Conduit Snakes Patents (Class 254/134.3FT)
  • Publication number: 20110101290
    Abstract: Pulling eyes are provided with integrated wiring systems suitable for installing conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may include body portions that define interior cavities that are sized to snugly engage outside portions of the conductors or cables. The body portions are sized to be deformably crimped onto the outside portions of the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may also include head portions joined to the body portions, with the head portions defining apertures for receiving a strength member for installing the conductors or cables. These apertures place the interior cavities in communication with the exteriors of the pulling eyes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: John R. Carlson, David Brian McCardel, David A. Cooper, David Mercier, Philip Sasse, Allan W. Daniel, Timothy M. Andrea
  • Patent number: 7934697
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item(s) through at least one space includes a body and at least three gripping members associated with the body. The gripping members are moveable relative to the body and capable of engaging at least one elongated item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Rectorseal Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Gohlke, Jianmin Li
  • Patent number: 7926788
    Abstract: An attachment system for a cable puller provides for securing the cable puller to various sized conduits. The attachment system includes a clamping assembly having pivotable arms angled to generally be formed in V-shapes at the ends which engage and trap the conduit at four separate points. The clamping arms have gripping members that radially nest against the conduit threads and an overhang portion which acts as a location stop for the conduit. Each clamping arm has a face which extends past the pivot point. A screw and a nut between the extended portion of the clamping arms act on a push block which in turn acts against the arm faces such that when the nut is screwed inward, it causes the gripping members to be forced against the conduit in order to secure the conduit in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Plummer
  • Publication number: 20100276650
    Abstract: A device in the form of a fabric tape (13) or a rope (14) is used to pull a cable or the like into a conduit (10). A plurality of spaced plastic buttons (16) are attached to at least one side of the tape (13) or spaced plastic rings (19) are attached to the rope (14). Thus, the buttons (16) or rings (19) have a coefficient of friction less than that of the tape (13) or rope (14), respectively, and present a smaller outer surface area than the tape (17) or rope (14) so that the tape (13) or rope (14) can more easily pull the cable into the conduit (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry L. Allen
  • Patent number: 7762530
    Abstract: The invention is a device for running a line under carpet, through drywall, or through any other thin, non-magnetic barrier. The device uses a strong super magnet that is attached to a handle, which also serves as a storage container for the line pulling device, as well as a mechanism to pull the line with adequate force without causing pain to the puller's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Shinhyuk Kim
  • Patent number: 7712726
    Abstract: A device for pulling wire through a conduit with sheave head, sheave head support boom, wire puller frame, conduit interface, and wire pull assembly. The wire pull assembly further comprises a capstan, a gear box having an input axle and an output axle, and a means to interface a power source to impart rotating force to the capstan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Alan Jernigan
  • Publication number: 20100090183
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in passing a cable through a conduit, the apparatus including: a cable roller; a mounting means for mounting the cable roller adjacent an opening of the conduit; and a cable guide for directing the cable into engagement with the cable roller as the cable is being fed into or retracted out of the conduit, wherein, the cable roller is adapted to rotate when engaged with the cable so as to assist in providing a smooth advancement of the cable into or out of the conduit opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Ross Leto, Vincenza Leto
  • Publication number: 20100051886
    Abstract: Pulling grip housing assemblies for a fiber optic assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, the pulling grip assembly is comprised of a pulling grip housing for receiving part of a fiber optic assembly. A pulling grip sleeve is also provided. The pulling grip sleeve has at least one sleeve locking feature suitable for cooperating with a housing locking feature of the pulling grip housing to secure the pulling grip housing to the pulling grip sleeve. In this manner, the pulling grip housing can easily be secured to the pulling grip sleeve and removed when pulling of a fiber optic assembly is completed. The pulling grip housing and pulling grip sleeve can also be reused for pulling other fiber optic assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Terry L. Cooke, David L. Dean, JR., Tory A. Klavuhn
  • Patent number: 7648122
    Abstract: A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Labor Saving Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Patent number: 7621505
    Abstract: A carrier for pulling line through conduit, the carrier or line runner being an inflatable plastic sleeve that is closed at one end with gusset openings at the other end through which a line may pass and be tied to itself so that when the line runner is placed in a conduit with its closed end in the direction of travel, the application of lower pressure at the closed end will cause the sleeve to inflate and be propelled in the direction of the lower pressure pulling the line with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Hamrick
