Tractor For Pulling Wire (e.g., Battery-powered) Patents (Class 254/134.5)
  • Patent number: 10763650
    Abstract: A cable, in particular an induction cable, extends in a longitudinal direction along a longitudinal axis and is provided for laying in a pipe. A laying aid is mounted on the cable. The laying aid is formed so that the cable can be rotated about the longitudinal axis during laying. The cable is laid by a method for laying the cable which extends in a longitudinal direction, in which the laying aid is provided and the cable is laid in the longitudinal direction. The cable is rotated about a longitudinal axis extending in the longitudinal direction during laying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: LEONI Kabel Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Angermann, Klaus Bitterwolf, Thomas Brunner, Michael Dreiner, Christian Eck, Jan Foerster, Sebastian Goss, Jens Mosebach, Ulrich Raupach, Rainer Sessner
  • Patent number: 10060569
    Abstract: A pipe pig is provided with linked wheels, and at least a central wheel of the linked wheels is pivotally linked to adjacent wheels through a spring loaded connection that biases the central wheel out of straight line alignment with the adjacent wheels. The pipe pig may be used to negotiate tight bends in a pipe and carry sensing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Orlande Wayne Sivacoe
  • Patent number: 9843180
    Abstract: An end closure for a cable having a core, at least two electrical cable wires and at least one optical transmission element, the core is surrounded by a metal wire reinforcement. On the end of the electrical cable wires an electrically suitable connection set is mounted, which at least partially protrudes out of a pipe. A connection unit is mounted on the end of the optical transmission element, which also partially protrudes from the pipe. The connection unit has a pot shaped tension element mounted tension proof on the free end of the pipe and surrounds, moisture tight and pressure tight, the part of the connection set and the connection unit that protrudes out of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: NEXANS
    Inventors: Volker Aue, Eduard Schramm, Michael Sturmer
  • Patent number: 9709756
    Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies having a preconnectorized hardened connector on at least one end of a fiber optic cable that includes a subunit cable surrounded by an upjacketed portion having strength components and method for making are disclosed. The subunit cable has the optical fiber and a plurality of tensile yarns disposed within a subunit jacket. The hardened connector is attached to the optical fiber at a first end and strain-relieves at least some of the plurality of tensile yarns and the strength components. The cable assembly may also include a non-hardened connector on the second end of the optical fiber along with an optional pulling grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Tory Allen Klavuhn, Bao Duy Nguyen, Lars Kristian Nielsen, Hieu Vinh Tran
  • Patent number: 9038989
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8864107
    Abstract: One form of sewer comprises a pipe having a bottom section 100 incorporating a flow channel 101 along which sewage flows. A cable guide 110 comprises a body section 111 and an arm section 112. The body comprises a panel 111 curved so as to be able to lie substantially flush with the walls of the flow channel 101 and the arm comprises a tube with an internal passage. The arm 112 projects from the body 111 and the passage within the arm 112 extends from an opening 113 provided in the body 111 to an opening 114 provided at the distal end of the arm 112. The openings 113, 114 and the passage within the arm 112 are of suitable dimensions to carry a cable 105. The body is also provided with a cable clip 115.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 13 Group Limited
    Inventor: Elfed Thomas
  • Patent number: 8684333
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for includes a beam pivotally mounted on a boom mounting adaptor, at least two electrically insulated support posts mounted to and spaced apart along the beam, and at least a first rotation coupling and a plurality of second rotation couplings. The first rotation coupling provides pivotal mounting of the beam on the boom mounting adaptor so as to provide selectively controllable rotation of the beam in a substantially vertical plane. The second rotation couplings provide selectively controllable rotation of the electrically insulated support posts about corresponding second axes of rotation between a retracted position substantially laid flush along the beam and a pick-up position ready to receive a conductor being supported. An actuated scissor linkage is mounted to the beam and the boom mounting adaptor for selectively adjusting an angular position of the beam relative to the boom mounting adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Patent number: 8585020
