Abstract: A clamp assembly and method for clamping an elongate member to a support member. The clamp assembly comprises a receptacle adapted to at least partially receive the elongate member, a pair of flexible support straps connected to the receptacle, and a pair of flexible clamping straps. The pair of flexible support straps are capable of matingly engaging one another around the support member and the pair of flexible clamping straps are capable of matingly engaging one another around the elongate member and the support member. The receptacle has a recess therein adapted to at least partially receive the elongate member. A pivotable buckle is attached to one of the flexible clamping straps for securely tensioning the pair of clamping straps around the elongate member and the support member. An adjustment assembly is attached to one of the flexible clamping straps.

Abstract: A reusable agricultural and industrial tie (10, 50, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for securing objects to a fixed structure, such as a tensile wire, and a wooden or metal structure. The reusable tie includes a head portion (14, 54, 202, 302, 402, 602) adapted for securely fastening onto the fixed structure, and a band (12, 52, 306, 406, 506, 606) having two ends coupled to the head portion and forming a generally annular cavity. A clamping assembly (16, 56, 304, 404, 504, 604) is formed in the ends of the generally annular band and has first (22, 62, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) and second (24, 64, 212, 312, 412, 512, 612) interlocking members for adjustably, securely and fixedly clamping around the objects. The first interlocking member includes a single-contact-point biasing tongue (100, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620) defining an elongated opening (30, 70, 222, 322, 422, 522, 622) with a jaw member (28, 68, 216, 316, 416, 516, 616) with a predetermined number of teeth (32, 72, 218, 318, 418, 518, 618).

Abstract: A track assembly for suspending an elongated duct from a supporting structure includes a rail assembly formed from a plurality of cylindrical tube segments and a plurality of splicer members interconnecting the tube segments in end to end relationship. The plurality of elongated hanger members are detachablely connected to the rail assembly and are adapted to be connected to a supporting structure. A plurality of slide members are mounted on the rail assembly for sliding movement along the length thereof past the splicer members and the hanger members. Each of the slide members has a clip attached thereto capable of detachable securement to an elongated duct.

Abstract: Apparatus for fastening to an irrigation hose and a suspended wire is provided. The apparatus comprises a flexible band forming a substantially annular cavity. The band has two free ends to which are attached first and second interlocking members of a hose clamping assembly. A wire clamping member is formed integral to said band and located directly opposed to said hose clamping member. The apparatus is easily installed and removed for reuse.

Abstract: A flexible duct adapted to be suspended from a support and method of making same. The duct comprises a conduit of heat-sealable plastic film having a longitudinally extending fin on the conduit for suspending the conduit. The fin comprises first and second face-to-face layers of heat sealable film. The fin includes spaced apart reinforced regions which are adapted for engagement with fasteners for suspending the conduit. The reinforced regions comprise portions of the first and second layers which are heat-sealed together. According to the method, a duct is made from an elongate tube of flexible heat sealable material. The sidewall of the tube is joined to itself along a longitudinal line to define a first relatively larger tube forming a longitudinally extending conduit, and a second relatively smaller tube forming a longitudinally extending double-walled fin for suspending the duct.

Abstract: An elongate spine plate is arranged to include a support block at its first end, with the support block having a first semi-cylindrical recess spaced from and parallel to a second semi-cylindrical recess to position and secure first and second cables. The spine plate includes an attached support housing at its second end, the support housing including a housing insert to secure the first cable in a coaxially aligned relationship relative to the support block.

Abstract: Improved equipment for supporting a length of flexible drainage hose or piping to extend along a substantially uniform gradient that includes the combination of an open ended flexible tubular element or sleeve for receiving and supporting therein the intermediate segment of a selected drainage hose or piping, with a length of cord or line aligned with and carrying the flexible tubular element or sleeve depending therefrom and therealong. The respective ends of the cord or line extend beyond the respective open ends of the tubular element or sleeve for securing the cord or line in sufficiently taut relation and in an orientation to establish a substantially uniform gradient for the supported length of flexible drainage hose or piping.