  • Publication number: 20090261310
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for replacing old underground conduits (4), the old conduit (4) is first laid bare with the aid of a ground drilling device (8) with an overdrilling head and then, in turn, a new conduit (5) is drawn in with the aid of the drill rods (7) and at the same time—in a uniform operating step—the old conduit is pulled out of the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Manfred Schauerte
  • Patent number: 7604220
    Abstract: A wire guide which is removably mounted to the top end of an electric box having a plurality of rollers to assist in the guiding of a single wire or a bundle of wires while at the same time protecting the wire from damage caused by contact with the electric box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Stanley Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20090159862
    Abstract: The fish tape includes a measuring scale. The tape is scaled from zero to a number equal to the length of the tape. The numbers incrementally increase from the tapes proximal end to the tapes distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Kingston Wong, Russel Goldmann, II
  • Publication number: 20090078283
    Abstract: A method of monitoring a tube or pipeline, wherein an IP comprising an electronics module arrangement, is driven along the interior of the tube or pipeline by fluid pressure, wherein the IP transmits monitoring signals through the fluid that provides the pressure to the wall of the tube or pipeline, receives signals returned from the wall, analyses the returned signals and stores data relating to the condition of the wall of the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Cokebusters Ltd.
    Inventor: John Phipps
  • Publication number: 20090078921
    Abstract: A puller head and cable puller including the puller head are provided for pulling cable in an upward or a downward direction. The puller head includes a frame, a capstan mounted to the frame, and first and second retaining shaft apertures. The puller head is pivotally mounted to a boom of the cable puller through a pivot shaft. The capstan of the puller head is positioned rearward of the boom. The position of an upper most surface of the capstan relative to the boom is changed by pivoting the puller head between upward and downward pulling positions. The puller head is maintained in either the upward or downward pulling position through the use of a retaining shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Plummer
  • Publication number: 20090056079
    Abstract: A rope pull bar for pulling rope through conduit, said pull bar having a V-shaped notch or slot on an edge in the center of the bar with a perpendicular post on the bar extending outwardly adjacent the bottom of the V so that a rope may be looped around the post and the rope section from the upper run of the loop is positioned in the V-slot whereby when pulled in the direction opposite the point of the V, the upper run of rope will clamp the loose end of the lower run against the bar and provide a secure hold on the rope for further pulling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: James C. Hamrick
  • Patent number: 7484711
    Abstract: A universal insert aids in wire pulling through a conduit body. The insert includes a first flange; a second flange shorter than the first flange; and a curvilinear portion connecting the first and second flanges. A lower surface of the curvilinear portion and a lower portion of the first flange together define a smooth transition surface. The universal insert may be used in conjunction with any conventional conduit body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Patent number: 7478794
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for releasably gripping at least one elongated item and being used in pulling the elongated item(s) through at least one space includes a body and a plurality of gripping members associated with the body. The gripping members are moveable relative to the body and capable of engaging at least one elongated item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rectorseal Corporation
    Inventors: Henry Gohlke, Jianmin Li
  • Publication number: 20090014697
    Abstract: A tool has a cylinder with a pair of magnets, diametrically spaced apart upon the sides of the cylinder and of opposite polarity. In cooperation with a compass, the magnets identify the tool thus indicating its location when concealed prior to pulling wire through a house or other structure. The tool also spaces a bit extension tool away from interior faces of adjacent drywall panels. A setscrew secures the cylinder upon the shank of a bit extension for rotation of the tool. The magnets are integrated into the cylinder of the tool to survive ordinary handling, drilling through wooden structures, and rotation. The tool emanates a magnetic field from within a concealed location that deflects a compass for revealing the location of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: ROBERT E. WELKER
  • Publication number: 20080272350
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for conduiting and piping, comprising (1) a device to produce negative pressure, and (2) a shuttle, comprising a body, to link a conducting wire on its rear end. The present invention also relates to a shuttle for conduiting and piping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ming-Chun Lu
  • Patent number: 7434784
