Patent Abstract:
The invention disclosed herein provides a drag socket comprising a frame, a first attachment means for connecting the frame to a control line, a second attachment means for connecting the frame to a drag line, a socket body removably attached to the frame, a releasing wedge releasably inserted into the socket body, a locking wedge releasably inserted into the releasing wedge, a wire rope termination fused to a wire rope adjacent the locking wedge, and a load plate movably attached to the frame adjacent the releasing wedge whereby the releasing wedge is retained in the socket body when a force is applied to the wire rope. The invention also discloses a process of forming a drag socket attached to a wire rope comprising the steps of providing a drag socket frame, inserting the wire rope into a socket body in the drag socket frame, forming a termination on the wire rope, applying a releasing wedge to the wire rope and placing it into the socket body, applying a locking wedge to the wire rope and placing it into the releasing wedge, applying a load plate adjacent the socket body in a position to resist forces from the releasing wedge, and applying tension to the wire rope to move the termination to compress the locking wedge and the releasing wedge. Additionally, the invention discloses a process of releasing a drag socket from a wire rope comprising the steps of providing a drag socket frame, providing a termination on the wire rope, providing a locking wedge adjacent the termination, providing a releasing wedge around the locking wedge, providing a socket body, secured in the socket frame around the releasing wedge, providing a load plate adjacent the releasing wedge and removably secured within the frame, providing a retaining means for applying pressure to the load plate and the frame, and removing the retaining means whereby pressure on the load plate is released and the releasing wedge is released.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/016,940 entitled “System and Method for Termination of a Wire Rope” filed Dec. 2, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/825,658 entitled “Method for Making a Termination for a Wire Rope for Mining Equipment” filed Apr. 14, 2004. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for terminating a wire rope and connecting it to various pieces of equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the termination is used in association with a dump bucket or socket in the field of mining.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     This invention relates to clamping devices for cables and particularly to an improved open wedge socket for clamping the cable and facilitating release of the cable from the socket.  
         [0004]     Open wedge sockets are typically used with cranes or other hoisting machines. The socket is attached to the free end of a cable that is suspended from the crane. The socket provides means for coupling the free end of the cable to buckets or other apparatus which are then lifted or transported by the crane.  
         [0005]     Conventional open wedge sockets include a wedge member and a socket for receiving the wedge member. A cable is captured in the socket by passing the free end of the cable through the socket, laying the wedge on the cable, and returning the free end of the cable over the wedge and back through the socket. The cable bearing wedge is then driven into the socket with sufficient force to trap the cable and wedge within the socket. Examples of these conventional open wedge sockets are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,355,004; 1,745,449; 2,217,042; 2,372,754; 2,482,231; 3,654,672; and 3,957,237.  
         [0006]     A slightly different example of a conventional open wedge socket is shown in Great Britain Patent No. 2,080,389. In this example, there are two wedge sections, one stationary and integral with the socket and the other movable into the socket to grip a cord. The cord is laid in the socket over the stationary wedge section and the moveable section is forced into the socket. This socket has the same problems as the other conventional sockets discussed above.  
         [0007]     It is often necessary to release the cable from the wedge socket. In the conventional wedge sockets, the wedge must be driven out of the socket and the free end of the cable must be pulled back into and through the socket. The free end of the socket frequently becomes kinked or frayed during normal use of the wedge socket. A slight kink or fray can effectively prevent a user from driving the wedge out of the socket. Further, the damaged free end will not pass back through the conventional socket. Heretofore, the only solution to this problem has been to cut the damaged cable to remove the frayed or kinked end.  
         [0008]     An example of a known open wedge socket is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,891 to McBride. McBride provides an open wedge socket for a cable that includes a wedge having a peripheral surface for engaging the cable, a housing including an outwardly opening channel for receiving the wedging cable, and an interference member having a sliding fit on the housing to capture the wedge and the cable in the channel. However, the McBride invention allows for a whip-like backlash from the frayed end of the cable when the interference member is removed.  
         [0009]     Removal of the captured cable and wedge from a conventional wedge socket can also be hampered by the buried nature of the wedge itself. Because of the weight that is repeatedly carried on the socket during lifting operations, the wedge is typically forced into the socket so tightly that it is necessary to remove the wedge with a sledgehammer. The wedge is generally contained or buried within the socket so that it is unreachable by the head of the sledgehammer. Heavy-duty punches or levers may be required to enable the sledgehammer to reach and strike a buried wedge.  
         [0010]     Removal of the wedge and cable in the manner described above is a cumbersome, labor intensive, time-consuming exercise and many times results in destruction of the cable. In some cases hydraulic hammers are used to dislodge the cable. The hammers create flying chips of metal and can cause serious injury. In other cases, the stored energy in the loop of the wire rope over the wedge is tremendous. Release of this energy as the rope is removed can cause severe injury. In some cases, the removal of prior art commercial systems has resulted in death. Because of the time, labor and danger involved, the wedge and cable removal process associated with conventional wedge sockets is also very costly, resulting in extended periods of equipment downtime and inefficient use of personnel.  
         [0011]     A need has existed for a wire rope termination made by a fast process resulting in a light-weight, heavy duty termination. A further need has existed for connecting wire rope terminations to mining and other equipment quickly and safely. A further need has existed for a method to create wire rope terminations which result in great strength. The present invention meets these needs.  
