Abstract A variable radius cable/conductor carrier for supporting and guiding electrical, hydraulic and other conductors extending between a stationary position and a movable piece of machinery. The conductor is made up of two spaced apart parallel plate-link chains connected by support rods. The link assembly making up the chains comprises a series of individual links pivotally connected at each end so as to allow rotational movement between the links. A plurality of arcuate slots are formed in one of the links and when pinned to the adjacent link act to limit the rotation between the links. The arcuate slots are of differing lengths so each length results in a different radius of curvature for the carrier. Thus one of several radii of curvature of the carrier may be selected during assembly without changing any of the elements simply by selecting the position of the limiting pin.
A plate-link chain comprising: first and second links pivotally connected by pivots in a contiguous overlapping relationship forming a chain; a plurality of arcuate slots on said first link arranged concentrically about the pivots, said slots being of different lengths; and a slug pin fixed to said second link and extending through a particular arcuate slot, whereby the pin limits the maximum angular travel between the links.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
A plate-link chain comprising: first and second links pivotally connected by pivots in a contiguous overlapping relationship forming a chain; a plurality of arcuate slots on said first link arranged concentrically about the pivots, said slots being of different lengths; and a slug pin fixed to said second link and extending through a particular arcuate slot, whereby the pin limits the maximum angular travel between the links.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A chain according to claim 1 comprising parallel pairs of said second links spaced apart to receive single first links in overlapping relation therebetween; each of said second links having plural pockets formed therein concentrically about said pivots to receive and hold said pin within a slot.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A conductor support comprising two parallel chains constructed according to claim 2, further including bridging pins securing said chains together.