Unmanned aircraft for mounting clamp to power line

Abstract

An unmanned aerial vehicle for mounting a clamp to a line comprises a body, a first propeller, a second propeller and a third propeller; the first propeller is attached to the body; a second propeller attached to the body; and a third propeller attached to the body. The body is located between at least one of the first propeller and the second propeller, the first propeller and the third propeller, or the second propeller and the third propeller. A guide is attached to the body, and the guide is configured to support a clamp for mounting the clamp to the route by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle toward the route. A device effective against birds (e.g., birds) may be attached to the clip to protect the animal from flying into the line. The guide is configured to support the clamp such that an imaginary clamp line between the first jaw of the clamp and the second jaw of the clamp is not parallel to a plane intersecting the first propeller, the second propeller, and the third propeller when the clamp is in the stop position.

Description

[0001] This invention is a divisional application with an application date of April 16, 2019, application number 201980035483.X, and invention name “Unmanned aerial vehicle for installing a clamp on a power line”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 658,549, filed on April 16, 2018, entitled “Mounting Assembly for Mounting Clamp,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 794,897, filed on January 21, 2019, entitled “Mounting Assembly for Mounting Clamp,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present application is directed to a mounting assembly. For example, the present application is directed to a mounting assembly for mounting a clamp to a line. Background Art

[0005] The mounting assembly can be used to mount the fixture. The mounting assembly can be used to mount the fixture to the line. Summary of the invention

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] According to some embodiments, an unmanned aerial vehicle for mounting a clamp to a line includes a body. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a first propeller attached to the body, a second propeller attached to the body, and a third propeller attached to the body. The body is located between at least one of the first propeller and the second propeller, the first propeller and the third propeller, or the second propeller and the third propeller. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a guide attached to the body, the guide being configured to support a clamp, the clamp being used to fly toward the line by the unmanned aerial vehicle to mount the clamp to the line. The guide is configured to support the clamp so that when the clamp is in a stop position, an imaginary clamp line between the first jaw of the clamp and the second jaw of the clamp is not parallel to a plane intersecting the first propeller, the second propeller, and the third propeller.

[0008] According to some embodiments, an unmanned aerial vehicle for mounting a fixture to a line includes a body having a first side and a second side. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a support structure attached to the first side of the body. The support structure is configured to support the unmanned aerial vehicle on a surface when the unmanned aerial vehicle is not flying. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a guide attached to the first side of the body. The guide is configured to support a fixture for mounting the fixture to the line by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle toward the line.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the clamp includes a first jaw and a second jaw attached to the first jaw. The clamp also includes a biasing member having a first end attached to the first jaw and a second end attached to the second jaw. The biasing member is configured to at least one of: rotate the first jaw relative to the second jaw about an axis; or rotate the second jaw relative to the first jaw about an axis. The clamp also includes a stop member configured to engage at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. The stop member is movable between a first position relative to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw and a second position relative to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw. In the first position, the stop member is configured to at least one of: limit the rotation of the first jaw relative to the second jaw about an axis; or limit the rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw about an axis. In the second position, the stop member is configured to at least one of: make the first jaw rotatable relative to the second jaw about an axis; or make the second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw about an axis.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the guide is configured to support a clamp for mounting the clamp to a line by flying an unmanned aerial vehicle with the guide attached toward the line, the guide including a quick disconnect configured to disconnect the guide from the unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0011] According to some embodiments, an unmanned aerial vehicle for mounting a clamp to a line includes a body and a first propeller attached to the body. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a guide attached to the body, the guide configured to support a clamp, the clamp being used to mount the clamp to the line by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle toward the line. The unmanned aerial vehicle also includes a propeller guard attached to the body, the propeller guard being configured to inhibit the propeller from contacting the line and configured to guide the clamp to the line.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the guide is configured to support the clamp, and the clamp is installed to the line by flying the unmanned aerial vehicle with the guide attached toward the line, and the attachment feature of the guide includes an attachment component, which is configured to attach the clamp to the guide. The attachment feature also includes a backing portion, which is configured to exert a separation force on the clamp when the clamp moves from the stop position to the closed position to separate the clamp from the guide, thereby reducing the distance between the first jaw of the clamp and the second jaw of the clamp to install the clamp to the line.

[0013] The following description and accompanying drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and embodiments. These are merely indicative of some of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and / or novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is an illustration of a fixture mounting system including an unmanned aerial vehicle near a line;

[0015] Figure 2 It is a graphic representation of an unmanned aerial vehicle;

[0016] Figure 3 It is a graphic representation of an unmanned aerial vehicle;

[0017] Figure 4 It is a graphic representation of an unmanned aerial vehicle;

[0018] Figure 5 is an illustration of a guide with a clamp;

[0019] Figure 6 is an illustration of an exemplary guide without a clamp;

[0020] Figure 7 is a diagram of an exemplary mounting assembly;

[0021] Figure 8 is a diagram of an exemplary mounting assembly;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a diagram of an exemplary mounting assembly;

[0023] Fig.10 is a diagram of an exemplary mounting assembly;

[0024] Fig.11 is an illustration of an exemplary second attachment feature;

[0025] Fig.12 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0026] Fig.13is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0027] Fig.14 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0028] Fig. 14B is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0029] Fig.15 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0030] Fig.16 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0031] Fig.17 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0032] Fig.18 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0033] Fig.19 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0034] Fig. 20 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0035] Fig.21 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0036] Fig. 22 is an illustration of an exemplary propeller guard;

[0037] Fig.23 is a diagram of an exemplary propeller guard

[0038] Fig.24 is an illustration of an exemplary propeller guard;

[0039] Fig.25 is a diagram of an exemplary propeller guard

[0040] Fig.26 is an illustration of an exemplary propeller guard;

[0041] Fig. 27 is a diagram of an exemplary unmanned aerial vehicle;

[0042] Fig.28 is an illustration of an exemplary second attachment feature;

[0043] Fig.29 is an illustration of an exemplary second attachment feature;

[0044] Fig.30 is a diagram of an exemplary mounting assembly;

[0045] Fig.31 is a diagram of an exemplary mounting assembly;

[0046] Fig.32 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0047] Fig.33 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0048] Fig.34 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0049] Fig.35 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0050] Fig.36 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0051] Fig.37 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0052] Fig.38 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0053] Fig.39 is a diagram of an exemplary fixture;

[0054] Fig.40 is a diagram of an exemplary clamp mounting assembly; and

[0055] Fig.41 is an illustration of an exemplary clamp mounting assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same elements throughout. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are stated in order to provide an understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it is apparent that the claimed subject matter can also be implemented without these specific details. In other examples, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to describe the claimed subject matter. Without falling outside the scope of the claimed subject matter, the relative sizes, orientations, etc. of parts, components, etc. may be different from those shown.

[0057] The present disclosure relates to supporting fixtures in flight and installing the fixtures to lines using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms "unmanned aerial vehicle," "UAV," and "drone" are used interchangeably to refer to an aircraft without an onboard human pilot. A UAV may be a component of an unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS); an unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS) may include a UAV, a ground-based controller, and a communication system between the UAV and the ground-based controller. The UAV may be operated and / or flown with various degrees of autonomy, e.g., flown under remote control by a human operator, flown autonomously by an onboard computer, or flown using a combination of the two.

[0058] While there are many different types of UAVs in use, some common features of UAVs include a body, propellers for lift, an electric motor-driven propulsion device attached to the UAV (e.g., to the body), and a rechargeable battery device attached to the UAV. The description and drawings within the present disclosure relate to a UAV having six propellers attached to an arm that extends radially away from the body of the UAV, however, this is not meant to be limiting, and various types, sizes, and propulsion systems are contemplated for use with the present disclosure.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 , an overview of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 100 in an application environment is shown. The UAV 100 may be part of a clamp attachment system 102, which also includes (as previously described) a ground-based controller 104, and a communication system 106 between the UAV 100 and the ground-based controller 104.

[0060] In some embodiments, the UAV 100 as part of the clamp attachment system 102 can be used to install or attach the clamp 108 to the line 110. For the purposes of this disclosure, the line may include, but is not limited to: overhead conductors, power lines, cables, wires, ropes, cords, grounding / bonding devices, etc. The line 110 may be located in a location that is not easily accessible, such as a distance above the ground, etc. Figure 1 As shown. In some embodiments, the line 110 may include an overhead power line such that the line 110 is generally inaccessible (e.g., difficult to access, workers may need a helicopter or bucket truck to access the overhead conductors). In some embodiments, the line 110 may be used in a power transmission network to transmit electrical energy. The line 110 may include one or more overhead conductors suspended by a tower and / or pole 112. In this way, the UAV 100 can be driven or flown at a distance above the ground so that the UAV 100 is able to install the clamp 108 to the line 110.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 , a perspective view of a UAV 100 is shown according to some embodiments. The UAV 100 includes a body 200. The body 200 may be a basic frame for mounting various components of the UAV 100, such as a controller (not shown), a rechargeable battery 202, an antenna 204 for receiving signals from a ground-based controller 104 ( Figure 1206). In some embodiments, the body 200 may be centered on the central axis 206. The body 200 may also provide a mounting location for the first arm 208, which is configured to mount the first propeller 210 at a distance from the body 200. Thus, the first propeller 210 is attached to the body 200 via the first arm 208. Similarly, the second arm 212 is attached to the body 200 and is provided with a mounting for attaching the second propeller 214 to the body 200. The third arm 216 is also attached to the body 200 and is provided with a mounting for attaching the third propeller 218 to the body 200.

[0062] The body 200 is located between at least one of the first propeller 210 and the second propeller 214, the first propeller 210 and the third propeller 218, or the second propeller 214 and the third propeller 218. In some embodiments, the body 200 between multiple propellers means that the propellers are located on opposite sides of the UAV 100. In some embodiments, the body 200 between multiple propellers means that the propellers are attached to the arm and the attachment path between the propellers extends from one propeller, through the arm, through the body, and finally through the other arm to another propeller. The geometry of the plane 226 can also be described as intersecting the first propeller 210, the second propeller 214, and the third propeller 218. In some embodiments, for ease of description, the plane 226 can be defined by the center points of the propellers 210, 214, and 218.