         [0012]     The wire rope terminations of the present invention also relate to the field of exothermic metallic reactions known as thermite reactions.  
         [0013]     Thermite reactions are highly exothermic reactions. During such reactions initially solid reactants undergo oxidation and reduction processes which liberate great heat from the reaction products. Such thermite reaction processes serve various useful purposes. Important applications of the thermite reaction process include the welding of metallic members and the cast forming of metal or ceramic parts. In such applications the thermite reaction is utilized to produce a superheated molten metal to cast a part or produce a weld metal for the welding and joining of the members.  
         [0014]     Thermite reactions are generally described as reactions between metal oxides and metallic reducing agents. The metal oxides chosen for the reaction are those which have low heats of formation. The reducing agents chosen for the reaction are those which exhibit oxide species with high heats of formation. The difference in the heat of formation of the reaction product metal oxide and the reactant metal oxide is the heat produced in the reaction, and, as indicated, such reactions are highly exothermic. Thermite reactions of particular interest due to their extensive industrial usage are as follows:  
                                                                     Heat Evolved           Thermite Reactions   K cal                                    (1)   3Fe 3 O 4  + 8A1 = 9Fe + 4Al 2 O 3     719       (2)   3FeO + 2Al = 3Fe + Al 2 O 3     187       (3)   Fe 2 O 3  + 2Al = 2Fe + Al 2 O 3     181       (4)   3CuO + 2Al = 3Cu + Al 2 O 3     275       (5)   3Cu 2 O + 2Al = 6Cu + Al 2 O 3     260                  
 
         [0015]     In present commercial form the thermite reactions noted above all require local temperatures of approximately 1750° F. in order to be self-propagating (i.e., in order to ignite and continue the reaction to completion). For this reason, starting materials of lower ignition temperatures (about 850° F.) are placed in direct contact with the thermite reaction materials. Such starting materials may be conveniently ignited with a flint igniter, or other like sparking or ignition device. Upon ignition of the starting material, the starting material serves to ignite the higher temperature ignition point thermite reaction materials.  
         [0016]     After the termite reaction is complete, liquid metal from the crucible passes into a chamber or mold where it is solidified for use.  
         [0017]     A conventional thermite reaction is shown U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,677 to Amos. Amos shows a thermite reaction containment vessel on method of using it which includes a crucible in which the exothermic material is contained and which is connected at its lower end via tap hold to a well chamber in which parts are welded together.  
         [0018]     Accordingly, it is one desired aspect of the invention to combine the products of the thermite reaction to create a wire rope termination to be used in combination with a novel connector mechanism to provide an extremely high connection strength along with a mining wire rope connector that is extremely safe and easy to use.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0019]     The invention disclosed herein provides a drag socket comprising a frame, a first attachment means for connecting the frame to a control line, a second attachment means for connecting the frame to a drag line, a socket body removably attached to the frame, a releasing wedge releasably inserted into the socket body, a locking wedge releasably inserted into the releasing wedge, a wire rope termination fused to a wire rope adjacent the locking wedge, and a load plate movably attached to the frame adjacent the releasing wedge whereby the releasing wedge is retained in the socket body when a force is applied to the wire rope.  
         [0020]     The invention also discloses a process of forming a drag socket attached to a wire rope comprising the steps of providing a drag socket frame, inserting the wire rope into a socket body in the drag socket frame, forming a termination on the wire rope, applying a releasing wedge to the wire rope and placing it into the socket body, applying a locking wedge to the wire rope and placing it into the releasing wedge, applying a load plate adjacent the socket body in a position to resist forces from the releasing wedge, and applying tension to the wire rope to move the termination to compress the locking wedge and the releasing wedge.  
         [0021]     Additionally, the invention discloses a process of releasing a drag socket from a wire rope comprising the steps of providing a drag socket frame, providing a termination on the wire rope, providing a locking wedge adjacent the termination, providing a releasing wedge around the locking wedge, providing a socket body, secured in the socket frame around the releasing wedge, providing a load plate adjacent the releasing wedge and removably secured within the frame, providing a retaining means for applying pressure to the load plate and the frame, and removing the retaining means whereby pressure on the load plate is released and the releasing wedge is released.  
         [0022]     The invention also discloses an apparatus for connecting a drag line to a drag chain comprising a drag line termination means, fused to the end of the drag line for rigidly expanding the diameter of the drag line, a connector frame attached to the drag chain and to a lift line, and a receiving means within the connector frame, abutting the drag line termination means, for compressing the drag line termination means to resist a force applied to the drag line.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  depicts an exploded isometric view of the apparatus used in the method for making a termination for a wire rope using an exothermic metallic material.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of the apparatus used in the method.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  depicts a front view of the assembled apparatus used in the method.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional side view of the assembled apparatus used in the method.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of a socket usable with the termination.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6   a  is a cutaway plan view of an alternate embodiment of a socket usable with the termination.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6   b  depicts a side view of an alternate embodiment of a socket usable with the termination.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  depicts an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of a socket usable with the termination.  