Abstract: A trap sleeve mounting bracket is used to mount a plurality of trap sleeves on a cable. The disclosed trap sleeve mounting bracket includes a tap bracket having a cable-connecting portion and a planar bottom portion, a connector for connecting the cable-connecting portion of the tap bracket to the cable, a planar adapter plate removably attached to the planar bottom portion of the tap bracket, and at least one W-shaped clip removably attached to the adapter plate which holds two trap sleeves in parallel relation to the cable. Two W-shaped clips are preferably attached to the adapter plate to allow the mounting of four trap sleeves. The W-shaped clips are preferably provided with windows to allow visual inspection of traps mounted therein, and the clips and the adapter plate are preferably provided with tabs to prevent relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A span clamp assembly is adapted for attachment to a support strand of a utility cable to provide an anchor structure for a service wire. The clamp assembly comprises a pair of cooperative jaws having alternating arrays of teeth which essentially interlock in a clamped engagement against the support strand. The teeth are shaped to penetrate in a limited fashion into the web between the strand and cable of a self-supporting utility cable.

Abstract: A flexible duct adapted to be suspended from a support and method of making same. The duct comprises a conduit of heat-sealable plastic film having a longitudinally extending fin on the conduit for suspending the conduit. The fin comprises first and second face-to-face layers of heat sealable film. The fin includes spaced apart reinforced regions which are adapted for engagement with fasteners for suspending the conduit. The reinforced regions comprise portions of the first and second layers which are heat-sealed together. According to the method, a duct is made from an elongate tube of flexible heat sealable material. The sidewall of the tube is joined to itself along a longitudinal line to define a first relatively larger tube forming a longitudinally extending conduit, and a second relatively smaller tube forming a longitudinally extending double-walled fin for suspending the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a cable working tool comprises a tool adapter, an elongated rigid support bar for supporting the tool adapter and first and second clamping members for rigidly holding the support bar. Each of the first and second clamping members has two jaws, at least one of which is moveable, for mounting the first and second members to an object. The apparatus may also be used as a tool itself for moving the end plates of a cable splice enclosure relative to each other to facilitate re-assembly of torque bars onto the end plates after maintenance on a splice has been performed.

Abstract: An improved cable or bundle tie arrangement includes a plastic tie strap and a tie head. The tie head includes a housing having a pair of spaced apart slots extending therein forming a pair of strap-receiving passageways. Each passageway has an entrance opening and at least one of the passageways has an exit opening. A pawl-receiving channel extends through the housing intermediate the passageways having at least one channel opening disposed substantially normal to the entrance openings. An intermediate portion of the channel intersects each of the passageways. A pawl member is mounted in the channel through the channel opening. The pawl includes a base portion and a pair of arms extending from opposed sides of the base. Each pawl arm has a free end with a blade section.

Abstract: A fastening assembly for elongate articles comprising an annular member and a nondeformable flexible strap, the strap being adapted for passage through the channel of the annular member so that the articles are received upon, and resiliently opposed by, seating members provided along each marginal edge of the annular member. A pair of movable sidewall members resiliently opposite the respective portions of the strap passing through the channel. Lateral vibrations between the articles are damped and crimping, chafing, and longitudinal slippage of the articles is resisted.

Abstract: An electrical connector adapted for connecting a ground wire to a service wire employs a clamp arm having a bifurcated head which clamps the ground wire. A nut mounted to a threaded shaft of the arm is tightened to force a sleeve to engage exterior surfaces of the arm to clamp the ground wire. A pair of service wires may be secured by a bow tie type connector band disposed between the sleeve and the lock nut.