    Abstract: An improved cable pulling device and method is shown. The cable pulling device is smaller, less expensive, and easy to use for lateral line replacement. The cable pulling device includes a cable contacting portion that provides supplemental frictional force during a rotational pulling stroke. Among other advantages, this allows a smaller, more compact design that provides higher gripping and pulling power. Embodiments as described above further allow for a smooth jaw configuration that reduces cable damage. A cable pulling device is also shown that includes a configuration of a force distributing device. One embodiment includes substantially orthogonal plates that help to reduce device twisting during a pulling operation. In a further embodiment, a force distributing device is adapted for attachment to a ground working implement arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: IT Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Tjader
  • Patent number: 7431267
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling cable includes: a frame for attaching the apparatus to a skid steer loader or similar easily maneuverable construction vehicle; a drum mounted for rotation with respect to the frame; and a hydraulic motor for rotating the drum. The hydraulic motor uses the hydraulic system of the skid steer loader or similar easily maneuverable construction vehicle to rotate the drum and draw a pull line through the conduit and onto the drum, causing a cable attached to the pull line to be pulled through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7419136
    Abstract: A cable is moved through a cable fitting (for example, a BUB fitting) into a first opening of the fitting and out of a second opening of the fitting. A roller support structure is mounted on a fitting such that a set of rollers supported by the roller support structure is disposed inside the interior volume of the fitting. A spacer is disposed between the roller support structure and the fitting. An end of a cable is then moved into a first opening of the filling, over the rollers, and out of the fitting through the second opening. Once the cable has rolled over the rollers a desired distance though the fitting, the spacer is removed and the rollers are detached from the roller support structure. The rollers are slipped out around the cable and extracted from the interior volume. The roller support structure is then unmounted from the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Chris Martinez
  • Publication number: 20080116429
    Abstract: A cable puller has a pair of shoulder bars connected to each other at one end thereof, each of the shoulder bars having a hook at the other end for releasably accommodating a plurality of wires or cables thereon; and a support bar with two ends respectively and symmetrically connected to respective intermediate points of the shoulder bats. The shoulder and support bars are arranged to provide a shoulder width wider than a depth of an enclosed space to pull the cable therethrough and narrower than a pre-determined pathway in the enclosed space the cables are designed to be pulled therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Mallory
  • Patent number: 7374150
    Abstract: A fish tape reel has an ergonomic pistol grip and ergonomic hand grips at an inner periphery of a hollow housing. Fish tape is wound into the housing cavity by rotating the housing with respect to the pistol grip. This can be done manually by grasping the interior handle(s) or using a ratcheted winder that fits into the housing opening and has a lever handle for ratcheting the housing. The reel is held with the housing beneath the pistol grip which has a retainer shoe slidably sandwiched between halves of the housing. The pistol grip is positioned behind a vertical center line of the reel so that the weight of the reel is balanced in a neutral position in which the pistol grip can be grasped with the user's wrist being essentially straight and horizontal. A method of assembling the reel is also disclosed in which the fish tape is attached and wound after the housing is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Wiesemann, David A. Huebschen
  • Publication number: 20080073631
    Abstract: The current electrical fishing-tape or similar tools are only designed for pulling electrical wires or cable through electrical conduit. But this invention is designed to attach an end of leader or fishing tape to enable it to be hooked and retrieved from each opposite end of an electrical conduit by another fishing tape making it easy to attach to the other. Since certain changes may be made in the foregoing disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and depicted in the accompanying drawings be construed in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Weixiong Huo
  • Publication number: 20080048160
    Abstract: The invention is a device for running a line under carpet, through drywall, or through any other thin, non-magnetic barrier. The device uses a strong super magnet that is attached to a handle, which also serves as a storage container for the line pulling device, as well as a mechanism to pull the line with adequate force without causing pain to the puller's hands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph Shinhyuk Kim
  • Publication number: 20070284559
    Abstract: An attachment system for a cable puller provides for securing the cable puller to various sized conduits. The attachment system includes a clamping assembly having pivotable arms angled to generally be formed in V-shapes at the ends which engage and trap the conduit at four separate points. The clamping arms have gripping members that radially nest against the conduit threads and an overhang portion which acts as a location stop for the conduit. Each clamping arm has a face which extends past the pivot point. A screw and a nut between the extended portion of the clamping arms act on a push block which in turn acts against the arm faces such that when the nut is screwed inward, it causes the gripping members to be forced against the conduit in order to secure the conduit in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: JEFFREY PLUMMER
  • Publication number: 20070272905
