered levels that may be used to electrically and physically connect a conductor rod, such as conductor rod  300  of  FIG.  3   , to a load or work machine, in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. For example, head-end interface  700  can be used as head-end interface  120  of  FIG.  1   . Head-end interface  700  includes structural features that enable electrical connection with conductor rod  300  using threaded members. Head-end interface  700 , with an interface on the circumference of conductor rod  300 , provides access for passing electrical power from conductor rod  300  to a work machine, such as work machine  100 .  FIG.  7    provides an isometric view of head-end interface  700  within an XYZ coordinate system.  FIG.  8    provides a longitudinal cross-sectional view of head-end interface  700  along the cut lines shown in  FIG.  7   , revealing internal conductors, as discussed below. Head-end interface  700  is shown illustrated with threaded members  702 A and  702 B,  704 A and  704 B,  706 A and  706 B, and  708 A and  708 B. Threaded members  702 A and  702 B,  704 A and  704 B,  706 A and  706 B, and  708 A and  708 B are constructed in a manner similar to threaded members of  FIG.  3   . Threaded member  708 A is shown in  FIG.  7    as being partially extracted from head-end interface  700 . 
     Head-end interface  700  includes tiers  710 - 716  that are disposed above each other longitudinally along the Z axis and are generally circular in shape. Tier  710  has a height A above tier  712 . Tier  712  has a height B above tier  714 . Tier  714  has a height C above tier  716 . Tier  710  is defined by planer section  718 , which is generally circular in shape, and riser section  720 . Tier  712  is defined by planer section  722 , which is generally circular in shape, and riser section  724 . Tier  714  is defined by planer section  726 , which is generally circular in shape, and riser section  728 . Tier  716 , which may be called the base of head-end interface  700 , is defined by planer section  730  and riser section  732 . Threaded members  702 A and  702 B are located on tier  710 . Threaded members  704 A and  704 B are located on tier  712 . Threaded members  706 A and  706 B are located on tier  714 . Threaded members  708 A and  708 B are located on tier  716 . Head-end interface  700  is shown with port  738 . Port  738  is an opening in head-end interface  700  and provides an opening through head-end interface  700  into which fluids may be introduced or air may be removed to create a partial vacuum, described in more detail in  FIG.  8   , below. 
       FIG.  8    is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of head-end interface  700  along the cut lines shown in  FIG.  7   . Head-end interface  700  is physically and electrically connected to conductor rod  300  of  FIG.  3    at head  701  of conductor rod  300  longitudinally opposite to tip  324  and connector assembly  312 , thus completing the electrical and physical connections between a power supply supplying power to connector assembly  312  for loads connected to head-end interface  700 . In some examples, head  701  can be a first end of conductor rod  300  and tip  324  is a second end of conductor  300 . Thus, various components may be described in context of being proximate to head  701  or tip  324 . Threaded members  702 A and  702 B are located on tier  710 . Threaded members  704 A and  704 B are located on tier  712 . Threaded members  706 A and  706 B are located on tier  714 . Threaded members  708 A and  708 B are located on tier  716 . First cylinder conductor  302  is affixed to head-end interface  700  using threaded members  702 A and  702 B affixed to terminal connector assembly  740  proximate to head  701 . Second cylinder conductor  304  is affixed to head-end interface  700  using threaded members  704 A and  704 B affixed to terminal connector assemblies  742 A and  742 B, respectively, proximate to head  701 . Third cylinder conductor  306  is affixed to head-end interface  700  using threaded members  706 A and  706 B affixed to terminal connector assemblies  744 A and  744 B, respectively, proximate to head  701 . Barrel  308  is affixed to head-end interface  700  using threaded members  708 A and  708 B affixed to terminal connector assemblies  746 A and  746 B, respectively, proximate to head  701 . 