Abstract: The present invention is a water supply system for fowl and small animals which includes a hanger slidably engaging a ballast pipe connected to a conduit having a plurality of dispensing valves. The hangers are connected to flexible lines of a suspension system, with the lower surface of the hanger engaging the upper surface of the conduit to align vertically the dispenser valves, the ballast pipe, and the flexible lines. To install the water supply system, the ballast pipe is assembled and the hangers are attached then positioned at locations corresponding to flexible lines of the suspension system. The conduit is separately assembled and is connected to the ballast pipe. Finally, the water supply system is suspended at a height so that the fowl and small animals can reach the dispenser.

Abstract: A cable spacer of the type used in overhead power transmission systems includes a body provided with cable engaging hooks, each hook having a seat in the form of a cylindrical segment. A cable retainer is provided for each seat and consists of a cylindrical body having at least one semicylindrical groove and a handle projecting radially outwardly. The retainer is slidably receivable in the seat from either end thereof and rotatable between a first position in which the cable may be inserted into the groove and a second, cable retaining position in which the groove is within the confines of the seat.

Abstract: An improved cable or bundle tie arrangement includes a plastic tie strap and a tie head. The tie head includes a housing having a pair of spaced apart slots extending therein forming a pair of strap-receiving passageways. Each passageway has an entrance opening and at least one of the passageways has an exit opening. A pawl-receiving channel extends through the housing intermediate the passageways having at least one channel opening disposed substantially normal to the entrance openings. An intermediate portion of the channel intersects each of the passageways. A pawl member is mounted in the channel through the channel opening. The pawl includes a base portion and a pair of arms extending from opposed sides of the base. Each pawl arm has a free end with a blade section.

Abstract: A ground connector for securing a grounding wire to a conductive shield of a coaxial cable. The connector comprises a strip of flexible sheet metal which is configured to be bent to form a grounding wire attachment loop and a coaxial cable loop. The strip of sheet metal defines clamp portions each having a fastener securing aperture. A fastener clampingly engages the clamp portions through the apertures to clampingly engage the grounding wire attachment loop and the coaxial cable loop about respectively to a grounding wire and a conductive shield of a coaxial cable. At least the coaxial cable loop has an inner serrated surface portion for frictional retention with an outer surface of the conductive shield when clamped substantially thereabout by the tightening of the fastener and prevents the shield from being punctured or damaged thereby.

Abstract: A trap bracket assembly for use in a cable television system, wherein multiple trap shields are held in a mutually fixed parallel relationship and suspended from a support cable carrying the coaxial cable.

Abstract: A long-distance transmission fiber optic cable system suitable for outdoor aerial installation includes a continuous length of non-metallic messenger cable with an aramid fiber, tension load bearing core and a predetermined tension load bearing strength and a polymer outer jacket adapted for outdoor exposure and a continuous length of fiber optic cable, longer than the continuous length of non-metallic messenger cable and including a plurality of fiber optic waveguides within an outer polymer jacket adapted for outdoor exposure and having a tension load bearing strength less than the predetermined tension load bearing strength, and preferably non-metallic, helically wound around the continuous length of the non-metallic cable so as to permit free axial movement. Continuous lengths of 40,000 feet or more of the preferred non-metallic messenger cable and fiber optic cables suitable for outdoor use have been made.

Abstract: A water line, made up of joined sections of PVC pipe, may have any desired length. The pipe is suspended from drops at ten (10) foot intervals for example. The pipe is partially supported in plastic drop hangers having insulating and elastic properties. The drop hangers have an aperture at the upper end for connection to a drop, a laterally opening recess at the lower end to receive the pipe in snap-in relation, and a laterally opening recess intermediate its ends for receiving a metal conduit in snap-in relation. The metal conduit is formed as a continuous line and functions as a part of an electric circuit. Plastic support hangers have corresponding laterally opening recesses for the pipe and conduit. The support hangers are used as needed between the drop hangers to maintain the pipe in non-sagging relation relative to the conduit or to support a shocker wire. The pipe carries spaced animal operated drinker valves, which may be mounted in drinker cups.

