Patents by Inventor Kevin Leeds

Kevin Leeds has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6947647
    Abstract: A method for installing a fiber optic cable in a building having a gas riser includes the steps of routing a first translating member from a riser entry location, through the riser, and out a riser exit location. A fiber optic cable near the riser exit location is engaged by the first translating member, and is retracted into the riser past a branch in the riser, so the fiber optic cable hangs down past the branch. A second translating member is routed from a branch entry location, through the branch, and into the riser. The fiber optic cable is engaged by the second translating member, and the first translating member is disengaged from the fiber optic cable. The second translating member, along with the fiber optic cable, is retracted through the branch and out the branch entry location. The fiber optic cable may then be connected to an end-user system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sempra Fiber Links
    Inventors: Scott Beals, Kevin Leeds, Ron Hammer
  • Publication number: 20040247264
    Abstract: A method for installing a fiber optic cable in a building having a gas riser includes the steps of routing a first translating member from a riser entry location, through the riser, and out a riser exit location. A fiber optic cable near the riser exit location is engaged by the first translating member, and is retracted into the riser past a branch in the riser, so the fiber optic cable hangs down past the branch. A second translating member is routed from a branch entry location, through the branch, and into the riser. The fiber optic cable is engaged by the second translating member, and the first translating member is disengaged from the fiber optic cable. The second translating member, along with the fiber optic cable, is retracted through the branch and out the branch entry location. The fiber optic cable may then be connected to an end-user system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Sempra Fiber Links
    Inventors: Scott Beals, Kevin Leeds, Ron Hammer
  • Patent number: 6691728
    Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sempra Fiber Links
    Inventors: Scott A. Beals, Ronald D. Hammer, Robert E. Evans, Kevin Leeds
  • Patent number: 6691734
    Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sempra Fiber Links
    Inventors: Scott A. Beals, Ronald D. Hammer, Robert E. Evans, Kevin Leeds
  • Publication number: 20020189671
    Abstract: A method, system and tools for introducing a fiber optic conduit into a pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. Tools are deployed within a first pressure lock housing attached to the first fitting by using a first manipulator located in the first air lock housing. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism until a second drilling fitting is reached. The translating member is attached to a fiber optic conduit or cable. The duct rod and fiber optic conduit are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline. Extractor tools extending through seals in the pressure lock housing engage with and withdraw the duct rod. Alternatively, first and second duct rods may be pushed towards each other from the first and second fittings. End elements on the duct rods engage each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: SEMPRA FIBER LINKS
    Inventors: Scott A. Beals, Ronald D. Hammer, Robert E. Evans, Kevin Leeds
  • Publication number: 20020189672
    Abstract: A method of routing a new pipe duct into an existing pressurized gas pipeline includes the step of introducing a translating member into the pressurized gas pipeline via an entry port in a first fitting attached to the pressurized gas pipeline. The translating member, such as a duct rod, is advanced within the pressurized gas pipeline by a driving mechanism, until it reaches second fitting. The translating member is attached to a pipe inner duct. The duct rod and pipe inner duct are then pulled back through the pressurized gas pipeline by the driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: SEMPRA FIBER LINKS
    Inventors: Scott A. Beals, Ronald D. Hammer, Robert E. Evans, Kevin Leeds