[0063] Reference Figure 3 , showing a top or plan view of the UAV 100 near the line 110. As previously described, these figures collectively show the UAV 100 having six in a particular orientation (e.g., generally in a single plane and as Figure 3 oriented in a hexagonal manner), however, UAV 100 may include any suitable number and arrangement of propellers.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 , a side or front view of the UAV 100 is shown near line 110. It should also be understood that each propeller can be tilted so that the axis of rotation of each propeller is not parallel to the central axis 206, but is angled toward the central axis 206 as the axis of rotation extends upward and away from the UAV 100. Tilting the propellers in this manner can increase the airborne stability of the UAV 100.

[0065] Back to Figure 2, the body 200 of the UAV 100 has a first side 220 and a second side 222. A support structure 224 is attached to the first side 220 of the body 200, for example, a pair of legs. The support structure 224 is configured to support the UAV 100 on a surface (e.g., the ground, a work surface, etc.) when the UAV 100 is not in flight. In some embodiments, the support structure 224 can rotate around the mounting joint at the body 200 during the flight of the UAV 100.

[0066] Back to Figure 4 , the guide 400 is attached to the first side 220 of the body 200. The first side 220 is the side of the body 200 that faces downward or toward the ground. The guide 400 is configured to support the clamp 108, and the clamp 108 is used to install the clamp 108 to the line 110 by flying the UAV 100 toward the line 110. In some embodiments, the guide 400 is configured to support the clamp 108, and the clamp 108 is used to install the clamp 108 to the line 110 by flying the UAV 100 toward the line 110 and contacting the clamp 108 with the line 110.

[0067] Reference Figure 5 , shows a detailed view of a guide 400 with the clamp 108 attached to the guide 400. The guide 400 includes a mounting member 402, a first attachment feature, and a second attachment feature 404. In some embodiments, the mounting member 402 and the second attachment feature 404 can be attached to each other using additional components between the mounting member 402 and the second attachment feature 404, such as Figure 5 In some embodiments, the second attachment feature 404 is directly attached to the mount 402, as will be discussed below. Regardless of the attachment arrangement between the second attachment feature 404 and the mount 402, the mount 402 can be attached to the UAV 100, and the second attachment feature 404 can be attached to the clamp 108.

[0068] Reference Figure 6, for clarity, a detailed view of the guide 400 is shown with the clamp 108 removed from the guide 400 and the support structure 224 removed from the body 200. The mounting member 402 of the guide 400 is shown mounted to the first side 220 of the body 200. In some embodiments, the mounting member 402 includes one or more posts 600. For example, the mounting member 402 may include a first post 602, a second post 604, a third post 606, and / or a fourth post 608. The first post 602, the second post 604, the third post 606, and / or the fourth post 608 may be spaced apart and may extend substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first post 602, the second post 604, the third post 606, and / or the fourth post 608 may be spaced apart to form a rectangular shape, but other shapes are also contemplated. In addition, the first end of the first post 602, the second post 604, the third post 606, and / or the fourth post 608 may be attached to the base 610.

[0069] Reference Figure 7 , showing a detailed view of the mount 402. The opposite second ends of the first column 602, the second column 604, the third column 606, and / or the fourth column 608 may include a first attachment feature 612. In some embodiments, the first attachment feature 612 may include a first locking bracket 614, a second locking bracket 616, a third locking bracket 618, and / or a fourth locking bracket 620. The first locking bracket 614 may be attached to the first column 602. The second locking bracket 616 may be attached to the second column 604. The third locking bracket 618 may be attached to the third column 606. The fourth locking bracket 620 may be attached to the fourth column 608.

[0070] The first attachment feature 612 (e.g., these locking brackets 614, 616, 618, 620) include any number of structures configured to attach the mount 402 to the UAV 100. In some embodiments, the locking brackets 614, 616, 618, 620 may include a wall defining an opening into which a portion of the UAV 100 may be received, such as a track 624, 626 of the UAV 100. In this way, the locking brackets 614, 616, 618, 620 may receive a track of a UAV, such as receiving the first track 624 of the UAV 100 (e.g., via the first locking bracket 614 and the second locking bracket 616). Figure 6 ), and the third locking bracket 618 and the fourth locking bracket 620 receive the second track 626 of the UVA 100 (as shown Figure 6 ). Thus, in some embodiments, the first attachment feature 612 can function to removably attach the mounting member 402 of the guide member 400 to the UAV 100.

[0071] Back to Figure 7In some embodiments, the mount 402 includes one or more lateral supports 628 that can extend between the posts 602, 604, 606, 608. For example, the lateral supports 628 can include a first lateral support 630, a second lateral support 632, a third lateral support 634, and / or a fourth lateral support 636. The first lateral support 630 can extend between the first post 602 and the second post 604. The second lateral support 632 can extend between the third post 606 and the fourth post 608. The third lateral support 634 can extend between the second post 604 and the fourth post 608. The fourth lateral support 636 can extend between the first post 602 and the third post 606. In some embodiments, the lateral supports 630, 632, 634, 636 can extend in a direction that is not parallel to the posts 602, 604, 606, 608, such as by extending in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the posts 602, 604, 606, 608. In some embodiments, the first lateral support 630 can extend substantially parallel to the second lateral support 632. In some embodiments, the third lateral support 634 can extend substantially parallel to the fourth lateral support 636. In this manner, the ends of the lateral supports 630, 632, 634, 636 can be attached to the corresponding posts 602, 604, 606, 608, with the lateral supports extending between the corresponding posts 602, 604, 606, 608. In this way, the lateral supports 630, 632, 634, 636 can provide additional support to the posts 602, 604, 606, 608 to limit unintended vibration, bending, deformation, etc.

[0072] The mount 402 may also include a base 610. In some embodiments, the base 610 is attached to the end of the column 602, 604, 606, 608 opposite the first attachment feature 612. In this way, the base 610 is spaced a distance from the UAV 100. The base 610 may provide additional support to the column 602, 604, 606, 608 to limit unintended vibration, bending, deformation, etc.

[0073] Reference Figure 8 , UAV 100 includes a rotating device 800, which is configured to rotate about a plane perpendicular to plane 226 (such as Figure 2 The rotating device 800 may also be referred to as a fixture carrier. The second attachment feature 404 is configured to support the fixture 108, and the second attachment feature 404 is configured to be attached to the rotating device 800 so that rotation of the rotating device 800 can manipulate the fixture 108 into a first position for installation on the line 110 (e.g., Figure 58). In addition, rotation of the rotating device 800 can manipulate the clamp 108 into a second position for installation to a second line. In some embodiments, the second line can be defined as the same line 110 that has the clamp 108 installed at a different position. In some embodiments, the second line is a different line from the line 110.

[0074] In some embodiments, the base 610 can provide a mounting location for a driver 802 (e.g., a servo motor). The driver 802 can be used to rotate the rotating device 800 a fixed number of degrees to help ensure that the clamp 108 is in the proper position for installation on the line 110. In some embodiments, the controller on the UAV 100 can receive a signal from the ground-based controller 104 to cycle the rotating device 800 to install the next clamp 108 in sequence. The driver 802 can then rotate the rotating device 800 a fixed number of degrees (e.g., 90 degrees) to place the next clamp 108 at the location to be installed ... Figure 1 800) can use a single motion (e.g., press a button) to cause the drive 802 to rotate the rotating device 800 to the next position. Notably, the rotating device 800 can be used to allow the UAV 100 to approach the line 110 from a single direction during each fixture installation event. In other words, the operator or pilot of the UAV 100 does not have to consider which direction to orient the UAV 100 to install the next fixture 108 in the installation sequence.

[0075] Back to Figure 6 , the rotating device 800 may also include an over-distance guard 640 extending generally downward from the rotating device 800. The over-distance guard 640 may help protect the clamp 108 if the UAV 100 is driven too far toward / into the line 110. For example, if the line 110 impacts this portion of the guide 400, the over-distance guard 640 prevents the clamp 108 from being forcibly removed from the second attachment feature 404. Any suitable number and configuration of over-distance guards 640 are contemplated.

[0076] Back to Figure 8 , the connection feature 804 may include a fitting 806 configured to reliably transmit a rotational force from a driver 802 (e.g., a servo motor) to the rotating device 800. In some embodiments, the fitting 806 may be a spline fitting in which an inner spline member 808 is attached to the output end of the driver 802. The inner spline member 808 is configured to cooperate with an outer spline member 810, which is mounted to the rotating device 800. In the spirit of the present disclosure, any suitable device for transmitting a rotational force between the driver 802 and the rotating device 800 may be used.

[0077] In addition, the guide 400 can include a quick disconnect feature 812 that is configured to disconnect the guide 400 from the UAV 100. The quick disconnect feature 812 can include spline members 808, 810 as above. The quick disconnect feature 812 can facilitate relatively quick replacement of the rotating device 800 after all of the clamps 108 from the first rotating device 800 have been installed to the line 110 or multiple lines 110. The operator or pilot can relatively quickly remove the empty rotating device 800, where the rotating device 800 has a complete set of clamps 108.

[0078] For purposes of this disclosure, the quick disconnect feature 812 includes any plug (e.g., male spline member 810) and socket (e.g., female spline member 808) connector that does not require the use of conventional hand tools to operate. When properly connected, the plug and socket effectively lock the connector against any pulling forces that tend to pull the connectors apart. The quick disconnect feature 812 enables the mount 402 and the swivel 800 to be disconnected relatively easily without tools by releasing the locking mechanism and separating the plug and socket.

[0079] Reference Fig. 9 , a quick disconnect feature 812 is shown wherein the inner spline member 808 is pulled upwardly (eg, by using an operator's hand) against an internal spring force to release the internal lock in preparation for insertion of the outer spline member 810 .