Abstract: An improved fastener system supports an aerodynamic wind damper below a cable system. The cable system comprises a suspension support strand that supports a cable, such as a telephone cable. The fastening system comprises a spacer interposed between the support strand and the cable to maintain the support strand and the cable in a spaced-apart relationship. A cable strap, preferably of stainless steel, is wrapped around the support strand and the cable to cinch the support strand and the cable to the spacer. The cable strap is further wrapped around the support strand and the cable with a portion of the strap lying below and spaced apart from the cable to provide a means for supporting the aerodynamic wind damper below the cable in a manner permitting the pivotal movement thereof.

Abstract: An inexpensive oil well pumping mechanism is largely made of commercially available plastic components. An air line leads from an air compressor at the surface into the well. One or more pumps are connected to the air line and include a pneumatic displacement chamber which is arranged to fill up with formation liquids. A float inside the chamber rises when the chamber fills and trips a valve to allow compressed air entry into the chamber. The chamber accordingly empties into a conduit leading toward the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for advancing extendable ventilation ductwork in an underground facility is disclosed wherein a mechanical cable and pulley system is utilized in conjunction with a support swivel. The support swivel permits support clips to advance without interference from support members. The cable and pulley system comprises a cable, support swivel, head pulley and winding mechanism.

Abstract: A stackable cable spacer for spacing adjacent cables a predetermined variable distance apart is secured between the cables by a cable tie reeved around the cables. The spacer includes a body member having a cable tie receiving means for accepting and locating the cable tie; a first mating portion secured to the body member; and a second mating portion secured to the body member, the second mating portion being adapted to matingly receive the first mating portion of a second spacer allowing said spacer to be used individually or with other spacers in a mating contiguous relationship to provide selectable spacing of adjacent cables.

Abstract: A multi-strand cable clamp comprises a pair of opposingly disposed plate members each having an edge bent to define a jaw means for gripping a multi-strand cable, the plate members being articulated to one another for moving the jaw means between open and closed positions, and releasable coupling means interconnecting the plate members and operable to bias the jaw means to the closed position for releasably securing the cable in clamping engagement between the jaw means. The bent edge of each plate member is formed with a tooth which is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable so as to engage the cable between two successive outer strands thereof, thereby providing a positive strand engagement and preventing the plate members from pivoting about the cable as well as sliding therealong.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a suspension bracket and clamp bent and therefore integrally formed from a single strip of metal, the clamp being completed by a nut-and-bolt fastener to compress integrally connected clamp jaws upon a desired local point of attachment to an overhead suspension cable, such as a messenger wire for support of CATV cabling or the like. The configuration is such that for initial placement upon the suspension cable, the jaws are downwardly open to permit effectively hooking the bracket to hang from the cable; the hanging involves bolt-shank contact with the top of the cable section and lateral retention by and between confronting inner surfaces of the jaws. One of the jaws has an inwardly bent formation at such downward offset from the bolt shank as to establish a trapped or nested relation of the cable section when the fastener is tightened to compress the jaws upon the cable section.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a unitary cable-clamp fitting adapted for equipment or other connection to an overhead-suspension cable or messenger wire. The fitting comprises two side panels integrally connected by a single bend establishing an initially acute angle between the side panels. In a preferred form, the outer edge of each panel is characterized by an elongate flange bent inward and generally toward the opposite side panel, and the initial space between flanges is slightly less than the cable diameter to be accommodated, so that cable assembly and loose retention are achieved via snap-action insertion between the flanges. A nut and bolt, loosely engaged via aligned openings in the panels, is tightened to set the clamp to the cable. Bracket hardware having a mounting opening may be clamped with the same nut and bolt, and the bolt itself may be formed for simple accessory or guy-wire connection.

