Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for autonomous cleaning of an electrical wire includes an inductive means to derive power from the electrical wire through inductive coupling, a drive motor for driving motion wheels in contact with the electrical wire, and at least one retractable arm having a cleaning unit comprising a brush in contact with the electrical wire for cleaning the electrical wire. The apparatus is configured to raise the at least one retractable arm when an obstruction on the wire is detected, thereby permitting the apparatus to traverse over the obstruction and continue cleaning the electrical wire. The apparatus also includes a support wheel configured to automatically compensate for any changes in diameter of the wire during the cleaning process. The apparatus may also be used to clean multiple wires at once and is further provided with a suite of electronics for collecting and sending data to an outside operator.

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First Claim