[0080] See also Fig.10 , the outer spline member 810 has been inserted into the inner spline member 808, and the inner spline member 808 has been released and moved to a downward locked position. In this position, the quick disconnect feature 812 is locked, and the rotation device 800 is securely connected to the mount 402 and thus to the UAV 100. As described, the second attachment feature 404 is configured to attach the clamp 108 to the guide 400, and the quick disconnect feature 812 is configured to disconnect the second attachment feature 404 from the first attachment feature 612, so that the second attachment feature 404 is disconnected from the UAV 100.

[0081] Reference Fig.11, a perspective view of the second attachment feature 404 is shown in detail. The second attachment feature 404 includes an attachment member 1100. The attachment member 1100 can extend outward from the center of the second attachment feature 404, and the attachment member 1100 can be sized to fit within an attachment opening defined by the rotation device 800. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 1100 can have one or more openings 1101 to allow a mechanical fastener (not shown) to pass therethrough, thereby attaching the second attachment feature 404 to the rotation device 800.

[0082] The second attachment feature 404 includes an alignment structure 1102 attached to the attachment portion 1100, which will be discussed in more detail below. The alignment structure 1102 is configured to guide the clamp 108 to the line 110 for mounting the clamp 108 to the line 110. In some embodiments, the second attachment feature 404 includes a cross brace 1104. The cross brace 1104 can be arranged between the attachment portion 1100 and the alignment structure 1102. In some embodiments, the cross brace 1104 can extend substantially perpendicular to the attachment portion 1100, wherein the attachment portion 1100 is attached to the cross brace 1104. In some embodiments, the alignment structure 1102 can be attached to the cross brace 1104 opposite the attachment portion 1100. That is, in some embodiments, the attachment portion 1100 can be attached to a first side of the cross brace 1104, and the alignment structure 1102 can be attached to a second side of the cross brace 1104.

[0083] The cross brace 1104 includes one or more attachment walls, such as a first attachment wall 1106 and a second attachment wall 1108. The first attachment wall 1106 and the second attachment wall 1108 can be attached to the cross brace 1104 on the same side as the alignment structure 1102. In this manner, the first attachment wall 1106 and the second attachment wall 1108 can be disposed between the elongated arms 1110 of the alignment structure 1102. The first attachment wall 1106 and the second attachment wall 1108 can extend a distance outward from the cross brace 1104, and the first attachment wall 1106 and the second attachment wall 1108 can be spaced apart so as to define an opening 1112 therebetween. In some embodiments, the first attachment wall 1106 and the second attachment wall 1108 can include an attachment feature 1114 configured to attach the clamp 108 to the guide 400. In some embodiments, the attachment feature may be a first mating portion 1116, such as a protrusion or a nub. For example, the first mating portion 1116 may protrude inwardly from the first attachment wall 1106 toward the second attachment wall 1108. Fig.11 Hidden in the figure, another first mating portion 1116 may protrude inwardly from the second attachment wall 1108 toward the first attachment wall 1106.

[0084] Continue to refer to Fig.11 , the second attachment feature 404 may include an adjacent wall 1118. In an example, the adjacent wall 1118 may be attached to the cross brace 1104, such as by extending outward from the cross brace 1104. For example, the adjacent wall 1118 may extend substantially perpendicular to the cross brace 1104 and may extend downward from the cross brace 1104. The adjacent wall 1118 may include an adjacent extension 1120. In some embodiments, a first end 1122 of the adjacent wall 1118 may be attached to the cross brace 1104, and a second end 1124 of the adjacent wall 1118 may be attached to the adjacent extension 1120. The adjacent extension 1120 may extend substantially perpendicular to the adjacent wall 1118, such as by extending in the same direction as the slender arm 1110. In this manner, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, one end of the abutment extension 1120 can be attached to the abutment wall 1118, while the other end of the abutment extension 1120 can be spaced apart from the abutment wall 1118. In some embodiments, the end of the abutment extension 1120 is closer to the cross brace 1104 than the first mating portion 1116.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first mating portion 1116 is configured to mate with a second mating portion (discussed below) of the clamp 108 to attach the clamp 108 to the second attachment feature 404. The first mating portion 1116 may have a non-circular shape. That is, in an example, the first mating portion 1116 may have a semi-circular shape. The shape of the first mating portion 1116 may facilitate attachment and / or detachment of the clamp 108 from the second attachment feature 404, and thus from the guide 400.

[0086] Reference Fig.12 , a perspective view of the clamp 108 is shown. The clamp 108 may include a first jaw 1200 and a second jaw 1202 attached to the first jaw 1200. The first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 may move relative to each other. The first jaw 1200 may extend between a clamping end 1204 and an attachment end 1206. For example, the clamping end 1204 may be curved and may define one or more internal teeth. In some embodiments, the first jaw 1200 may extend nonlinearly between the clamping end 1204 and the attachment end 1206.

[0087] The second jaw 1202 can be attached to the first jaw 1200 and can define a clamping opening 1208. In some embodiments, the second jaw 1202 can extend between a clamping end 1210 and an attachment end 1212. For example, the clamping end 1210 can be curved and can define one or more internal teeth. In this way, the teeth of the clamping ends 1204, 1210 can provide an increased friction surface to improve the clamping of the line 110 by the clamp 108. In some embodiments, the internal teeth can be covered by a relatively soft or flexible cover 1214.

[0088] The attachment end 1212 of the second jaw 1202 can be attached to the attachment end 1206 of the first jaw 1200. In some embodiments, the attachment end 1212 of the second jaw 1202 can be pivotally attached to the attachment end 1206 of the first jaw 1200. That is, the first jaw 1200 can pivot relative to the second jaw 1202 about an axis 1216. In some embodiments, the axis 1216 can intersect the attachment ends 1206, 1212 of the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202. In this way, the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 can move (e.g., rotate, pivot, etc.) relative to each other between an over-center position, a stop position, and a closed position. In some embodiments, both the over-center position and the stop position can be considered to be open positions. In the open position, the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 can receive the line 110 within the clamping opening 1208 to mount the clamp 108 to the line 110. In the closed position, the line 110 can be clamped by the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 so that the clamp 108 can remain fixed to the line 110.

[0089] Reference Fig.13 To assist in moving the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 between the open position and the closed position, the clamp 108 may include a biasing member 1218. The biasing member 1218 may extend between a first end 1222 and a second end 1224. In some embodiments, the biasing member 1218 may include a spring, such as a spring extending along a biasing member axis 1226. The first end 1222 of the biasing member 1218 may be attached to the first jaw 1200. The second end 1224 of the biasing member 1218 may be attached to the second jaw 1202. In some embodiments, the biasing member 1218 is configured to at least one of: rotate the first jaw 1200 relative to the second jaw 1202 about the axis 1216 ( Fig.12) or rotating the second jaw 1202 relative to the first jaw 1200 about the axis 1216. In this way, the biasing member 1218 can bias the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 toward the closed position (e.g., the clamping end 1204 of the first jaw 1200 tends to move toward the clamping end 1210 of the second jaw 1202).

[0090] Reference Fig.14 In some embodiments, the first jaw 1200 may be formed of two parts that clamp the second jaw 1202. Fig.14 , one side of the first jaw 1200 is removed to view the interaction between the components that make up the clamp 108. The clamp 108 includes a stop member 1230 to selectively hold the clamp 108 in an open position (e.g., a stop position). For example, the stop member 1230 can hold the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 in an open position so that the clamp 108 can receive the line 110 within the attachment end 1206. In some embodiments, the stop member 1230 can extend along an axis between the first end 1232 and the second end 1234. The first end 1232 can be attached to the first jaw 1200. For example, the first end 1232 can be attached at an attachment location 1236 of the first jaw 1200. In some embodiments, the stop member 1230 can be pivotally attached to the first jaw 1200 so that the stop member 1230 can be pivotally attached to the first jaw 1200 relative to the first jaw 1200 about the axis 1238 (at Fig.12 ) pivots.

[0091] The second end 1234 of the stop member 1230 can be removably attached to the first jaw 1200. For example, the second end 1234 of the stop member 1230 can include a first flange 1240. The first flange 1240 can include a protrusion, an exposed portion, etc., which protrudes in a direction that is not parallel (e.g., perpendicular, etc.) to the axis along which the stop member 1230 extends. In some embodiments, the first flange 1240 can engage a second flange 1242 defined on the first jaw 1200. For example, when the clamp 108 is in an open, stopped position (e.g., as shown), the first flange 1240 of the stop member 1230 can rest on the second flange 1242 of the first jaw 1200.

[0092] Moreover, the stop member 1230 can be removably attached to the second jaw 1202 when in the stop position. For example, the second jaw 1202 can include a nose region 1250. In some embodiments, the nose region 1250 can be formed on a relatively narrow portion of the second jaw 1202 that moves between the two halves of the first jaw 1200. As shown, the nose region 1250, together with the second flange 1242, sandwiches the first flange 1240 between the nose region 1250 and the second flange 1242. In this way, the first flange 1240 presents physical interference to prevent the first jaw 1200 from rotating relative to the second jaw 1202. Similarly, the physical interference prevents the second jaw 1202 from rotating relative to the first jaw 1200. This is merely one example of how the stop member 1230 can interact with the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 to maintain the clamp 108 in an open position (eg, a stop position) even if the force of the biasing member 1218 pushes the clamp 108 toward a closed position.

[0093] In such Fig.14 In the open, checked position shown, the biasing member 1218 can exert a closing force 1244 (indicated by a curved arrow) on the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 to bias the clamp 108 toward the closed position. When the stop member 1230 is in contact with the second jaw 1202 (e.g., by virtue of the first flange 1240 resting against the nose region 1250), the stop member 1230 can maintain the clamp 108 in the open, checked position, wherein the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 are spaced apart, even if the biasing member 1218 is biased toward the closed position.