         [0032]      FIG. 8   a  depicts a side view of two frustroconical wedges usable with the socket of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 8   b  depicts a plan view of three frustroconical wedges used with the termination of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 9   a  depicts an isometric assembly view of a wire rope, termination, several frustroconical wedges and a socket.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9   b  represents an isometric partially assembled assembly view of a wire rope, termination, several frustroconical wedges and a socket.  
         [0036]      FIG. 9   c  represents an isometric partially assembled view of a termination, socket and wire rope.  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  shows an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 11  shows a section plane view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 12  shows a diagram of a mining system employing the connector systems of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     Before explaining the present embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the particular descriptions and that the embodiments can be practiced or carried out in various ways.  
         [0041]     The termination described herein is made by a labor saving process for use with mining equipment. The termination for wire rope is lighter than conventional terminations used on drag lines in the mining industry, but has the same or greater strength.  
         [0042]     The terminations for wire rope for the mining industry must be capable of sustaining a large break force. The termination of the present invention weighs appreciably less than similarly sized wire ropes with typical terminations, up to or exceeding 50% less. For example, a current style termination could weigh 6000 pounds for a  4⅜ inch diameter wire rope. In contrast certain embodiments of the invention utilize a termination weighing only about  1500-2800 pounds for the same diameter wire rope.  
         [0043]     In the preferred embodiment, the terminations are for use with wire ropes with a diameter between ¼ inches and 7 inches. The terminations will work equally well with smaller and larger diameter wire rope. Typical wire ropes are made of steel, alloys of steel and combinations thereof. The wire rope can be a single strand rope or a multi-strand rope.  
         [0044]     The terminations are made using the equipment of  FIG. 1 . In a first embodiment, the termination  10  is formed on the end of a wire rope  15  using an exothermic metallic material. In an alternative embodiment, a liquid adhesive can be used to make the termination for the wire rope. The termination formed from the liquid adhesive has additional safety advantages as the termination can be made without heat in the field, preventing burns to workers, which is a much needed benefit.  
         [0045]     For terminations made using the exothermic metallic material, one end of the wire rope is inserted into a mold  25 .  FIG. 1  depicts the mold  25  as a two part mold with a top part  25   a  and a bottom part  25   b , but a one piece mold can also be used. For large diameter wire ropes, a three piece mold may be used. In this embodiment, the top half of the mold is segmented along the axis of the wire rope opening  27 . For extremely large diameter ropes, a several piece mold may be used.  
         [0046]     The pieces of mold  25  are held together with toggle-type latches (not shown) spaced around the periphery of the mold. In the preferred embodiment, using two pieces for the mold, there are four latches, two on each side. For the preferred embodiment where the mold is made in three pieces, six latches are used, two on each side and two on the top to hold the top two pieces of the top section of the mold together. The latches are placed so that leakage of molten metal between the seams of the pieces of the mold and down the access of the wire rope is minimized or preferably prevented.  
         [0047]     The mold has a mold opening  35 . The mold opening can be rectangular, but an elliptical shape or round shape or other shape can be used. The opening should have a diameter that is adequate to permit molten metal to flow into the mold.  
         [0048]     The mold has a cavity formed with two connected chambers, a wire rope opening  27  and a termination cavity  28 . Wire rope opening  27  is cylindrical and formed to the diameter of the wire rope. Termination cavity  28  in the preferred embodiment is also cylindrical having a diameter approximately two inches greater than the diameter of wire rope  15 . The dimensions of the termination cavity are a matter of design choice. In the preferred embodiment of a termination cavity for a 4½-inch diameter wire rope, the cavity is 7¾ inches in diameter and 4 inches long  
         [0049]     The termination cavity can have a conical, cylindrical, or even rectangular shape. The cavity dictates the resultant shape of the termination. For example, the termination can include a hole perpendicular to the axis of the wire rope form or form a particular shape for connection to other equipment dependent on the shape of the termination cavity.  
         [0050]     The external shape of the mold can be any functional shape but is preferably rectangular. The overall external dimensions of the mold of a preferred embodiment are between about 6 inches and about 20 inches; 10 inches is a preferred example. The width of the mold of a preferred embodiment can range from about 6 to about 16 inches; 8 inches is a preferred example. The length of a preferred embodiment can range from about 8 to about 24 inches; 12 inches is a preferred example.  
         [0051]     The mold is preferably made of graphite or other materials that are very heat resistant. Another embodiment uses a sand casting mold as known in the art.  
         [0052]      FIG. 2  shows an isometric view of wire rope  15  inserted into mold  25 .  FIG. 2  also shows a crucible  45 , baffle  47  and baffle opening  51 .  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows a front view of the crucible  45  with the mold  25  and a preferable circular opening for engaging the wire rope.  
         [0054]      FIG. 4  depicts a cross-sectional view of the mold, crucible and wire rope.  
         [0055]     The crucible provides a reaction chamber for the exothermic material. The crucible dimensions preferably coincide with or are slightly larger than the dimensions of the mold. The dimensions of the crucible of a preferred embodiment are between 10 and 18 inches in height (preferably 12 inches), between 10 and 20 inches in width (preferably 14.5 inches), and between 10 and 30 inches in length (preferably 15 inches). In the preferred embodiment, the walls of the crucible are one inch thick. The floor of the crucible is angled to assist the molten metal flowing out of the crucible through crucible opening  50 . The crucible can have a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, but generally it is hollow to receive material. The crucible opening has a shape that can be rectangular, ellipsoid, or another usable shape for flowing molten metal into the crucible. The crucible is preferably made of graphite or a heat resistant material that will not deform in the presence of high heat.  
