Static discharge cable for aircraft and method of using same

• US 6,942,177 B1
• Filed: 10/27/2004
• Issued: 09/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aerial Machine & Tool Corp.
• Original Assignee: Aerial Machine & Tool Corp.
• Inventors: Marcaccio, John D.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAREFOOT, GALEN L
• Application Number:
  US10/973,414
• Time in Patent Office: 321 Days
• Field of Search: 244/1.R, 244/1.A, 244/129.1, 244/121, 244/118.1, 244/137, 361212-224
• US Class Current: 244/1.00A
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 1/22 Taking-up articles from earth's surface
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 45/02 Lightning protectors; Static dischargers in general H01T

Abstract

A static discharge cable is attachable to a rescue hook or other component being lowered by an aircraft. The cable has a first fitting attachable to the hook or other component, a second fitting attached to the first fitting, and a conductive cable attached to the second fitting. The first and second fitting are attached using a shear pin. Attached to the other end of the cable is a light holder.

Claims

1. A static discharge cable for use in helicopter rescue operations, comprising:

a first fitting having an eyelet for attachment to a rescue hook and a collar portion attached to the eyelet, said collar portion having a longitudinal bore and a transverse hole formed therein;

a second fitting having a longitudinal cable-receiving bore and a tang, the tang being inserted into the longitudinal bore and having a hole formed therein, the tang hole being in alignment with the transverse hole;

a shear pin within the transverse hole and the tang hole;

a cable having leading and trailing ends, the leading end being inserted into the cable-receiving bore of the second fitting and secured therein by swaging of the external surface of the second fitting;

a light holder attached to the trailing end of the cable, the light holder having an eyelet sized to receive and retain a light emitting device inserted into the light holder eyelet with hand pressure; and

a plastic sheath covering the cable between the second fitting and the light holder, the plastic sheath having at least one of a high visibility color and a high visibility pattern formed on an exterior surface.