[0094] As described above, the stop member 1230 is configured to engage at least one of the first jaw 1200 or the second jaw 1202. The stop member 1230 is movable between a first position relative to at least one of the first jaw 1200 or the second jaw 1202 and a second position relative to at least one of the first jaw 1200 or the second jaw 1202. In the first position, the stop member 1230 is configured to at least one of: limit the rotation of the first jaw 1200 relative to the second jaw 1202 about the axis 1216 (e.g., Fig.12 1202 relative to the first jaw 1200 about the axis 1216. In the second position, the stop member 1230 is configured to at least one of: allow the first jaw 1200 to rotate relative to the second jaw 1202 about the axis 1216, or allow the second jaw 1202 to rotate relative to the first jaw 1200 about the axis 1216. Fig.14, the clamp 108 can be moved in a first direction 1400 toward the line 110. When the clamp 108 moves toward the line 110, the distance 1402 between the line 110 and the stop member 1230 can decrease.

[0095] Reference Fig. 14B , the clamp 108 can be placed in an over-center position, which can help the operator place the clamp 108 in a stopped position. As shown, if the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 are a suitable number of degrees apart from each other, the biasing member 1218 (or at least the biasing member axis 1226) will move from the first side 1408 of the axis 1216 to the second side 1410 of the axis 1216. In this position, the biasing member 1218 will therefore bias the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 toward the open position rather than the closed position, and thus the clamp 108 will remain open without an external force holding the clamp 108 in the open position. It should be understood that a stop or limiter can be included on at least one of the jaws 1200, 1202 to limit the rotational travel distance in the over-center position.

[0096] Reference Fig.15 , the line 110 may eventually contact the stop member 1230 and apply a force to the stop member 1230 in the second direction 1502. This force in the second direction 1502 causes the first flange 1240 of the stop member 1230 to move away from its position sandwiched between the second flange 1242 of the first jaw 1200 and the nose region 1250 of the second jaw 1202. The second end 1234 of the stop member 1230 may thus pivot in the rearward direction 1504.

[0097] Reference Fig.16 , the stop member 1230 may not hold the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 in an open (e.g., stopped) position because the second end 1234 of the stop member 1230 no longer contacts the second flange 1242 of the first jaw 1200 and the nose region 1250 of the second jaw 1202. Instead, the force of the biasing member 1218 may move the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 toward each other into a closed position.

[0098] Reference Fig.17 In this way, the line 110 can be clamped between the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 to install the clamp 108 to the line 110. The biasing member 1218 is then configured to maintain the clamp 108 in a closed position until the clamp 108 is subjected to an external force. In this way, the clamp 108 can remain securely installed to the line for a relatively long time.

[0099] As an overview of the positions of the clamp 108, the biasing member 1218 is configured to urge at least one of the first jaw 1200 or the second jaw 1202 to rotate to at least one of an over-center position, a stop position, or a closed position. When the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 are in the over-center position, the biasing member 1218, or at least the biasing member axis 1406, is located on a first side 1408 of the axis 1216. When the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 are in the closed position, the biasing member 1218 is located on a second side 1410 of the axis 1216.

[0100] Reference Fig.18 In some embodiments, the first jaw 1200 can define a slot 1800 defined between the spaced jaw walls of the first jaw 1200. When the stop member 1230 is moved in the rearward direction 1504 (eg, Fig.15 The slot 1800 may be sized to accommodate the stop member 1230 when the stop member 1230 is pivoted on the first jaw 1200 and passes through the first jaw 1200.

[0101] Reference Fig.19 , the clamp 108 is shown attached to the second attachment feature 404 of the guide 400. The second attachment feature 404 is configured to support the clamp 108 for use in flying toward the line by the UAV 100 with the guide 400 attached so as to install the clamp to the line 110, as previously discussed. The attachment feature 404 includes an attachment member 1114 (at the Fig.11 ). Fig.19 , the clamp is shown in a stopped position and the clamp 108 is in a position to be mounted to the line 110.

[0102] Reference Fig. 20 , the circuit 110 (not shown in this figure) has contacted the stop member 1230. The combined force between the circuit 110 and the stop member 1230 causes the second end 1234 of the stop member 1230 to remain engaged or in contact with the second flange 1242 of the first jaw 1200 and the nose region 1250 of the second jaw 1202. Since the second end 1234 of the stop member 1230 is no longer in contact with the second flange 1242 of the first jaw 1200 and the nose region 1250 of the second jaw 1202, the stop member 1230 may not hold the first jaw 1200 and the second jaw 1202 in the open (e.g., stopped) position, and the clamp 108 begins to move to the closed position.

[0103] Also in Fig. 20, the second attachment feature 404 includes a backing portion 2000. In some embodiments, the backing portion 2000 is angled and configured to be impacted by the stop member 1230. When the biasing member 1218 (not shown) causes the second jaw 1202 to rotate relative to the first jaw 1200, the second jaw 1202 ( Fig.17 1252 of the backing member 2000 (shown) hits the stop member 1230 with a significant force. When the stop member 1230 rotates, this force pushes the stop member 1230 (e.g., the first flange 1240) into contact with the backing portion 2000.

[0104] The backing portion 2000 is configured to exert a separation force on the clamp 108 in the direction of arrow 2002 to forcibly separate the clamp 108 from the guide 400. The separation force 2002 is a function of kinetic energy (e.g., rapid movement of the second jaw 1202 relative to the first jaw 1200) that causes the clamp 108 to move from the stop position to the closed position. This separation occurs when the clamp 108 moves from the stop position to the closed position, whereby the distance between the first jaw 1200 of the clamp 108 and the second jaw 1202 of the clamp 108 is reduced to mount the clamp 108 to the line 110.

[0105] The backing portion 2000 is configured to apply a separation force 2002 to the stop member 1230 of the clamp 108 in response to the stop member 1230 contacting the backing portion 2000 when the clamp 108 moves from the stop position to the closed position. The stop member 1230 then transfers the force 2002 to at least one of the first jaw 1200 or the second jaw 1202 to overcome the force maintaining the attachment between the clamp 108 and the second attachment feature 404, thereby removing the clamp 108 from the second attachment feature 404 and the guide 400.

[0106] Reference Fig.21 As previously discussed, the second attachment feature 404 includes an attachment component 1100 that includes a first mating portion 1116 (in Fig.11 400 ), the first mating portion 1116 is configured to mate with the second mating portion 2100 of the clamp 108 to attach the clamp 108 to the guide 400. In some embodiments, the second mating portion 2100 is a hole defined by a portion of the first jaw 1200. It should be understood that the first mating portion 1116 (e.g., a protrusion on the second attachment feature 404) can alternatively be positioned on the clamp 108, and the second mating portion 2100 (e.g., a hole defined by the clamp 108) can be positioned on the second attachment feature 404. In order to easily and immediately force the automatic removal of the clamp 108 while installing the clamp 108 on the line 110, the attachment member 1100 can be elastically deformable to attach the clamp 108 to the guide 400.

[0107] Back to Fig.19 , the second attachment feature 404 may include the abutment wall 1118 and abutment extension 1120 discussed previously. In some embodiments, when the clamp 108 is attached to the second attachment feature 404, the face 1900 of the abutment extension 1120 may contact the clamp 108. It is possible that the clamp 108 may have some ability to rotate about the connection with the second attachment feature 404 at the first mating portion 1116, which engages the second mating portion 2100 of the clamp 108. However, the contact between the clamp 108 and the abutment extension 1120 helps to align the open side 1902 of the clamp 108 relative to the plane 226 ( Figure 2 ) is maintained at a specific angle.

[0108] The contact between the clamp 108 and the abutment extension 1120 enables the guide 400 to be configured to support the clamp 108 so that when the clamp 108 is in the stopped position, an imaginary clamp line 1904 between the first jaw 1200 of the clamp 108 and the second jaw 1202 of the clamp 108 is not parallel to the plane 226 that intersects the first propeller 210, the second propeller 214, and the third propeller 218 (e.g., Figure 2 shown).

[0109] Reference Fig. 22 , the UAV 100 may include a propeller guard 2200 that is angled 2202 relative to a plane 226 that intersects the first propeller 210, the second propeller 214, and the third propeller 218 to guide the clamp 108 to the line 110. As previously described, the rotation device 800 enables the UAV 100 to approach the line 110 to install the clamp 108 to the line 110 from a single direction (e.g., line 2204). The propeller guard 2200 can extend to help ensure that the line 110 does not contact the propeller on the side of the UAV 100 close to the line 110. The first side 2206 of the propeller guard 2200 can be located above the propeller and then angled to a second side 2208 of the propeller that is generally in front of the propeller (e.g., in the direction 2204 of application of the clamp 108). Propeller guard 2200 then extends along third side 2210 at angle 2202 relative to plane 226 to guide clamp 108 to line 110. In some examples, there may be an intermediate propeller guard portion 2212 between second side 2208 and third side 2210.

[0110] Reference Fig.23, line 110 is shown in contact with a second side 2208 of the propeller guard 2200 to indicate that the propeller guard 2200 inhibits and / or prohibits contact between line 110 and the propeller of the UAV 100.

[0111] Reference Fig.24 , the line 110 is shown in contact with the third side 2210 of the propeller guard 2200, which is configured to guide the clamp 108 to the line 110. Upon contact, the force applied to the third side 2210 of the propeller guard 2200 is represented by line 2400. The resultant force on the UAV 100 can be represented in orthogonal directions as a vertical force 2402 and a horizontal force 2404. The resultant vertical force 2402 will push the UAV 100 in an upward direction to guide the clamp 108 to the line 110. As the UAV 100 moves in a direction toward the line 110 (e.g., direction 2406), the vertical force 2402 will continue to push the UAV 100 in an upward direction.

[0112] Reference Fig.25 , the front view of the UAV 100 shows the cooperation between the third side 2210 of the propeller guard 2200 and the alignment structure 1102 of the second attachment feature 404. When the line 110 is away from the end of the third side 2210 of the propeller guard 2200, the line 110 can contact the alignment structure 1102 to further guide the clamp 108 to the line 110. In some embodiments, any gap between the third side 2210 and the alignment structure 1102 is significantly smaller than the diameter of the line 110, so that the line cannot pass between the third side 2210 and the alignment structure 1102.