         [0056]     A separator  55  is disposed over the crucible opening  50 . The purpose of the separator is to keep the exothermic metallic material separate from the mold until ignition of the exothermic metallic material. Typically, separator  55  is a mild steel material; however, any sacrificial material can be used. In a preferred embodiment, the separator has a width between 2 inches and 6 inches in width and a length between 4 inches and 8 inches with a thickness that can range in a corresponding manner. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the separator is 10 gauge.  
         [0057]     The terminations are made using an exothermic metallic material  40  that is placed into the crucible. The exothermic metallic material is preferably a powdered metallic material. Different sizes of granules, powder or small metal chips can be used in the same crucible. In the preferred embodiment, the material is provided in two phases. The first phase has a fine granularity to promote ease of ignition. The second phase has a coarse granularity to slow burning of the material and provide for adequate bulk to sustain the reaction. In the preferred embodiment, the first phase has granules of approximately 1/100 of an inch in diameter and the second phase granules have the size of approximately 1/10 an inch in diameter. In the preferred embodiment, the exothermic metallic material is sold under the trademark “Cad Weld”, available from ERICO, Inc. of Solom, Ohio.  
         [0058]     The exothermic reactions utilized in the invention include but are not limited to the following:  
                                                                     Heat Evolved           Thermite Reactions   K cal                                    (1)   3Fe 3 O 4  + 8Al = 9Fe + 4Al 2 O 3     719       (2)   3FeO + 2Al = 3Fe + Al 2 O 3     187       (3)   Fe 2 O 3  + 2Al = 2Fe + Al 2 O 3     181       (4)   3CuO + 2Al = 3Cu + Al 2 O 3     275       (5)   3Cu 2 O + 2Al = 6Cu + Al 2 O 3     260                  
 
         [0059]     A baffle  47  is inserted over the crucible  45  to contain the heat and direct any resulting vapors out a baffle opening  51 . The baffle is preferably the same of similar shape to that of the crucible. The baffle is preferably made from steel plate. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the baffle  47  has at least one internal baffle  61  for deflecting the heat and hot reaction gasses from the crucible.  
         [0060]     In a preferred embodiment, the baffle can have a length ranging between 11 inches to 31 inches, a width ranging between 11 inches to 21 inches, and a height ranging between 11 inches to 19 inches in length. The preferred dimensions are 16 inches in length, 15 inches in width, and 18 inches in height. The preferred thickness of the baffle is 10 gauge.  
         [0061]     The process of making a termination in the preferred embodiment begins by clamping the mold together by closing the appropriate toggle clamps. Crucible  45  and baffle  47  are then appropriately assembled. Assembly requires insertion of separator  55  in between crucible  45  and termination cavity  28 . Crucible  45  and mold  28  must be positioned so that ducted communication, through separator  55  is achieved.  
         [0062]     In the preferred embodiment, the end of wire rope  20  is cleaned before the termination is formed. The cleaning step can be performed by any normal means of cleaning a substance. The preferred methods for cleaning are either by using a torch, by using chemicals to remove dirt, and combinations thereof.  
         [0063]     After cleaning, wire rope  15  is inserted into wire rope opening  27  far enough to extend into termination cavity  28 . In the preferred embodiment of the method, the wire rope is extended approximately two thirds of the width of termination cavity  28 .  
         [0064]     Exothermic metallic material  40  is then added to crucible  45  in at least one phase. When additional phases of exothermic metallic material  40  are desired in crucible  45 , the bulk phases are added first and allowed to settle. The fine phases are then added and allowed to settle.  
         [0065]     The exothermic metallic material  40  is kindled in the crucible  45 . The exothermic metallic material  40  can be kindled using a striker, a torch, a flame, or other similar heat sources, and combinations thereof. Once kindled, the exothermic metallic material  40  burns quickly. The exothermic metallic material forms a ductile and malleable material and liquefies the separator  55  forming a molten material  60 .  
         [0066]     Molten material  60  flows into mold  25  through mold opening  35  and comes into contact with end  20  of wire rope  15 . Molten material  60  is of such a temperature that is partially melts and fuses to the wire rope. Molten material  60  takes the form of mold  25  around end  20  forming termination  10 .  
         [0067]     Molten material  60  is allowed to cool which in the preferred embodiment can take approximately 15 minutes. Crucible  45  and baffle  47  are then removed from mold  25 . Mold  25  is then separated into pieces by disconnecting the latches which hold the pieces of the mold together. If the mold is a single piece, it may need to be broken away from the termination. In cooling, exothermic material  60  slightly contracts, allowing the pieces of the mold to be removed easily.  
         [0068]     The resultant termination  10  is lighter than conventional terminations and is typically capable of sustaining a higher break force than the wire rope.  
