Abstract:
A cable is pulled in a duct or along an overhead support line according to a method and through the use of a tape comprised of warp and weft threads. Indicia printed on the web is used to indicate the length of the course of travel for the cable along which the web extends. The width of the web is sufficient to affix indicia on the surface thereof. The web has an elongation of 10% or less at a break strength which is in excess of 750 pounds of pull force. The pull strength of the woven web is about 2900-3000 pounds. The web is comprised of strands of parallel filaments of yarn consisting of aromatic polyamide fibers. Insulated conductors are incorporated in the tape as two of many warp threads according to a second tape embodiment for conducting a tension signal along the tape. After a length of the course of travel is measured with the tape, one end of the tape is connected to the leading end of a cable while the remaining end of the tape is connected to a winch.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measuring tension imposed on a cable by a pull line in a conduit includes a tension meter coupled between the cable and the pull line. The meter includes a load cell connected to an electronic circuit to operate an audio transmitter in one embodiment, or to generate an electromagnetic field parallel to the conduit according to a second embodiment. The electromagnetic field induces a tension signal in a metallic conductor extending parallel to the conduit. In a further embodiment, electrical conductors form two of many warp threads of a pull line that also includes a weft thread. The audio or electrical signal is transmitted for detection and for operating a display. An operator uses the display to control tension in the pull line.
Abstract:
An inner duct is disclosed which can fit inside a duct and extend along a length thereof for receiving communication cable, particularly a light-guide cable. The inner duct has a continuous side wall with protruding ribs on the inside and outside surfaces to maintain an effective supply of lubricant during the installation of the inner duct and cable in the inner duct. The ribs on the inside surface of the inner duct guide the cable during the placement operation. It is preferred to install a plurality of inner ducts into a duct during which the ribs on the inner duct interlock with one another to prevent spiraling. The ribs also facilitate the dissipation of heat due to friction and ambient sources of heat.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measuring tension imposed on a cable by a pull line in a conduit includes a tension meter coupled between the cable and the pull line. The meter includes a load cell connected to an electronic circuit to operate an audio transmitter in one embodiment, or to generate an electromagnetic field parallel to the conduit according to a second embodiment. The electromagnetic field induces a tension signal in a metallic conductor extending parallel to the conduit. The audio or electrical signal is transmitted for detection and for operating a display. An operator uses the display to control tension in the pull line.
Abstract:
Conductors are removed from the sheathing of a cable by attaching a sleeve to the outer surface at one end of the sheathing of a selected length of cable. When the sheathing is made of lead, the sleeve has internal threads that are passed onto the sheathing. Alternative measures for attaching the sleeve to the sheathing include forming a bonded film of solder or cured adhesive. The free end of the sleeve is joined with a fitting coupled by a conduit to a source of lubricant under pressure. Lubricant is forced through the sleeve into the sheathing under sufficient pressure to cause the lubricant to flow along the conductors of the cable. After the lubricant disperses within the sheathing, the conductors are withdrawn. When the cable is buried, anchoring of the sheathing is usually unnecessary. When anchoring is necessary, a T-shaped anchor is attached by threads to the sleeve and a rope is used to attach the anchor to a support surface.
Abstract:
An elongated cylinder is essentially comprised of a continuous side wall with a narrow weak wall segment along the length thereof for fracturing by the application of a small force to permit access to the interior of the cylinder along the fractured side wall. The weak side wall segment is in the form of a very thin web section produced by grinding or in a molding operation which may additionally include the filling of the hollowed area of the side wall with a dissimilar material. The article is used for cable placement, varmint protectors for tree trunks, protectors for wire harnesses, protectors for cable splices, and a mold for concrete.
Abstract:
A coating consisting essentially of 0.5% to 50%, preferably 2% to 20%, by volume, polyethylene oxide and about 6% to 30% a dispersion agent selected from the group consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol and hexylene glycol, with the ratio of polyethylene oxide-to-dispersion agent, by volume, being no greater than 2:1 and preferably 1:3. The remainder being essentially water. The coating is useful as a lubricant to facilitate pulling plastic-sheathed cable through a conduit, drawing wire through a die and mounting a tire on a rim. The coating is an emollient for wood and useful in metalworking to inhibit or otherwise control oxidation, and as an annealing and normalizing agent.
Abstract:
An inner duct is disclosed which can fit inside a duct and extend along a length thereof for receiving communication cable, particularly a light-guide cable. The inner duct has a continuous side wall with protruding ribs on the inside and outside surfaces to maintain an effective supply of lubricant during the installation of the inner duct and cable in the inner duct. The ribs on the inside surface of the inner duct guide the cable during the placement operation. It is preferred to install a plurality of inner ducts into a duct during which the ribs on the inner duct interlock with one another to prevent spiraling. The ribs also facilitate the dissipation of heat due to friction and ambient sources of heat.
Abstract:
A flexible feeder tube with a weakened longitudinal side wall is coupled at one end by a nozzle with an underground conduit while the remaining end of the feeder tube is located aboveground and joined with a lubricating collar that is split. A supply of cable has a plain end and an end equipped with connectors joined to the conductors of the cable. The plain end of the cable is joined with a pull-line that is fed from the conduit through the flexible feeder tube. The plain end of the cable is then drawn into the feeder tube while lubricant is applied to the sheathing of the cable. Pulling of the cable through the conduit is terminated before the end with the connector members contacts the feeder tube. The lubricating collar is split and held together by fasteners which are loosened so that the collar can be removed from the cable and then the feeder tube is removed from the cable by severing the feeder tube along the weakened longitudinal side wall. The feeder tube is light weight and removed laterally from the cable by the passage of the cable through the severed side wall of the feeder tube. After the feeder tube is stripped from the cable, it is discarded and the cable is then positioned so that the connector members on the trailing end are moved into a desired location relative to the conduit.
Abstract:
A tractor provided with a cable reel at one end and a plow at the trailing end includes a system to monitor tension applied to the cable during underground placement. A capstan engages the cable while driven by a hyraulic motor and the pressure of the fluid supply to the motor is monitored by a pressure transducer. An electrical signal from the pressure transducer is fed to a control which also receives a setpoint signal corresponding to a maximum allowable tension on the cable. An output signal from the control is used to slow down or stop advancing movement of the vehicle and a second signal is used to operate a valve to divert fluid pressure from the hydraulic motor. Tension on the cable extending between the capstan and the reel can be monitored as well as tension on the cable between the capstan and the plow.