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20130214223
    Abstract: A roll-by spacer and trolley system for use with a wire and method thereof is provided. The system includes a trolley having at least one rotatable wheel. The rotatable wheel has a first wire contact surface positioned to contact and roll along the wire. A spacer is suspended from the trolley with a connecting element between the trolley and the spacer. The connecting element has a first position wherein the trolley and spacer are connected and a second position wherein the trolley and spacer are disconnected. A wire engagement structure is connected to the spacer. The wire engagement structure has a second wire contact surface that contacts the wire when the connecting element is in the second position. The second wire contact surface is positioned above first wire contact surface when the connecting element is in the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MARMON UTILITY, LCC
    Inventor: MARMON UTILITY, LCC
  • Patent number: 8408520
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for pushing conductors into conduit and other structures are disclosed. The apparatus (“pusher”) can include rollers to apply a pushing force to one or more conductors or bundles of conductors. One or more rollers can be coupled to a drive mechanism. The pusher is configured to pull conductors or bundles of conductors off of one or more spools, and push the conductors or bundles of conductors without de-bundling or sorting the conductors. The conductors can be fed through the pusher in any format including side-by-side, vertical on top of one another, twisted together, or other formats. The pusher can include a guiding device that is configured to route the conductors from the pusher to a conduit through which the conductors are being pushed or pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: David Scott Jordan, Michael Calvin Jordan
  • Patent number: 8308137
    Abstract: The invention is a remote controlled vehicle adapted for navigating inside HVAC supply trunks. It is equipped with a moveable camera and a powered tool for snagging a string or parachute propelled into the trunk by other methods. A command box is provided to view the image from the camera and control the vehicle's various functions. The installation technician inserts the vehicle into the trunk through an access hole and uses the command box to navigate the vehicle inside a HVAC trunk and locate and secure the string to the vehicle. The technician then controls the vehicle to pull the string back to the access or the technician manually pulls the vehicle back to the access by its tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: EMME E2MS, LLC
    Inventor: Harold Gene Alles
  • Publication number: 20120199799
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for stringing aerial cables through tower structures using aircraft without requirement that a person be present on the tower while the aircraft is performing the stringing operation are described. An elongated needle-like threading member to which a sock line is attached and having spaced-apart projections emanating therefrom at different directions around the threading member, is directed by the aircraft pilot through a block having a pulley suspended by an insulator or other tower structure, the projections in cooperation with the block preventing the threading member from being pulled rearwardly under tension from the sock line. A device adapted for grabbing and releasing the threading member and attached to an aircraft haul line, permits the threading member to be hauled forward through the block once the aircraft flies to the other side of the tower and reattaches the grabbing device to the threading member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Gunair LLC
    Inventors: Samuel N. Gunter, Wayne E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 8226069
    Abstract: A boom mountable robotic arm for temporarily supporting an elongate conductor includes a rigid member such as a beam or beam assembly adapted for mounting onto the upper end of a boom for example using a boom adaptor, at least one electrically insulated support post mounted to the rigid member, where each post temporarily supports an elongate electrical conductor, and at least two rotation devices for selectively controllable rotation of the rigid member and the electrically insulated support posts about at least two corresponding axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Quanta Associates, L.P.