         [0069]     A termination according to the present invention may be made using a liquid adhesive. If the termination is formed using a liquid adhesive, the wire rope first end is place in a mold. A liquid adhesive is then poured into the mold  25  through the mold opening  35  covering the end of the wire rope. The liquid adhesive may need to be heated to room temperature if the method is performed in a cold climate. Examples of usable liquid adhesives include an epoxy, such as a Devcon™ aluminum epoxies from Illinois Tool Work, of Devcon, Ill. Epoxies from 3-M of Minneapolis, Minn. are also contemplated as usable herein, as well as other epoxies that are strong and bond to steel.  
         [0070]     The liquid adhesive is allowed to cure in the mold  25  forming a cured termination typically capable of sustaining a higher break force than the wire rope.  
         [0071]     In the preferred embodiment the formed termination is inserted into a socket. The socket has an equipment connector on one end adapted to engage mining equipment and a wire rope connector on the other end adapted to engage the termination.  
         [0072]      FIG. 5  shows the wire rope with termination engaging a socket  89 . The socket has a first connector end  90  adapted to engage mining equipment; and a second connector end  80  to engage the termination  10  on wire rope  15 . First connector end  90  includes hole  92 , connector  105  and connector hole  106 . Hole  92  is sized to include a bushing  100  for connection to mining equipment. Connector hole  106  is similarly sized for connection to the mining equipment. Second connector end  80  includes an upward facing opening  95  which is sized to permit an insertion of wire rope  15  and termination  10 .  
         [0073]     Socket  89  is preferably formed from ANSI 4140 steel or EN30B material. The dimensions of socket  89  are a matter of engineering choice. However, in the preferred embodiment for a wire rope of 4½ inch diameter, socket  117  is approximately 35 inches long and 13¼ inches wide.  
         [0074]     Moving to  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , a second preferred embodiment of a socket is shown as socket  117 . Socket  117  has body  115 . In the preferred embodiment, body  115  is formed from ANSI 4140 steel or EN30B material. First connector end  113  comprises socket ear  116  and socket ear  118  which are used for connection to mining equipment. Socket ear  116  includes hole  125 . Similarly, socket ear  118  includes hole  130 . Copper alloy bushing  131  is placed in hole  125 . Similarly, copper alloy bushing  130  is placed in hole  126 . The size and composition of the bushings are a matter of engineering choice.  
         [0075]     Body  115  includes ear support  135  and ear support  140 . Ear support  135  and ear support  140  strengthen body  115  to prevent spreading of the ears during operation. Guide set  120  is used during operation of the mining equipment to locate a connector (not shown) during operation. The inclusion of the ear supports and guide set are optional depending on the forces applied to the system and connection pins used in operation.  
         [0076]     Body  115  includes a bore  160  opening into frustroconical bore  165 . Bore  160  is approximately the same diameter as wire rope  15 . Frustroconical bore  165  includes circumferential slots  145 ,  150  and  155 . The circumferential slots allow for lubrication of the frustroconical wedges (not yet shown). The inclusion of the circumferential slots is optional.  
         [0077]     Body  115  further includes lateral opening  157 . Lateral opening  157  is sized to allow entry and exit of the termination.  
         [0078]      FIG. 6   b  shows cradles  161  and  162  formed in body  115  of socket  117 . The cradles are provided in the preferred embodiment to reduce weight and are optional.  
         [0079]      FIG. 7  shows an alternate embodiment of the socket for the termination, socket  118 . Socket  118  includes upward connector  175  for connection to mining equipment. Upward connector  175  includes through hole  180  and bushing  185 . Socket  118  also includes sled  170 . In the preferred embodiment, sled  170  is welded to socket  118  to protect the socket and its internal pieces from the elements during mining operations.  
         [0080]      FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  show frustroconical wedges  190 ,  195  and  200 . The frustroconical wedges are designed to fit into frustroconical bore  165  and around wire rope  15 . Frustroconical wedge  190  includes surface slot  192 . Similarly, frustroconical wedge  195  includes surface slot  197  and frustroconical wedge  200  includes surface slot  202 . The surface slots are provided to allow a circular retaining tie to be applied to the frustroconical wedges to hold them together around wire rope  15  during insertion into frustroconical bore  165 .  
         [0081]     In the preferred embodiment, of frustroconical wedges for use with a 4½ inch wire rope, each frustroconical wedge is 8⅝ inches long and has an outer diameter of 5⅞ inches and in inner diameter of 3⅛ inches. Frustroconical wedge  190  also includes mating surface  191 , similarly, frustroconical wedge  191  has mating surface  196  and frustroconical wedge  200  has mating surface  201 . Each of the mating surfaces is flat and is designed to contact a flat mating surface of the termination during operation of the invention. Frustroconical wedges  190 ,  195  and  200  when assembled form an interior bore  215  and an exterior surface  220 . The interior bore is cylindrical. The exterior surface is frustroconical.  
         [0082]      FIG. 8   b  shows that the three frustroconical wedges of the preferred embodiment are equal in size, being separated by gaps at 120 degrees. For example, gap  205  separates frustroconical wedge  190  and frustroconical wedge  195  when inserted into frustroconical bore  165 . The gaps allow for radial contraction of each frustroconical wedge toward the other frustroconical wedges toward the wire rope during operation of the invention. Gap  205  is typically ⅜ of an inch. In the preferred embodiment, there are three equally spaced and identical frustroconical wedges. However, in alternate embodiments, there can be two or more frustroconical wedges divided axially to provide compression forces to wire rope  15 .  