[0113] Reference Fig.26 , the propeller guard 2200 may include an upward facing stop 2600 extending away from the first side 2206 of the propeller guard 2200. Fig.26 , line 110 is shown as contacting stop 2600 to demonstrate that stop 2600 reduces and / or eliminates the possibility of line 110 passing over a portion of the front side of UAV 100, and reduces and / or eliminates the possibility of line 110 contacting the propeller on the opposite side of the front side of UAV 100.

[0114] In some embodiments, the UAV 100 may include a first camera to provide visual assistance to a ground-based operator. For example, the first camera may include a communication system 106 between the UAV 100 and the ground-based controller 104 so that the first camera can communicate pictures and / or moving images from an aerial position to the ground-based controller 104. The ground-based operator can view the image from the first camera to properly position the UAV 100 to align the clamp 108 to the line 110. In some embodiments, the ground-based operator can view a screen on the ground-based controller to fly the UAV 100 so that the clamp 108 is presented at the line 110 and contact is made between the clamp 108 and the line 110 to move the stop member xxx so that the clamp 108 automatically closes around the line 110 to install the clamp 108 to the line 110. In general, the first camera can be mounted to face in a direction that can be considered "forward" of the UAV 100, so that a ground-based operator can observe the line 110 as the UAV 100 approaches and guide the UAV 100 to the line 110.

[0115] In addition, the UAV 100 may include a second camera mounted on the arm of the UAV 100 and facing the clamp 108, which is attached to the guide 400 or the second attachment feature 404. The second camera may include a communication system 106 between the UAV 100 and one or more ground-based controllers. In some embodiments, the second ground-based operator may be in the second ground-based controller 114 ( Figure 1 1 ) to limit the amount of information presented at the ground-based controller 104. The second camera can convey information about the interaction between the clamp 108 and the line 110, which may not be within the field of view of the first camera.

[0116] Back to Fig.18, the power line protection device 1812 can be configured to protect the power line (e.g., line 110) from animals (e.g., birds) and / or protect animals from the power line. In some embodiments, these animals include flying animals, such as birds, bats, etc. In some examples, these animals can fly during the day and / or at night. In order to limit the contact between animals and line 110, a power line protection device 1812 is provided. The power line protection device 1812 is effective in preventing birds (e.g., birds, bats, and other flying creatures) from flying into the line 110 during the day and / or at night. For example, the power line protection device 1812 can emit light to prevent birds (e.g., birds, bats, and other flying creatures) at night. In addition, the power line protection device 1812 is conspicuous during the day and can reflect light to prevent animals during the day.

[0117] In some embodiments, the power line protection device 1812 can be brightly colored, such as by having orange, yellow, red, etc. However, these bright colors may not be visible in low light conditions (e.g., dawn, dusk, nighttime). Thus, one or more structures, components, etc. can be provided for reflecting and / or emitting light, wherein the reflected and / or emitted light is visible in low light conditions and during the day.

[0118] In some embodiments, line protector 1812 may be attached to clamp 108. Line protector 1812 may be attached in any number of ways, such as with mechanical fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, line protector 1812 may be suspended from the bottom side of clamp 108 so that line protector 1812 may be relatively visible to birds or other animals.

[0119] Reference Fig. 27 In some embodiments, UAV 100 may include guide 2700. Guide 2700 includes mounting 2702, first attachment feature 2704, and second attachment feature 2706 configured to support clamp 2708. In some embodiments, mounting 2702 and second attachment feature 2706 may be attached to each other using additional components between mounting 2702 and second attachment feature 2706, such as Figure 5 However, in some embodiments, such as Fig. 27 In the embodiment of the present invention, the second attachment feature 2706 is directly attached to the mounting member 2702.

[0120] like Figure 7, the base 610 of the mount 2702 can define one or more attachment openings 700. For example, the base 610 can define a first attachment opening 702, a second attachment opening 704, a third attachment opening 706, and / or a fourth attachment opening 708. The attachment openings 700 can be sized to receive the second attachment feature 2706. In some embodiments, the guide 2700 does not include a rotation device and requires an operator to orient the UAV 100 for each specific clamp 108 to be mounted to the line 110.

[0121] Reference Fig.28 , shows a second attachment feature 2706 according to some embodiments. In these embodiments, the second attachment feature 2706 includes an attachment portion 2802. The attachment portion 2802 can extend outward from the center of the second attachment feature 2706 and can be sized to fit within one of the attachment openings 700. The attachment portion 2802 can have one or more openings to allow mechanical fasteners to pass therethrough in order to attach the second attachment feature 2706 to the mount 2702.

[0122] The second attachment feature 2706 includes an alignment structure 2804 attached to the attachment portion 2802. In some embodiments, the attachment portion 2802 can extend along an axis, wherein the alignment structure 2804 does not extend parallel to the axis. In some embodiments, the alignment structure 2804 can define an angle relative to the axis extending along the attachment portion 2802. For example, the angle can be between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the alignment structure 2804 can include a pair of elongated arms 2806 extending substantially parallel to each other and can be attached to each other by a connecting portion 2808. As explained above with other embodiments of the second attachment feature, the alignment structure 2804 can help align the clamp 108 to the line 110.

[0123] Reference Fig.29 In some embodiments, the second attachment feature 2706 may include a guide structure 2900. In some embodiments, the guide structure 2900 may be attached to the connecting portion 2808 of the second attachment feature 2706. The connecting portion 2808 may include a wall 2902 that defines a guide opening 2904 into which the guide structure 2900 may be received. In this manner, the guide structure 2900 may extend outwardly from the second attachment feature 2706 along an axis. The guide structure 2900 may help a drone operator operating the UAV 100 provide a reference point relative to the UAV 100 and the line 110. In some embodiments, the guide structure 2900 may include a ball at the distal end of the guide structure 2900.

[0124] Reference Fig.30, shows a guide 3000 according to some embodiments. The guide 3000 includes a mounting member 3002 and a rotation device 3004. The rotation device 3004 is configured to attach a plurality of second attachment features 2706 and is configured to rotate to sequentially present each second attachment feature 2706 at the line 110 so as to mount the clamp 108 to the line 110.

[0125] The rotating device 3004 includes a cover 3006 and a base 3008. In some embodiments, the cover 3006 can be attached to the base 3008, wherein the base 3008 can move relative to the cover 3006. The cover 3006 can have a top side and a bottom side. In some embodiments, the top side can face the UAV 100 and the bottom side can face the base 3008.

[0126] In some embodiments, the top side of the cover 3006 can include one or more attachment structures that help attach the cover 3006 to the UAV 100. For example, the cover 3006 can include a first attachment structure 3010, a second attachment structure 3012, a third attachment structure 3014, and a fourth attachment structure 3016. In some embodiments, the first attachment structure 3010, the second attachment structure 3012, the third attachment structure 3014, and the fourth attachment structure 3016 can extend outward from the top side of the cover 3006. In this manner, the top surfaces of the first attachment structure 3010, the second attachment structure 3012, the third attachment structure 3014, and the fourth attachment structure 3016 can define a first plane, while the remainder of the cover 3006 can define a second plane that is non-coplanar (e.g., offset) relative to the first plane. It should be understood that the bottom side of the UAV 100 may include one or more recesses that are sized and / or shaped to receive the first attachment structure 3010, the second attachment structure 3012, the third attachment structure 3014, and the fourth attachment structure 3016.

[0127] The cover 3006 can receive a fastener 3018 (e.g., a threaded fastener) through a cover opening defined by the cover 3006 to attach the cover 3006 to the UAV 100.

[0128] Reference Fig.31 , shows a base 3008 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the base 3008 includes a base wall 3100 surrounded by a surrounding wall 3102. The cover 3006 can be attached to the surrounding wall 3102 to define a gap, space, recess, etc. between the cover 3006 and the base wall 3100. In some embodiments, the base wall 3100 can have a substantially circular shape, although other shapes are contemplated (e.g., square, etc.).

[0129] In some embodiments, the base 3008 includes one or more walls defining an attachment opening. For example, the base 3008 may include a first wall 3104 defining a first attachment opening 3106, a second wall 3108 defining a second attachment opening 3110, a third wall 3112 defining a third attachment opening 3114, and a fourth wall 3116 defining a fourth attachment opening 3118. In some embodiments, the first wall 3104, the second wall 3108, the third wall 3112, and the fourth wall 3116 may protrude outward from the surrounding wall 3102. In this manner, the ends of the first wall 3104, the second wall 3108, the third wall 3112, and the fourth wall 3116 may be spaced a distance from the surrounding wall 3102. In some embodiments, the first wall 3104, the second wall 3108, the third wall 3112, and the fourth wall 3116 may be spaced about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees around the surrounding wall 3102. For example, the first wall 3104, the second wall 3108, the third wall 3112, and the fourth wall 3116 can be spaced about 90 degrees from each other. However, in other examples, this spacing can be different from what is shown herein.

[0130] In some embodiments, second attachment feature 2706 can be attached to base 3008. For example, second attachment feature 2706 can be received within one of attachment openings 700, as described herein with respect to Figure 7 In this manner, the base 3008 can receive a plurality of second attachment features 2706, such as second attachment features 2706 within each of the first attachment opening 232, the second attachment opening 234, the third attachment opening 236, and / or the fourth attachment opening 238 (collectively, the attachment openings 700).

[0131] See also Fig.31 , the base 3008 may include a first stopper 3119, and the cover 3006 may include a second stopper 3120. In some embodiments, the first stopper 3119 includes a protrusion, a projection, or other structure formed along the inner wall of the base 3008. The second stopper 3120 may include a protrusion, a projection, or other structure formed along the inner wall of the cover 3006. In some embodiments, when the cover 3006 is attached to the base 3008, the first stopper 3119 and the second stopper 3120 may face each other.

