Importance

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Abstract

A link assembly has a pair of mechanical links pivotally connected to rotate relative to one another about a pivot axis. A cable protector is provided as part of the link assembly. The cable protector has a cup with an end wall which defines a first end of a winding chamber, and an annular side wall which extends from the end wall and defines a side of the winding chamber. A lid defines a second end of the winding chamber opposite to the first end. The lid is coupled to the cup by a bearing so that the cup and lid can rotate with respect to each other. An opening is formed in the side wall of the cup and a slot is formed in the lid. The assembly is fitted with a cable having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the width of the cable is greater than its thickness. The cable has a first portion which extends along a first one of the links and passes into the side of the winding chamber through the opening in the side wall of the cup, a second portion which extends along a second one of the links and passes into the second end of the winding chamber through the slot in the lid, and a rolled portion in the winding chamber in which the cable is wound into a roll, the roll including an outer turn which leads to the first portion and an inner turn which is inside the outer turn and leads to the second portion.

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First Claim