         [0083]     In the preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of the frustroconical wedges is about 96 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees. Of course, other angles of inclination will function according to engineering choice.  
         [0084]     Each of the dimensions of the frustroconical wedges, gaps and slots can differ, depending on the size of the wire rope and the frustroconical bore. Each of the frustroconical wedges are preferably made of mild steel or an aluminum alloy.  
         [0085]     Turning to  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b  and  9   c , the assembly and usage of the termination, frustroconical wedges and socket can be seen.  
         [0086]      FIG. 9  shows an exploded view of socket  117 , wire rope  15  and termination  10 , as well as frustroconical wedges  190 ,  195  and  200 . In operation, wire rope  15  is threaded through bore  160  in socket  117 . Termination  10  is then formed on wire rope  15  as previously described.  
         [0087]     Frustroconical wedges  190 ,  195  and  200  are then assembled onto wire rope  15  as shown in  FIG. 9   b . A circular retaining tie  169  is then fitted into the surface slots to hold the frustroconical wedges in place on the wire rope. If desired, lubrication is placed in circumferential slots  145 ,  150  and  155 . The wire rope, frustroconical wedges and termination are then pulled into socket  117 . The termination seats on mating surfaces  191 ,  196  and  202  on frustroconical wedges  190 ,  195  and  200 , respectively. In turn, the frustroconical wedges seat inside frustroconical bore  165 .  
         [0088]      FIG. 9   c  shows the forces applied to wire rope  15  and socket  117  during operation. Force F 1  is applied axially along the wire rope resisted by force F 3  applied to through hole  125 . A lifting force F 2  is then applied to hole  180  resulting in lifting and pulling of mining equipment. Force F 2  and F 3  are resisted by a combination of the friction on the wire rope resulting from the inward radial pressure of the frustroconical wedges on the wire rope. In turn, the inward radial pressure is created by the force F 1  acting through the contact between the termination and the mating surfaces of the frustroconical wedges. As force F 1  is increased, the radial pressure on the wire rope is also increased.  
         [0089]     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an alternate embodiment of a drag socket according to the present invention is shown.  
         [0090]     Drag socket  1000  includes a socket frame comprised of socket support  1002 , socket support  1003  and skid pad  1024 . Socket support  1002  and socket support  1003  are high tensile steel and are approximately two inches thick. Each is welded, inside and out to skid pad  1024 . Skid pad  1024  is also high tensile steel. Supporting and reinforcing skid pad  1024  from underneath are skid rails  1026 ,  1028  and  1030 . Skid rails  1026 ,  1028  and  1030  are also formed of high tensile steel. In the preferred embodiment, the skid rails are melded to the bottom of the skid pad.  
         [0091]     Socket support  1002  includes offset ear  1054 . Offset ear  1054  includes hole  1004  in which is pressed bushing  1006 . Socket support  1002  also includes hole  1008  into which is pressed bushing  1010 . Socket support  1003  includes hole  1014  into which is pressed bushing  1012 .  
         [0092]     Upper retaining arms  1020  and  1022  and lower retaining arms  1060  and  1061  are formed in socket support  1002  and socket support  1003 , respectively to support socket body  1024 . Socket support  1003  also includes access hole  1014  and longitudinal hole  1020 .  
         [0093]     As can best be seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , socket body  1024  is generally a hollow frustroconical shape having a bore  1062 . Interior of bore  1062  includes inwardly facing gradiated serrations  1140 . Inwardly facing gradiated serrations of the preferred embodiment can range between 15 and 30 degrees with a preferred range between 17 and 20 degrees in inclination. In the preferred embodiment, socket body  1024  is a high alloy steel. In the preferred embodiment, high tensile  4140  steel is used for socket body  1024 .  
         [0094]     Within socket body  1024  and adjacent to inwardly facing gradiated serrations  1140  is releasing wedge  1032 . Releasing wedge  1032  is generally a frustroconical shape having a bore  1033  and four identical sections  1032   a ,  1032   b ,  1032   c  and  1032   d . When assembled, sections include radial outwardly facing gradiated serrations  1142 . In the preferred embodiment, the inclination of the outwardly facing gradiated serrations can range between 15 and 30 degrees with a preferred range of between 17 and 20 degrees. Outwardly facing gradiated serrations  1142  are adjacent and engage with inwardly facing gradiated serrations  1140 . The sections of releasing wedge  1032   a - d  are made of a high alloy steel. In the preferred embodiment, the high alloy steel is case hardened  4140 . Around the exterior of socket body  1024  a support ring  1035  is welded. Support ring  1035  fits within slot  1064 .  
         [0095]     Socket body  1024  fits within and is gripped by upper retaining arm  1020 , upper retaining arm  1022 , lower retaining arm  1060  and lower retaining arm  1061 . In an alternate embodiment, the support ring is not present on the socket body and the slots  1064  and  1066  are not present in socket supports  1002  and  1003 , respectively. Interior bore  1033  of releasing wedge  1032  is a frustroconical shape having an angle of inclination of about 96 degrees plus or minus 5 degrees.  