[0132] In some embodiments, the biasing device 3122 can include a first biasing end 3124 and a second biasing end 3126. The first biasing end 3124 and the second biasing end 3126 can protrude outwardly from an axis (e.g., the central axis 206) extending along the biasing device 3122. That is, in some embodiments, the biasing device 3122 can define an opening extending along the axis, wherein the first biasing end 3124 and the second biasing end 3126 extend perpendicular to the axis.

[0133] When the cover 3006 is attached to the base 3008, the first biasing end 3124 of the biasing device 3122 can engage the first stop 3119, and the second biasing end 3126 of the biasing device 3122 can engage the second stop 3120. For example, the protruding end of the protrusion can be received in the opening 3128 defined in the base 3008. In this way, since the cover 3006 is attached to the UAV 100 and cannot move relative to the UAV 100, the biasing device 3122 can cause the base 3008 to move relative to the cover 3006. For example, with the first biasing end 3124 of the biasing device 3122 engaging the first stop 3119 and the second biasing end 3126 of the biasing device 3122 engaging the second stop 3120, the biasing device 3122 can apply a biasing force to the base 3008 to cause the base 3008 to rotate relative to the cover 3006.

[0134] In some embodiments, a push mechanism (not shown) can be attached to the bottom side of the base 3008. The push mechanism can protrude outward from the periphery of the base 3008 and can be fixedly attached to the fastener. In some embodiments, the biasing device 3122 can cause the base 3008 to move relative to the cover 3006. In operation, since the clamp 108 contacts the push mechanism, the base 3008 can be restricted from further movement. Once the clamp 108 has been attached to the line 110, the force applied to the base 3008 by the biasing device 3122 can cause further rotation of the base 3008, at least until the next clamp 108 contacts the push mechanism. In this way, the base 3008 and the cover 3006 can provide an automatic indexing feature for attaching the clamp 108 to one or more lines 110.

[0135] Reference Fig.32 , shows a guide 3200 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the guide 3200 includes a first attachment portion 3202 and a second attachment portion 3204. The clamp 108 can be received by the first attachment portion 3202 and the second attachment portion 3204. In some embodiments, the guide 3200 is configured to receive a plurality of clamps 108, such as four clamps, etc.

[0136] Reference Fig.33 and Fig.34, shows a clamp 3300 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the clamp 3300 can include a first jaw 3302, a second jaw 3304, a biasing member 3306, and a stop member 3308, among others. In some embodiments, the stop member 3308 includes a first stop portion 3310 and a second stop portion 3312. The first stop portion 3310 can have a first end 3314 pivotally attached to the first jaw 3302. The second stop portion 3312 can have a first flange 3316 that engages a second flange 3318 of the second jaw 3304, similar to the previously described embodiments. In some embodiments, the first stop portion 3310 and the second stop portion 3312 can be attached by a stop pivot 3320.

[0137] In this way, the first stop portion 3310 and the second stop portion 3312 can pivot relative to each other about the stop pivot 3320.

[0138] like Fig.34 As shown, the second stop portion 3312 includes a stop member 3400. The stop member 3400 can selectively abut the first stop portion 3310. In some embodiments, the stop member 3308 can be in an extended position (e.g., Fig.33 ) and folded position (e.g., as Fig.34 In some embodiments, the stop member 3400 can limit the movement of the stop member 3308 to the folded position by abutting the first stop portion 3310 when the first stop portion 3310 and the second stop portion 3312 are in the extended position.

[0139] In operation, when the stop member 3308 is in the extended position, the stop member 3308 can hold the first jaw 3302 and the second jaw 3304 in the open position. When the line 110 contacts the stop member 3308, the first stop portion 3310 and the second stop portion 3312 can pivot from the extended position to the folded position (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig.34 ). When the stop member 3308 is in the folded position, the biasing member 3306 can move the clamp 3300 from the open position to the closed position.

[0140] Reference Fig.35, some embodiments of the clamp 3500 are shown. In some embodiments, the clamp 3500 may include a first jaw 3502, a second jaw 3504, a biasing member 3506, and a stop member 3508. In some embodiments, the stop member 3508 may extend nonlinearly between opposite ends. For example, a central portion 3510 of the stop member 3508 may form an angle.

[0141] The stop member 3508 can be pivotally attached to the second jaw 3504 at an attachment location 3512. In some embodiments, the stop member 3508 can be attached to the second jaw 3504 at a location between a first end 3514 and a second end 3516 of the stop member 3508. For example, a location of the stop member 3508 toward the center 3510 can be pivotally attached to the second jaw 3504 such that the stop member 3508 can pivot relative to the second jaw 3504.

[0142] In some embodiments, the stop member 3508 includes a first flange 3518. The first flange 3518 may include a protrusion, an exposed portion, etc. The first flange 3518 may engage a second flange 3520 defined in the first jaw 3502. For example, the first jaw 3502 may define an opening in which the second flange 3520 may be formed. In some embodiments, the second flange 3520 may be formed adjacent to the axis 3522. In some such embodiments, the axis 3522 and the second flange 3520 may be positioned on the same side (e.g., below) of the pivotable attachment location between the stop member 3508 and the second jaw 3504. In some embodiments, the second flange 3520 may include a shelf, an exposed portion, etc.

[0143] In operation, when the clamp 3500 is in the open position (e.g., Fig.35 3502), the first flange 3518 of the stop member 3508 can rest on the second flange 3520 of the first jaw 3502. In the open position, the biasing member 3506 can exert a closing force 3524 on the first jaw 3502 and the second jaw 3504 to bias the clamp 3500 toward the closed position. When the stop member 3508 is in contact with the second jaw 3504 (e.g., due to the first flange 3518 resting on the second flange 3520), the stop member 3508 can maintain the clamp 3500 in the open position, wherein the first jaw 3502 and the second jaw 3504 are spaced apart.

[0144] Reference Fig.36, shows a clamp 3600 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the clamp 3600 may include a first jaw 3602, a second jaw 3604, a biasing member 3606, and a stop member 3608. In some embodiments, the stop member 3608 may be disposed at a rear portion of the first jaw 3602. In some embodiments, the stop member 3608 may be removably attached to the first jaw 3602 at an attachment location 3610. The stop member 3608 may extend between a first end 3612 and a second end 3614. The first end 3612 may be removably attached to the first jaw 3602. For example, the first jaw 3602 may define a second flange 3616 formed between walls defining a slot 3618. The first end 3612 of the stop member 3608 may engage and rest on the second flange 3616. In some embodiments, the second jaw 3604 includes a stopper 3620. The stopper 3620 may be positioned within the slot 3618. The stop member 3608 may be initially inserted into the slot 3618 so as to rest against the second flange 3616. Opposite the second flange 3616, the stopper 3620 may contact and engage the stop member 3608. In this manner, the second flange 3616 may be disposed on a first side 3622 of the stop member 3608, while the stopper 3620 may be disposed on an opposite second side of the stop member 3608.

[0145] In operation, when the clamp 3600 is in an open position (eg, as shown), the stop member 3608 can rest against the second flange 3616 of the first jaw 3602 .

[0146] In the open position, the biasing member 3606 can exert a closing force 3624 on the first jaw 3602 and the second jaw 3604 to bias the clamp 3600 toward the closed position. When the stop member 3608 contacts the stop 3620, the stop member 3608 can maintain the clamp 3600 in the open position with the first jaw 3602 and the second jaw 3604 spaced apart.

[0147] The stop member 3608 can be moved in a direction away from the clamp 3600 such that the stop member 3608 can be removed from the second flange 3616. When the stop member 3608 is removed from the second flange 3616, the stopper 3620 can no longer contact and / or engage the stop member 3608. In this way, the stop member 3608 can not hold the first jaw 3602 and the second jaw 3604 in the open position. Instead, the force of the biasing member 3606 can move the first jaw 3602 and the second jaw 3604 toward each other into a closed position.

[0148] In this way, the circuit 110 can be clamped between the first jaw 3602 and the second jaw 3604.

[0149] Reference Fig.37 , shows a clamp 3700 according to some embodiments. The clamp 3700 may include a first jaw 3702, a second jaw 3704, a biasing member 3706, and a stop member 3708. In some embodiments, the stop member 3708 may be disposed at the rear of the first jaw 3702.

[0150] In some embodiments, the stop member 3708 includes one or more stop arms. For example, the stop member 3708 includes a first stop arm 3710, a second stop arm 3712, and a third stop arm 3714. The first stop arm 3710 can extend from the rear of the second jaw 3704 and pass through the slot 3716 defined by the first jaw 3702. In some embodiments, the second stop arm 3712 can be pivotally attached to the first stop arm 3710 at a first pivot attachment 3718. In this way, the first stop arm 3710 and the second stop arm 3712 can pivot relative to each other. In some embodiments, the stop member 3708 includes a third stop arm 3714, which is pivotally attached to the second stop arm 3712 at a second pivot attachment 3720. In this way, the second stop arm 3712 and the third stop arm 3714 can pivot relative to each other. Opposite the second pivot attachment 3720 , a third stop arm 3714 can be attached to the first jaw 3702 .

[0151] In some embodiments, the first jaw 3702 includes a stop 3722 that extends between the walls defining the slot 3716. The second stop arm 3712 and / or the third stop arm 3714 can abut and / or contact the stop 3722.

[0152] In operation, the second stop arm 3712 and the third stop arm 3714 can pivot toward the stop 3722 so as to contact the stop 3722 adjacent to the second pivot attachment 3720. In the open position, the biasing member 3706 can exert a closing force 3724 on the first jaw 3702 and the second jaw 3704 to bias the clamp 3700 toward the closed position. When the second stop arm 3712 and the third stop arm 3714 contact the stop 3722, the first stop arm 3710 is restricted from pivoting downward toward the third stop arm 3714. In this manner, when the stop member 3708 abuts and / or contacts the stop 3722, the stop member 3708 can maintain the clamp 3700 in the open position with the first jaw 3702 and the second jaw 3704 spaced apart.