    Inventors: Clifford William Devine, Daniel Neil O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20110227012
    Abstract: A steerable head for guiding a pusher rod through ducting. The pusher rod is then used for drawing cables, wires, lines or pipes through the ducting. The steerable head includes remotely operable mechanisms for steering the rod through junctions or around obstacles in the ducting. In a further refinement, the steerable head includes a coupling mechanism adapted to co-operate with a corresponding coupling mechanism mounted on a second rod, thereby allowing the pushing of rods through longer or more obstructed ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Swisscom AG
    Inventors: Yu Wang, Roland Baeriswyl, Jean-Daniel Schmutz, Francesco Mondada, Francois Rey, Francois Croisier, Gregoire Terrien, Stefan Burschka, Peter Grueter
  • Publication number: 20100025644
    Abstract: A pull tool for handling an elongate article comprises a panel having opposing panel sides and opposing panel ends and a fastening mechanism extending along at least a portion of the panel sides. The fastening mechanism is configured to join the panel sides to form the panel in a sleeve configuration for encasing the elongate article therewithin. The panel of the pull tool has inner and outer surfaces with the outer surface having a substantially low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Danny G. Jockisch
  • Patent number: 7475865
    Abstract: A machine of pulling out a cable from duct includes a main rotation jig connected to a hydraulic pressure motor and rotated contacting with the cable so as to pull out the cable, a winch rotated with the main rotation jig so as to stretch the pulled-out cable, a sub rotation jig mounted to be movable back and forth adjacent or separated from the main rotation jig and to be rotatable so as to stretch the cable between the main rotation jigs, and a table equipped with the main rotation jig, the winch and the sub rotation jig, and mounted vertical to the surface. The machine pulls out a cable in the fixed state to reduce the working area and labor force as well as to increase and control a traction power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: KT Corporation
    Inventors: Seong Taek Jeong, Jin Woo Han, Hyoung Woo Kim, Yong Kun Noh, Wang Kyu Kang, Byong Soo Woo
  • Publication number: 20080224108
    Abstract: A frame is pivotally connected to a chassis at a location near a first end of the frame. A jack is disposed between the chassis and the frame to enable pivoting movement of the frame relative to the chassis. A pulley is connected to the frame at a location near a second end of the frame that is opposite the first end of the frame. A winch is disposed on the frame to enable pulling of wire over the pulley. A control device enables control of the jack so as to enable positioning of the pulley that is connected to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Cupertino Electric Inc.
    Inventor: Jim O'Connor
  • Patent number: 6398190
    Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable member and an outer jacket member disposed about the fiber optic cable member in slidable relation. In a preferred embodiment, the outer jacket member is a woven article, made from low friction, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, Teflon, PEEK, or polyvinylidene fluoride. The outer jacket member serves as a sleeve that extends at least the same length as the cable member. In use, the outer jacket carrying the cable member may be attached at one end to a pull cord or tape that extends through the length of a conduit. A pulling force is exerted on the pull cord at a remote end of the conduit, causing the outer jacket member and cable member to be drawn through the conduit. The outer jacket bears most of the force of the pulling action, and the only force exerted directly on the fragile cable member is that of friction between the jacket and the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Shulong Li
  • Patent number: 6293520
    Abstract: A cable pulling device for installing a second cable (14) along side an existing first cable (12). The cable puller (10) consists of a body (20) with a motor (22) mounted to the body (20). The motor (22) has an output shaft (24) attached to a drive wheel (26). The drive wheel (26) turns against the first cable (12) to propel the cable puller (10) along the first cable (12). The cable puller (10) also includes a motor controller (28) operably coupled to the motor (22) to control the motion of the motor (22). A cable clamp (30) is attached to the body (20) to secure a second cable (14) as it is pulled into position along side the first cable (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ericsson Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Wayne Turner
  • Patent number: 6199829
    Abstract: The invention, in a preferred embodiment, is an apparatus for pulling wire and other objects between two vertical supports, such as telephone poles, connected by a cable strung above the ground. It is particularly suited for making lashers easier to use in rough terrain. The device consists of a carrier having four sides, a base, and an adjustable split top having an upper surface and a lower surface. Contained in and on the carrier is a pair of gear driven looped roller chains horizontally mounted on opposite sides of the split top. These roller chains have mounted about their outside surfaces cable-gripping clips. A pressure-regulating bar is positioned within the inside vertical surfaces of the opposed looped roller chains. Also present is a drive for adjusting the split top so that the opposed looped roller chains engage the strung cable. Within the carrier is mounted a motorized drive train for turning the opposed looped roller chains in opposite directions at a constant speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Jim R. Brown, Elwin C. Munson, Douglas N. Adams, Leslie D. Van Way