         [0096]     Within releasing wedge  1032  and adjacent to interior bore  1033  is locking wedge  1034 . Locking wedge  1034  forms a generally frustroconical shape having an interior bore  1035 . Locking wedge  1034  is comprised of four identical sections  1034   a ,  1034   b ,  1034   c  and  1034   d . When assembled, circumferential slot  1052  can be seen to be centrally spaced around the exterior of the frustroconical surface of locking wedge  1034 . Interior bore  1035  is cylindrical and sized to fit the selected diameter of the wire rope on which the drag socket is placed. Locking wedge  1034  is a mild steel. In the preferred embodiment, the mild steel is medium carbon  1018  steel. Each of the sections  1034   a ,  1034   b ,  1034   c  and  1034   d  include a flat surface adjacent to load ring  1036 .  
         [0097]     Load ring  1036  is generally cylindrical and formed in two pieces  1036   a  and  1036   b . The two pieces are held together by bolts (not shown) through bolt holes  1041   a  and  1041   b . When assembled, load ring  1036  has a flat surface  1039   a  adjacent locking wedge  1034  and flat surface  1039   b  adjacent the wire rope termination. In an alternate embodiment, load ring  1036  is not present and the wire rope termination is placed directly against the locking wedge.  
         [0098]     As shown best in  FIG. 11 , socket support  1002  includes a load plate retaining slot  1148 . Load plate seat  1150  is formed in socket support  1003 . Fitting within load plate retaining slot  1148  and load plate seat  1150 , and directly adjacent to the proximal end of socket body  1024  is load plate  1038 . Load plate  1038  is generally flat and cylindrical having a load plate bore  1039 , a hinge tab  1141 , and retaining tab  1050 . The load plate includes strengthening cylinder  1145  which is welded to the top surface of the load plate. Hinge tab  1141  fits within load plate retaining slot  1148 , retaining tab  1050  fits within load plate seat  1150 . Hinge tab  1141  includes a rounded hinge surface  1138 . In the preferred embodiment, hinge surface  1138  is a radius of approximately one inch. The rounded hinge surface allows the load plate to be rotated into position in the load plate retaining slot and load plate seat.  
         [0099]     Load plate  1038  is maintained in place in the drag socket by pressure exerted on load plate retaining tab  1050  by load shaft  1018 . Load shaft  1018  contacts the load plate retaining tab and is aligned with and fits within longitudinal hole  1020 . Socket head cap screw  1016  is threaded into longitudinal hole  1020  from the other side and presses load shaft  1018  into contact with load plate retaining tab  1050 .  
         [0100]     As shown in  FIG. 11 , cover plate  1144  fits over access hole  1014 , longitudinal hole  1020  and load plate seat  1050 . Similarly, cover plate  1146  fits over hinge surface  1138 .  
         [0101]     In operation, drag socket  1000  is connected a mining control line through bushing  1006  and hole  1004 . The control line is used to raise or lower the drag socket. A drag line is connected to the drag socket via bushings  1010  and  1012  and holes  1008  and  1014 . The drag line is used to pull a dump bucket forward during use.  
         [0102]     The socket body is placed over the wire rope connected to the drag bucket through bore  1062 . A wire rope termination is formed on the free end of the wire rope (not shown) as previously described. The releasing wedge sections are then placed around the wire rope and fitted into socket body  1024 . The locking wedge sections are then placed around the wire rope and held in place by a tie fitted in circumferential slot  1052 . A wire rope is also threaded through the bore of load plate  1038 . Load ring  1036  is then placed around the wire rope and fastened adjacent the termination. A force is applied to the wire rope bringing the wire termination in contact with the load ring which in turn places a force on locking wedge  1034  and pulls it into releasing wedge  1032  fitted within socket body  1024 .  
         [0103]     Once the wire rope, termination and socket body are in place, load plate  1038  is fitted within drag socket  1000 . Hinge tab  1141  is placed at an angle into load plate retaining slot  1148 . Load plate  1038  is rotated such that load plate retaining tab  1050  is placed within load plate seat  1150 . Load shaft  1018  is then pushed through longitudinal hole  1020  into contact with retaining tab  1050 . Socket head cap screw is then threaded into longitudinal hole  1020  pressing the load shaft into contact with the load plate retaining tab which in turn presses load plate retaining tab  1050  into load plate seat  1150 .  
         [0104]     In operation, a force is then applied to the wire rope away from the drag socket. In practice, this force can be as high as 1.4 million pounds. The immense force placed on the wire rope is translated to the drag socket via the wire termination and the socket body. In a surprising reaction, the immense tension on the drag socket forces the releasing wedge in a direction away from the tension force on the wire rope with great force. The force tends to push releasing wedge  1032  out of socket body  1024 . In operation, the movement of the releasing wedge is resisted and prevented by load plate  1038 .  
         [0105]     After the useful life of the wire termination has been completed, the load shaft is removed by cutting it generally in half with a torch. It can also be cut with a saw; in the field, a “sawsall” device is preferred. Once removed, load plate  1038  rotates out of the way, releasing the pressure on the releasing wedge which then, in practice, “pops” out of the socket body. Once released, the socket body can be lifted out of the drag socket and the wire termination can be replaced before further use. The advantage realized by the invention will be immediately apparent to those skilled in the art. In prior art drag sockets, the wire rope can only be removed from the drag socket with immense force such as sledge hammers or by physical cutting, resulting in a dangerous condition. The invention allows the wire rope to be disconnected safely with the use of minimum tools.  