[0153] In some embodiments, to move the clamp 3700 from the open position toward the closed position, the stop member 3708 can move in a direction away from the stop 3722. For example, the second stop arm 3712 can include a clamping location 3726 adjacent to the second pivot attachment 3720. A force can be applied to the clamping location 3726 to move the second stop arm 3712 away from the stop 3722. In turn, the third stop arm 3714 can also move away from the stop 3722. With the second stop arm 3712 and the third stop arm 3714 moving away from the stop, the first stop arm 3710 can move toward the third stop arm 3714 (e.g., downward). In this manner, the stop member 3708 may not hold the first jaw 3702 and the second jaw 3704 in the open position. Instead, the force of the biasing member 3706 can move the first jaw 3702 and the second jaw 3704 toward each other into the closed position. In this manner, the circuit 110 may be clamped between the first jaw 3702 and the second jaw 3704 .

[0154] Reference Fig.38 , shows a clamp 3800 according to some embodiments. The clamp 3800 may include a first jaw 3802, a second jaw 3804, and a biasing member 3806. In some embodiments, the clamp 3800 may not include a stop member. Instead, the position of the biasing member 3806 may maintain the clamp 3800 in an open position relative to the closed position.

[0155] For example, in the open position, Fig.38 As shown, the biasing member 3806 can be located to the side of the axis 3814, for example, below the axis 3814. In this way, the biasing member 3806 can apply a force to the first jaw 3802 and the second jaw 3804. However, because the biasing member 3806 is located below the axis 3814, the first jaw 3802 and the second jaw 3804 can remain in the open position. In other words, the biasing member 3806 urges the first jaw 3802 and the second jaw 3804 to the open position because the clamp 3800 is in an over-center position.

[0156] In some embodiments, to move the clamp 3800 from the open position toward the closed position, the clamp 3800 can be moved adjacent to the line 110. As the line 110 moves toward the clamp 3800, the line 110 can contact the jaw wall 3810 of the second jaw 3804. The contact between the line 110 and the jaw wall 3810 of the second jaw 3804 can provide the second jaw 3804 with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member 3806. In turn, the second jaw 3804 can begin to rotate relative to the first jaw 3802. This rotation can allow the biasing member 3806 to move upward, such that the biasing member 3806 can be located on the opposite side of the axis 3814 (e.g., above the axis). In this way, the biasing member 3806 can no longer hold the first jaw 3802 and the second jaw 3804 in the open position. Instead, the force of the biasing member 3806 can move the first jaw 3802 and the second jaw 3804 toward each other into the closed position. In this way, the circuit 110 can be clamped between the first jaw 3802 and the second jaw 3804.

[0157] Reference Fig.39 , shows a clamp 3900 according to some embodiments. The clamp 3900 may include a first jaw 3902, a second jaw 3904, and a biasing member 3906. Fig.39 The fixture shown is similar to Fig.38 3900. However, in some embodiments, the clamp 3900 may include a release structure, such as a wheel 3910. The wheel 3910 may be rotatably attached to the first jaw 3902. In some embodiments, when the clamp 3900 is moved adjacent to the line 110, the line 110 may engage the legs 3912 of the wheel 3910. This engagement may cause the wheel 3910 to rotate. When the wheel 3910 rotates, one or more legs 3912 of the wheel 3910 may contact a mounting structure (not shown) to which the clamp 3900 is mounted. This contact may help release the clamp 3900 from the mounting structure.

[0158] Reference Fig.40 , a mounting structure 4000 of some embodiments for mounting a clamp 4002 to a line 110 is shown. In some embodiments, one or more clamps described herein can be used in conjunction with the mounting structure 4000. The mounting structure 4000 can include a base 4004 and wheels 4006. In some embodiments, the base 4004 can be attached to the UAV 100, and the wheels 4006 can be attached to the base 4004. In some embodiments, the mounting structure 4000 includes a movable mounting arm 4008 relative to the wheels 4006.

[0159] The mounting arm 4008 may extend between a gear end 4010 and an engagement end 4012. In some embodiments, the gear end 4010 may be positioned proximate the center of the wheel 4006, while the engagement end 4012 may be positioned toward the periphery of the wheel 4006. The gear end 4010 may include a stop 4014 for engaging with a gear 4016 of the wheel 4006. In some embodiments, the gear 4016 defines one or more slots, openings, etc., formed in a portion of the wheel 4006. In some embodiments, the mounting arm 4008 may be generally biased to a position where the engagement end 4012 contacts the wheel 4006 and the gear end 4010 is positioned a distance away from the gear 4016. Due to gravity (e.g., from the clamp 4002 supported on the periphery of the wheel 4006), the wheel 4006 may pivot downward as indicated by arrow 4020. As wheel 4006 rotates, engagement end 4012 can receive a portion of clamp 4002, such as wall 4018. In this way, a wall of clamp 4002 can be positioned between the engagement end of mounting arm 4008 and wheel 4006. The flared shape of engagement end 4012 can further aid in receiving a portion of clamp 4002.

[0160] When a portion of the clamp 4002 is received by the engagement end 4012, the gear end 4010 of the mounting arm 4008 can be moved to engage with the gear 4016. That is, the stop 4014 of the mounting arm 4008 can be pivoted so as to be received within one of the gear openings of the gear 4016. With the stop 4014 in place, the wheel 4006 is substantially restricted from inadvertently rotating. However, once the clamp 4002 receives the line and the clamp is disengaged from the wheel 4006, the wheel 4006 can be rotated to position the next clamp 4002 in the appropriate position relative to the line 110.

[0161] Reference Fig.41, shows a mounting structure 4100 for mounting a set of clamps 4102 to a line 110 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more clamps described herein may be used in conjunction with the mounting structure 4100. The mounting structure 4100 may include a frame 4104 and a clamp holder 4106. In some embodiments, one or more clamps 4102 may be attached to the clamp holder 4106. The frame 4104 may be attached to the UAV 100 so that the clamps 4102 can be transported toward the line 110. In some embodiments, the mounting structure 4100 includes a wire 4108 that may be attached to the frame 4104 and a trigger mechanism 4110 of the clamp 4102. In this way, one of the clamps 4102 may be attached to the line 110. When the UAV 100 flies away, the wire 4108 may disengage the trigger mechanism 4110 from the clamp 4102, and thus move the clamp 4102 from an open position to a closed position. In this manner, the clamps 4102 may be attached to the line 110. Once one of the clamps 4102 is attached to the line 110, gravity may help slide the next clamp 4102 down the clamp holder 4106 toward the end 4112 of the clamp holder 4106.

[0162] As described herein, the present application provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (e.g., a drone) that maneuvers a clamp from the ground to a line (e.g., an overhead conductor) and installs the clamp to the line without the physical presence of a line worker near the line. To accomplish this, an automatically triggered clamp is described that enables the clamp to automatically latch onto the line when the clamp triggers itself by contacting the line using kinetic energy that has been converted from potential energy in a biasing member. A carrier system is also developed to work with available commercial drones to enable the clamp to be carried to the line and then release the clamp once it has latched onto the line. The system can replace traditional bucket truck or helicopter installation methods.

[0163] The components of this design may include at least one of the drone, associated control hardware and / or software, a human pilot, a fixture, or a drone-mounted guide. The drone pilot may install the drone guide to the drone. The pilot may then install the fixture into a carrier and set a trigger so that the fixture is ready to be installed on the line. In some embodiments, some drone guides may be able to hold multiple fixtures to help speed up the installation process of multiple fixtures (e.g., the drone does not have to return to the ground for each fixture). Next, the pilot may power up the drone and navigate to the line. The pilot may then maneuver the drone so that the fixture is driven into the line, which may trigger the trigger and close the fixture around the line. The fixture may be released from the guide (e.g., almost) simultaneously, and the fixture may remain fixed to the line while the pilot navigates the drone to the next installation location. When there are no more fixtures to be installed, the pilot may land the drone and repeat the installation process until all fixtures have been installed.

[0164] In some embodiments, wildlife strikes of power lines have been problematic in the power utility industry.The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for holding and transferring a clamp up a power line.

[0165] The bracket disclosed herein can allow a clamp to be transported and installed on a line (e.g., a power line) via a drone. Prior to this design, the way to install a clamp was to use a hot rod or to apply the clamp by hand. Both methods are inefficient. The bracket disclosed herein allows a worker to remain on the ground while using a drone to transport the clamp up to the line and then install the clamp remotely. However, some of the clamps described herein can be used in conjunction with a hot rod.

[0166] The present application is directed to a guide or clamp holder that provides the following basic functions: securely hold the clamp, transport the clamp via a drone to the desired installation location on the overhead line, guide the line into the clamp jaws, and then release the clamp once the clamp is fully engaged on the line. The present application's apparatus and methods can accomplish these tasks while the operator remains on the ground.

[0167] The function of the bracket as provided herein can be to hold the clamp when the clamp is lifted up to the line (e.g., an overhead conductor). The clamp can be implemented by using two small ears with protruding plastic nubs. When the clamp is placed in the bracket, the nubs can have an interference fit with the clamp, which can cause the bracket ears to bend slightly outward. When the nubs on the bracket ears are aligned with the two holes molded into the clamp, the ears can bounce back to their original positions and the nubs can fall into the holes. The clamp can then be suspended on these nubs. In order to remove the clamp from the bracket, the ears can be slightly popped outward to allow the nubs to come out of the holes on the clamp body. This attachment method can provide an easy, secure fit while requiring a sufficiently low disengagement force to allow the clamp to be disengaged from the bracket. The nubs on the ears can have angled faces on the surface, which helps to reduce the force required to disengage the clamp from the bracket.

