Abstract: An integrated transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying system that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The conduit includes at least a first segment and a second segment. The segments are evaluated to determine a full route including the routes of the first and second segments, and an installation plan is generated based at least in part on the full route. The transmission line conveying system includes two or more transmission line conveying apparatuses, a first that controls the advancement of the transmission line through the first segment, and a second that controls the advancement of the transmission line through the second segment.

Abstract: A transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying apparatus that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The transmission line conveying apparatus includes a plurality of components. The components include local controllers. Communication with the local controllers of the components synchronizes operation of the components during the installation of a transmission line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the installation of transmission lines. The present disclosure relates to various advancement devices for continuously advancing a transmission line and methods for advancing a transmission line using an advancement device. In embodiments, the advancement device for continuously advancing a transmission line within a transmission line installation system includes an inlet configured to receive a transmission line from a transmission line source and guide the transmission line to an advancement assembly. The advancement assembly may be coupled to the inlet and configured to receive the transmission line and pressurized fluid from the inlet. The advancement assembly may include a continuous air feed configured to receive secondary pressurized fluid from a secondary pressurized fluid source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the installation of transmission lines with a transmission line advancement system. The transmission line advancement system is configured to install a variety of transmission lines into a conduit, pipe, duct, or the like, including fiber optic cables and electrical transmission lines. Furthermore, the present disclosure generally relates to a transmission line speed adjustment system for synchronizing a first location speed and a second location speed, a method for synchronizing a transmission line first location speed with a transmission line second location speed, and another transmission line speed adjustment system for synchronizing a first location speed and a second location speed.

Abstract: A transmission line guide apparatus for advancing a transmission line through an access point, an advancement device for advancing a transmission line, and method for advancing a transmission line are disclosed. These disclosures may be used in the installation of a variety of transmission lines into a conduit, pipe, duct, or the like, including fiber optic cables and electrical transmission lines. In an embodiment of the disclosure a transmission line guide apparatus for advancing a transmission line through an access point may include a first conduit segment, with a first and second end, configured to couple to a conduit at an access point first end, a second conduit segment, with a first and second end, configured to couple to the conduit at an access point second end, and an advancement device. Further, the first and second conduit segments may be configured to couple to the advancement device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the installation of transmission lines with a transmission line advancement system. The transmission line advancement system is configured to install a variety of transmission lines into a conduit, pipe, duct, or the like, including fiber optic cables and electrical transmission lines. In embodiments of the disclosure an advancement device for advancing a transmission line within a transmission line installation system, a method for advancing a transmission line using an advancement device, and another advancement device for advancing a transmission line within a transmission line installation system are disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated seal used in an air block of a transmission line conveying apparatus comprising: a ring-shaped front sealing member; a hollow cylindrical rear sealing member, the hollow cylindrical rear sealing member and the ring-shaped front sealing member sharing a central axis; and a connecting sealing member connecting the ring-shaped front sealing member and the hollow cylindrical rear sealing member.

Abstract: An integrated transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying system that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The conduit includes at least a first segment and a second segment. The segments are evaluated to determine a full route including the routes of the first and second segments, and an installation plan is generated based at least in part on the full route. The transmission line conveying system includes two or more transmission line conveying apparatuses, a first that controls the advancement of the transmission line through the first segment, and a second that controls the advancement of the transmission line through the second segment.

Abstract: A unit that houses tracking electronics configured to be passed through a duct while the tracking electronics collect position information is provided. The information collected by the unit is used to map the duct. A method of mapping a duct is also provided.

Abstract: A unit that houses tracking electronics configured to be passed through a duct while the tracking electronics collect position information is provided. The information collected by the unit is used to map the duct. A method of mapping a duct is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying apparatus that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The transmission line conveying apparatus includes a plurality of components. The components include local controllers. Communication with the local controllers of the components synchronizes operation of the components during the installation of a transmission line.

Abstract: A transmission line installation system includes a transmission line conveying apparatus that operates to install a transmission line within a conduit by advancing the transmission line through the conduit. The transmission line conveying apparatus includes a plurality of components. The components include local controllers. Communication with the local controllers of the components synchronizes operation of the components during the installation of a transmission line.

Abstract: A cable conveying apparatus and method installs a cable in conduit by the application of a pushing force generated by a drive assembly. The speed of the cable and the speed of the drive assembly are monitored wherein the drive assembly is shut off when the drive assembly and cable speeds exceed a predetermined difference. The cable conveying apparatus includes a blower, and a missile attached to the lead end of the cable, wherein the missile sealably and slideably engages the conduit such that the blower and missile combine to generate a pull force on the cable which cooperates with the pushing force of the drive assembly so as to install the cable in the conduit. The cable conveying apparatus also includes a high speed cable shut off system, and a low speed cable shut off system. The drive assembly includes two opposed continuous chains each including a plurality of cable engaging pads, and each driven by a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic cylinder preferably holds the drive chains at a spaced apart distance.

Abstract: A cable conveying apparatus and method installs a cable in conduit by the application of a pushing force generated by a drive assembly. The speed of the cable and the speed of the drive assembly are monitored wherein the drive assembly is shut off when the drive assembly and cable speeds exceed a predetermined difference. The cable conveying apparatus includes a blower, and a missile attached to the lead end of the cable, wherein the missile sealably and slideably engages the conduit such that the blower and missile combine to generate a pull force on the cable which cooperates with the pushing force of the drive assembly so as to install the cable in the conduit. The cable conveying apparatus also includes a high speed cable shut off system, and a low speed cable shut off system. The drive assembly includes two opposed continuous chains each including a plurality of cable engaging pads, and each driven by a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic cylinder preferably holds the drive chains at a spaced apart distance.

Abstract: A swivel includes two heads rotatably mounted to one another with a bearing arrangement including at least two angular contact bearings arranged to receive a tension loading, and one angular contact bearing arranged in an opposite direction to receive a compression loading. The swivel is attachable, such as with a clevis, to underground drilling equipment for use in pulling a cable or conduit during a widening operation. A calcium-based grease lubricates the bearings. Periodic flushing with calcium-based grease is through a grease zerk and two single lip seals. A separate center pin for mounting the inner races of the bearings is threadably mounted to one of the heads, wherein an unthreaded portion of the shaft is positioned in a counterbore in the head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to directly measuring the torque applied to a capstan attached to an output shaft of a motor. The output shaft of the motor is rotatably mounted within a support. The motor includes a lever arm projecting therefrom. The lever arm coacts with a load cell to restrict the motor from rotating within the frame. As a torque is applied to the capstan, a proportional force is applied by the lever arm against the load cell. The force against the load cell can be calibrated to reflect the torque on the capstan.

Abstract: A swivel connector for connecting a first and second line for towing of one line by the other wherein there is provided an upper limit on loading that may be imposed between the lines as a safeguard to damage to one of the lines. The swivel connector includes first and second swivel heads connected by a load pin. The load pin is fixed to fracture at an approximate predetermined loading between the first and second swivel heads which loading is beneath that which would otherwise cause danger or damage to one of the lines. Upon fracture of the pin, it is readily replaced so that the swivel head can be used again.