Abstract:
A rope system adapted to be connected between first and second structures comprises a rope recoil system comprising first and second rope recoil assemblies. The first rope recoil assembly defines a first length and a first predetermined rope recoil maximum limit at which the first rope recoil assembly fails when under tension. The second rope recoil assembly defines a second length, where the second length is longer than the first length. The rope recoil assembly is arranged between the first and second structures such that the rope recoil system is in a first configuration. When at least one of the first and second structures moves away from another of the first and second structures, the first rope recoil assembly fails and the rope recoil system reconfigures into a second configuration.
Abstract:
A rope structure adapted to engage a bearing structure while under load comprises a plurality of fibers, a matrix, and lubricant particles. The plurality of fibers is adapted to bear the loads applied to the ends of the rope structure. The matrix surrounds at least a portion of some of the plurality of fibers. The lubricant particles are supported by the matrix such that at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged between at least some of the fibers to reduce friction between at least some of the plurality of fibers and at least some of the lubricant particles are arranged to be between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers to reduce friction between the bearing structure and at least some of the plurality of fibers.
Abstract:
A rope structure contains first and second sets of fibers. The first set of fibers is twisted together. The second set of fibers is twisted around the first set of fibers to form yarns. The first set of fibers is formed of a first material, the second set of fibers is formed of a second material, and elongation of the first set of fibers is different from elongation of the second set of fibers. Twists applied to the first and second fibers are such that loads on the rope structure are substantially evenly distributed across individual fibers. The yarns are combined to form strands in the form of a 3-strand rope. The strands are combined using a single braid process to form the rope structure defining a void space. The rope structure is formed such that lengths of fibers in the first and second sets are approximately the same.