[0168] To provide positive disengagement, the bracket can incorporate angled stop surfaces for the clamp swing triggers. When the clamp flies into the line and is triggered, the swing triggers on the clamp can be pushed back by angled surfaces designed into the center of the clamp. As these triggers swing back, the triggers can contact the trigger stop surfaces designed into the bracket. This contact can force the clamp down and the drone / bracket assembly up. The force can be sufficient to overcome the disengagement force of the bracket nub, and the clamp can then positively disengage from the bracket. The disengagement force can tend to push the drone upward and off the line.

[0169] Another feature is an angled guide feature. The angled guide can help guide the line (e.g., power line) into the correct position to trigger the clamp consistently. The guide can allow for a greater degree of misalignment during installation. For example, when the drone pilot begins to fly the clamp into the line, the line can be up to 5 inches above the clamp opening. The line can contact the guide feature and be guided to the correct position as the drone drives forward, rather than missing the clamp opening. The bracket can also include a contact stop that supports the clamp and prevents the clamp from rotating when the line is pressed against the trigger mechanism.

[0170] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing at least some of the claims.

[0171] Different operations of the embodiments are provided herein. The order of some or all of the operations described should not be interpreted as implying that these operations must rely on the order. With the benefit of this description, alternative sequencing will be appreciated. Further, it will be understood that not all operations must be present in each embodiment provided herein. Moreover, it will be understood that in some embodiments, not all operations are required.

[0172] Many modifications may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, "first," "second," etc. are not intended to imply temporal aspects, spatial aspects, order, etc. Instead, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. of features, elements, items, etc. For example, a first component and a second component correspond to component A and component B or two different or two identical components or the same component.

[0173] In addition, "exemplary" is used herein to refer to being used as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and is not necessarily advantageous. As used in the present application, "or" is intended to represent an inclusive "or", rather than an exclusive "or". In addition, as used in the present application, "a" and "an" should be interpreted as meaning "one or more / one or more", unless otherwise specified or clearly seen from the context to be directed to a singular form. In addition, at least one of A and B, etc. represents A or B or both A and B. In addition, with respect to the use of "includes", "having", "has", "with" or its variants in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to mean inclusive in a manner similar to "comprising".

[0174] Likewise, although the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more embodiments, equivalent changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art based on the reading and understanding of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure includes all such modifications and changes and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-mentioned components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise specified, the terms used to describe these components are intended to correspond to any component that performs the specific functions of the described components (e.g., functionally equivalent), even if the component is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure. In addition, although a particular feature of the present invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, this feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or specific application.

Claims

1. A clamp, comprising: first jaw; a second jaw portion attached to the first jaw portion; a biasing member having a first end attached to the first jaw and a second end attached to the second jaw, wherein the biasing member is configured to do at least one of the following: rotating the first jaw relative to the second jaw about an axis; or rotating the second jaw relative to the first jaw about the axis; and a stop member, the stop member comprising: a first stop portion attached to the first jaw; a stop pivot attached to the first stop portion; and a second stop portion attached to the stop pivot, the stop member configured to engage at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw, the stop member movable between a first position relative to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw and a second position relative to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw, wherein: When the stop member is in the first position, the first jaw and the second jaw are in a stopped position and the second stop portion engages the second jaw to provide physical interference to limit rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw and to limit rotation of the first jaw relative to the second jaw, In the first position, the stop member is configured to at least one of: limiting rotation of the first jaw relative to the second jaw about the axis; or limiting the rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw about the axis, In the second position, the stop member is configured to at least one of: enabling the first jaw to rotate relative to the second jaw about the axis; or enabling the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis, and When the stop member moves from the first position to the second position, the first stop portion and the second stop portion pivot relative to each other about the stop pivot to enable at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw to move between the stop position and a closed position.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein the stop member comprises: a first end portion configured to be pivotally attached to at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw; as well as A second end portion is configured to selectively engage at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw.

3. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The biasing member is configured to urge at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw to rotate to at least one of an over-center position, the stop position, or the closed position, wherein: The biasing member is located on a first side of the axis when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the over-center position, and The biasing member is located on a second side of the axis when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed position.

4. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The stop member is rotatably attached to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw, The stop member includes an engagement lug, when the stop member is in the first position, the first jaw and the second jaw are in the stop position, and the engagement lug engages at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw to provide physical interference to limit rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw and to limit rotation of the first jaw relative to the second jaw, and The stop member moves from the first position to the second position by rotating about a mounting axis, thereby removing the physical interference and enabling the first and second jaws to move from the stop position to the closed position to mount the clamp to a line.

5. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The first jaw includes a first mating portion configured to mate with a second mating portion of a guide to attach the clamp to the guide.

6. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The biasing member is configured to urge at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw to rotate to at least one of the stop position or the closed position, and When the clamp moves from the stop position to the closed position, the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw decreases to mount the clamp to the wire.

7. The clamp according to claim 6, wherein: The clamp is attached to a guide for guiding the clamp toward the line, The backing portion of the guide is configured to apply a separation force to the clamp to separate the clamp from the guide, and The separation force is a function of kinetic energy released as the clamp moves from the rest position to the closed position.

8. The clamp according to claim 7, wherein: The separation force is applied to the stop member, and The separation force is applied in response to the stop member contacting the structure.

9. The clamp according to claim 1, wherein: The clamp is attached to the structure by an attachment member including a first mating portion that is attached to the structure and is configured to mate with a second mating portion of the clamp to attach the clamp to the structure.

10. The clamp according to claim 9, wherein: The attachment feature is resiliently deformable to attach the clamp to the structure.

11. A clamp comprising: first jaw; a second jaw comprising a jaw wall and attached to the first jaw; as well as a biasing member having a first end attached to the first jaw and a second end attached to the second jaw, the biasing member being movable between a first position relative to an axis about which at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw rotates and a second position relative to the axis, wherein: When the biasing member is in the first position, the biasing member is configured to urge the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis in a first rotational direction toward an open position, When the biasing member is in the second position, the biasing member is configured to urge the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction toward a closed position, Contact between the line and the jaw wall applies a moment arm to the second jaw to: overcoming the biasing force of the biasing member in the first position, and causing the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis in the second rotational direction to move the biasing member to the second position, and The biasing member urges rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw about the axis toward the closed position to mount the jaws to the line.

12. The clamp according to claim 11, wherein: When the biasing member is in the first position, the biasing member is configured to maintain the first jaw and the second jaw in the open position in the absence of an external force.

13. The clamp according to claim 11, wherein: When the biasing member is in the second position, the biasing member is configured to maintain the first jaw and the second jaw in the closed position in the absence of an external force.

14. The clamp according to claim 11, comprising: a breakaway structure rotatably attached to the first jaw, wherein: Contact between the line and the breakaway structure causes the breakaway structure to rotate, Rotation of the disengagement structure causes a portion of the disengagement structure to contact a mounting structure to which the clamp is mounted, and Contact between the disengagement structure and the mounting structure applies a force to the clamp to urge the clamp to move away from the mounting structure, thereby releasing the clamp from the mounting structure.

15. A clamp comprising: first jaw; a second jaw portion attached to the first jaw portion; a biasing member having a first end attached to the first jaw and a second end attached to the second jaw, wherein: The biasing member is configured to do at least one of the following: rotating the first jaw relative to the second jaw about an axis; or rotating the second jaw relative to the first jaw about the axis; a trigger mechanism configured to engage at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw, the trigger mechanism being movable between a first position relative to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw and a second position relative to at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw; and a wire extending from a first end attached to the trigger mechanism to a second end attached to a mounting structure of a mounting fixture, wherein: In the first position, the trigger mechanism is configured to do at least one of the following: limiting rotation of the first jaw relative to the second jaw about the axis; or limiting rotation of the second jaw relative to the first jaw about the axis, and In the second position, the trigger mechanism is configured to do at least one of the following: enabling the first jaw to rotate relative to the second jaw about the axis; or enabling the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis, The trigger mechanism is configured to move from the first position to the second position by a force generated based on a distance between the trigger mechanism and the mounting structure, and When the clamp is engaged with the line, movement of the mounting structure in a direction away from the line increases the distance between the trigger mechanism and the mounting structure, As the distance increases and a force is generated in the line, the line is tensioned between the trigger mechanism and the mounting structure, and The force causes the trigger mechanism to move from the first position to the second position to install the clamp to the line.

16. The clamp according to claim 15, wherein: The biasing member is configured to urge at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw to rotate to at least one of an over-center position, a stop position, or a closed position, wherein: The biasing member is located on a first side of the axis when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the over-center position, and The biasing member is located on a second side of the axis when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed position.

17. The clamp according to claim 15, wherein: The biasing member is configured to urge at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw to rotate to at least one of a stop position or a closed position, and When the clamp moves from the stop position to the closed position, a distance between the first jaw and the second jaw decreases to mount the clamp to the line.

18. A clamp comprising: first jaw; a second jaw portion attached to the first jaw portion; a biasing member having a first end attached to the first jaw and a second end attached to the second jaw, the biasing member being movable between a first position relative to an axis about which at least one of the first jaw or the second jaw rotates and a second position relative to the axis, and a breakaway structure rotatably attached to the first jaw, wherein: Contact between the line and the breakaway structure causes the breakaway structure to rotate, The rotation of the disengagement structure causes a portion of the disengagement structure to contact a mounting structure on which the clamp is mounted, contact between the disengagement structure and the mounting structure applies a force to the clamp to cause the clamp to move away from the mounting structure, thereby releasing the clamp from the mounting structure, When the biasing member is in the first position, the biasing member is configured to urge the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis in a first rotational direction toward an open position, and When the biasing member is in the second position, the biasing member is configured to urge the second jaw to rotate relative to the first jaw about the axis in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction toward a closed position.

19. The clamp according to claim 18, wherein: When the biasing member is in the first position, the biasing member is configured to maintain the first jaw and the second jaw in the open position in the absence of an external force.

20. The clamp according to claim 18, wherein: When the biasing member is in the second position, the biasing member is configured to maintain the first jaw and the second jaw in the closed position in the absence of an external force.

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