     To assemble conductor rod  300 , referring to  FIGS.  3  and  8   , head-end interface  700  and connector assembly  312  are provided. It should be noted that the order of assembly can commence either from head-end interface  700  or connector assembly  312 , or may alternate from cylinder conductor to cylinder conductor. The following is merely an example. Continuing with the assembly, first cylinder conductor  302  is affixed to head-end interface  700  by threading threaded members  702 A and  702 B into terminal connector assembly  740 , proximate to head  701 . Second cylinder conductor  304  is affixed to head-end interface  700  by threading threaded members  704 A and  704 B into terminal connector assemblies  742 A and  742 B, respectively, proximate to head  701 . Third cylinder conductor  306  is affixed to head-end interface  700  by threading threaded members  706 A and  706 B into terminal connector assemblies  744 A and  744 B, respectively, proximate to head  701 . Barrel  308  is affixed to head-end interface  700  by threading threaded members  708 A and  708 B into terminal connector assemblies  746 A and  746 B, respectively, proximate to head  701 . To complete the assembly of conductor rod  300 , first cylinder conductor  302  is affixed to connector assembly  312  by threading threaded members  332 A and  332 A into terminal connector assembly  330 , proximate to tip  324 . Second cylinder conductor  304  is affixed to connector assembly  312  by threading threaded members  346 A and  346 B into terminal connector assemblies  340 A and  340 B, respectively, proximate to tip  324 . Third cylinder conductor  306  is affixed to connector assembly  312  by threading threaded members  348 A and  348 B into terminal connector assemblies  342 A and  342 B, respectively, proximate to tip  324 . Barrel  308  is affixed to connector assembly  312  by threading threaded members  350 A and  350 B into terminal connector assemblies  344 A and  344 B, respectively, proximate to tip  324 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure provides a conductor rod (or barrel) that has internal concentric conductors that conduct electrical power from a source to a receiving system or load, such as the work machine  100 . The concentric conductor includes one or more conducting tubes interior to an outer tube, extending concentrically around a central axis. The conducting tubes are affixed to a head-end interface or conductor assembly at either end of the concentric conductor to electrically and physically isolate the conducting tubes from the environment. The terminal connector, through the use of hollow tubes with a degree of structural rigidity, can be used in situations requiring the concentric conductor to span an unsupported length. For example, the concentric conductor can be used to electrically connect a moving machine to an electrical power supply a lateral distance from the moving machine. The rigidity of the concentric conductor can reduce or eliminate the need for addition supports for the concentric conductor over the unsupported length. Further, the rigidity of the concentric conductor can reduce or eliminate deformation (bending) of the concentric conductor over the unsupported length, thus providing for a constant or near constant shape of the conductor, reducing the need to make adjustments of the distance between the source and the load solely caused by the deformation. Further, using hollow tubes as concentric conductors can provide for the use of different fluids, solids, or vacuum to be used as a dielectric, even different among the conducting tubes themselves as, in some examples, the interior of the conducting tubes are isolated from each other. 
     Further, the use of a multi-tiered head-end cap can provide additional benefits. Having tiers  710 - 716  provide for the ability to connect electrical connectors onto head-end interface  700  while maximizing the distance between adjacent threaded members. For example, threaded member  708 A and  706 A are proximate to each other radially along the X axis. If on the same plane, threaded member  708 A may be in a proximate distance that may make connecting electrical connector  734  onto threaded member  708 A difficult because of the close contact between threaded member  708 A and threaded member  706 A. Further, if threaded member  708 A and  706 A are proximate to each other radially along the X axis, the close proximate distance may increase a probability of a short between threaded member  708 A and  706 A. For example, if on the same tier (or plane), electrical connector  734  may be in close proximity to electrical connector  736  affixed to threaded member  706 A. Because threaded members  708 A and  706 A may each be carrying electrical current from a power source, the close proximity may increase the probably of an electrical short, potentially causing safety issues and equipment damage. Electrical connectors  734  and  736  provide electrical power received from threaded members  708 A and  706 A, respectively, to load  737 . 
     However, as illustrated, the use of tiers  710 - 716  provides a degree of separation from proximate threaded members along the Z axis. Although threaded members  708 A and  706 A may be in close proximity along the X axis, threaded member  708 A is separated from threaded member  706 A along the Z axis by height C, providing for an increased amount of space between threaded member  708 A and  706 A, making maintenance and other operations potentially easier. Further, because of the distance between threaded member  708 A and threaded member  706 A, the probability of an electrical short between threaded members  708 A and  706 A may be reduced. 
     Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not exclude the use of plural such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. As used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc. 
     While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.