         [0106]      FIG. 12  depicts a mining system  1200  employing the wire rope termination that can be used with excavation equipment of various types, particularly draglines for earth moving mining equipment. The mining system  1200  utilizes wire ropes with a diameter between ¼ inches and 7 inches. The wire rope can be a single or multi-stranded and are made of steels, alloys of steel or combinations thereof.  
         [0107]     In the mining system  1200 , termination  1201  is disposed on one end of dump rope  1220  as shown. Termination  1201  is engaged with dump rope socket  1202 . Dump rope socket  1202  connects to a bucket rigging device thru drag rope socket  1204 . Sockets such as those generally shown in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7  or any other sockets known to be compatible in the art may be used as a dump rope socket or a drag rope socket.  
         [0108]     Referring to the socket of  FIG. 7  as an example, drag rope socket  1204  has ears  118  and bushing  185  with a hole  180 . The sockets are connected in operation by aligning the ears of the dump rope sockets  1202  with the hole of the bushing of the drag rope socket  1204 . When the three holes are aligned, a throughpin is inserted to connect the ears of the dump rope socket  1202  to the upper hole in the bushing of the drag rope socket.  
         [0109]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , Drag rope socket  1204  is connected to drag rope  1226  with a termination  1210 . A drag rope link  1292  connected to drag rope socket  1204  links the socket to drag chain  1285 . On the other end of drag chain  1285 , drag hitch link  1252  connects chain  1285  to drag hitch  1254 . Drag hitch  1254  is mounted to mining bucket  1288 .  
         [0110]     A mirror opposite of the above is also depicted in  FIG. 12 . Termination  1230  is disposed on one end of dump rope  1222 . Termination  1230  is engaged with dump rope socket  1289 . Dump rope socket  1289  connects to a bucket rigging device thru drag rope socket  1206 . Similarly, dump rope socket  1289  connects to drag rope socket  1206  by aligning the ears of the dump rope socket  1289  to the bushings of drag rope socket  1206 .  
         [0111]     Drag rope socket  1206  is connected to drag rope  1224  with a termination  1212 . A drag rope link  1291  connected to drag rope socket  1206  links the socket to the drag chain  1287 . On the other end of drag chain  1287 , a drag hitch link  1250  connects chain  1287  to hitch  1256 . Drag hitch  1256  is mounted to mining bucket  1288 .  
         [0112]     Dump ropes  1220  and  1222  also have terminations  1218  and  1216  engaged with arch anchor sockets  1209  and  1208 . Arch anchor sockets  1209  and  1208  are connected to arch anchors  1258  and  1260 . Arch anchors  1258  and  1260  are mounted on arch  1266 . Arch  1266  is attached to the upper outside corners of mining bucket  1288 . In a preferred embodiment, arch  1260  is welded to mining bucket  1288 .  
         [0113]     Attached to mining bucket  1288  is a trunion  1262 . Trunion  1262  has a trunion pin  1264  inserted in the trunion  1262  which allows for rotation of mining bucket  1288 . A second trunion and trunion pin are located on the opposite side of mining bucket  1288 . Trunion  1262  connects to lower hoist chain  1270 . Similarly lower hoist chain  1268  is connected to a trunion on the opposite side of mining bucket  1288 . Lower hoist chains  1268  and  1270  are connected to spreader bar  1272 . Also connected to spreader bar  1272  are upper hoist chains  1274  and  1276 . Mounted on upper hoist chains  1274  and  1276  are dump sheaves  1240  and  1242 .  
         [0114]     Dump sheaves  1240  and  1242  are pulleys through which the dump ropes  1220  and  1222  are threaded. Connected at the other ends of the upper hoist chains  1274  and  1276  is a hoist rigging cluster  1285 . Hoist rigging cluster  1285  may vary significantly in design. Hoist ropes are freely connected to hoist rigging cluster  1278 . Hoist ropes  1278  typically connect to a crane used in the operation of the mining system.  
         [0115]     In exemplary embodiments, the mining bucket is used for dirt or ore. In the preferred embodiment, the mining system is suspended from a crane by the hoist ropes  1078 . In operation of the mining system, the mining bucket is lowered near or set on the surface to be mined. The crane exerts a pulling force on the drag ropes which in turn pull the drag chains and the mining bucket. This process sets out to cause dirt or ore or any other materials to be collected from the surface. Once the mining bucket has collected the substances to be mined, an upward force is exerted by the crane at the hoist ropes which elevates the rear portion of the mining bucket. Simultaneously, a pulling force is exerted on the drag ropes. As the tension on the drag rope increases, the tension in the dump rope will increase resulting in the elevation of the front of the mining bucket. By increasing the elevation of the front, the collected substances are trapped in the mining bucket.  
         [0116]     The mining bucket is dumped out by decreasing the force on the drag ropes which causes the tension in the dump ropes to decrease. This process subsequently lowers the front of the mining bucket and releases the contents of the bucket. The mining bucket is returned to its original mining position by releasing the tension in the hoist ropes and drag ropes.  
         [0117]     The embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the embodiments, especially to those skilled in the art.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1