Abstract: A cable supporting and spacing device utilizes a block of insulating material to space apart two cables, when the device and portions of the cables are partially encased within a closed loop formed by a flexible strap. The device is provided with at least a pair of projections extending outwardly from the surface thereof for "snap-in" like engagement of the strap to the block, thereby facilitating convenient installation of the device when installed between the two separated cable portions.

Abstract: A mechanism for providing fixed attachment points along an extended cylindrical object, such as a cable, utilized helically counterwound straps terminated in loops to form a common gripping junction. In order to forestall slippage heat shrinkable tubes are applied over the crisscrossed straps.

Abstract: A transformer mounting assembly is disclosed for mounting a plurality of current transformers on a wire. A pair of parallel mounting plates are positioned normal to one another with one of the mounting plates having first and second current transformers mounted on the same side of the mounting plate at the opposite end portions and the engaging mid portions of the mounting plates having a third current transformer mounted thereat with the third current transformer being at the other side of the mounting plate from that of the first and second current transformers. The opposite end portions of the other mounting plate have clamps mounted thereon with the clamps being contoured to releasably clamp the assembly to a neutral wire with the other mounting plate extending along the wire.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a spacer for aerial cables for supporting one of more electrical conductor cables above the ground. It includes a body member having at least one concave seat adapted to receive a conductor cable, at least one generally arcuate retaining means adapted to engage a surface of the conductor cable and toggle means adapted to cooperate with the retaining means to firmly hold the conductor cable in its seat. One end of the cable retaining means is pivotally supported on the body member. The toggle means is pivotally supported on the other end of the cable retaining means. The toggle is provided with second ratchet tooth means and also generally arcuate third ratchet tooth means. Ratchet tooth means are also provided on the body member outwardly of the concave seat.

Abstract: To prevent longitudinal displacement of the support or catenary cable and the load carrying, tensioned cable of the suspension system, the spacers or hangers between the catenary or support cable and the carrier cable, as well as the suspension and tension of these cables, are so arranged that, in side view, the two cables touch each other at the midpoint between the pylon to provide for equalization of tension in the cables. At that position, a tension or force equalization plate is clamped to both the support cable as well as to the carrier cable, thereby preventing relative longitudinal displacement of the cables with respect to each other.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a spacer for aerial cables for supporting one or more electrical conductor cables above the ground. It includes a body member having at least one concave seat adapted to receive a conductor cable and at least one generally arcuate cable retaining means adapted to engage a surface of the conductor cable and hold it in its seat. One end of the cable retaining means is pivotally supported on the body member. Generally arcuate ratchet tooth means are provided adjacent to the other end of the cable retaining means. Generally arcuate ratchet tooth means are also provided on the body member outwardly of the concave seat. The teeth of the retainer ratchet tooth means are engageable with the teeth of the body member ratchet tooth means when the retaining means is rotated about its pivotal support thereby to firmly hold the conductor cable in the concave seat.

Abstract: A hooking device for holding a cable from a suspended wire. The cable hooking device includes a pair of plates each having opposed end and lateral edges, which plates are bent outwardly on a same side at the end edges thereof and are disposed one over the other with respective end edges facing one another. Jaw means are provided on each plate at one end edge thereof, cooperating with one another to clamp the wire therebetween. The device further comprises releasable coupling means operable to bias the plates towards one another to secure the wire in clamping engagement between the plate jaw means, and at least one hooking member for holding the cable. The coupling means includes a bolt having a longitudinal axis extending perpendicularly of the plates between their opposed end edges.

Abstract: An adjustable length traffic signal hanger for suspending a traffic signal, the hanger being composed of two members in sliding contact with one another and adapted to be extended or retracted and locked into a position, the hanger terminating at the lower end in a side opening pocket which communicates with a terminal end pocket to accommodate wires to electrically energize a traffic signal housing and means for connecting a traffic signal housing to the end of the hanger in covering relation of the lower end and an anti-sway member for use in combination with a cable.