    Abstract: A fish tape reel has an ergonomic center handle disposed across the center opening of an annular, high-drop strength housing that defines a cavity containing a fish tape cassette. The interior of the cavity can have rib-like friction reducers against which the fish tape slides. Flat metal fish tape is wound around a hub of the cassette with one end secured to the cassette and the opposite end fed through an exit aperture of the housing. The cassette is rotatably mounted in the housing cavity by a retaining ring sonically welded to the housing. A handle mounted to the cassette facilitates rotating the cassette relative to the housing for winding and unwinding the fish tape. The ergonomic handle is positioned generally along a vertically center line of the housing in position for grasping with a straight wrist when winding and unwinding the fish tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Bernard Ziebart, David Huebschen
  • Publication number: 20070221896
    Abstract: An improved wire puller uses a first and second position-able arms and may include an adapter and adapter bracket to allow for easier pulling of wire through conduit. The wire puller allows for easier set up and use and provides increased pulling force over existing wire pullers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Jordan, David Jordan
  • Publication number: 20070187659
    Abstract: A fish tape reel has an ergonomic pistol grip and ergonomic hand grips at an inner periphery of a hollow housing. Fish tape is wound into the housing cavity by rotating the housing with respect to the pistol grip. This can be done manually by grasping the interior handle(s) or using a ratcheted winder that fits into the housing opening and has a lever handle for ratcheting the housing. The reel is held with the housing beneath the pistol grip which has a retainer shoe slidably sandwiched between halves of the housing. The pistol grip is positioned behind a vertical center line of the reel so that the weight of the reel is balanced in a neutral position in which the pistol grip can be grasped with the user's wrist being essentially straight and horizontal. A method of assembling the reel is also disclosed in which the fish tape is attached and wound after the housing is assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: David Wiesemann, David Huebschen
  • Patent number: 7216847
    Abstract: A tool is disclosed for installing an object into a cavity region. The tool includes an identifying means for providing a visual indication of an entry point for lowering the object into the cavity region. The entry point is relative to an opening in the cavity region. The tool also includes a capturing means for capturing the object after the object has been lowered into the cavity region from the entry point so as to allow the object to be retracted through the opening. The tool has a body which carries the identifying means and the capturing means. Part of the body is arranged so as to allow at least the identifying means and the capturing means to be inserted into the cavity region through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: S & P Technologies Pty. Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Edward Bowen, Simon Nicholas Pisoni
  • Patent number: 7216848
    Abstract: An adaptor for a cable puller provides for attachment of the cable puller to various sized conduits. The adaptor provides a V-shaped groove in which the conduit rests. A T-shaped clamp secures the adaptor to the conduit. Gripping members are provided along the V-shaped groove. The gripping members include ribs which mesh with a thread on the outer surface of the conduit to provide a secure connection between the cable puller and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Plummer
  • Patent number: 7216846
    Abstract: A connection apparatus and associated method are provided. The connection apparatus is configured to be connected to a guide line and a conduit so that the conduit can be pulled through a structure by the guide line. In this regard, the apparatus can include a body member that extends between first and second ends and defines a connector for engaging the guide line and an engagement portion for engaging the conduit. In some cases, a second connector is provided to engage a cable, such as an electrical wire, that is disposed in the conduit. Thus, the apparatus can be used to pull the conduit by a leading end thereof, and the apparatus can additionally pull the cable through the structure with the conduit, i.e., without requiring separate operations. The body member can also define a tapered outer contour, such as a frustoconical shaped end, to facilitate the passage of the apparatus and conduit through the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: James Ernest Crawford
  • Patent number: 7201364
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling line through a raceway includes a plurality of linked mounts and at least one attachment member. The at least one attachment member is attached to an end of the plurality of linked mounts and is adapted to releasably attach to an end of a fish tape. Further, the plurality of linked mounts is repositionable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick James Diggle, III, Jacob P. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7195230
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a procedure and a system for feeding optical fiber cables into a pipeline with the help of an installation device at adjustable speed. In order to prevent damage during the advancement of the optical fiber cable the engine (15) of the installation device has been supplied with a friction safety clutch (17) exerting pressure on a moving coil (18, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Agneta Fast-Karberg, legal representative, Maria Berglund, legal representative, John Eriksson, Gojko Radojevic, Bertil Olsson, deceased
  • Patent number: 7182317
    Abstract: An apparatus for running wire includes a housing for a biasing member attached to a piston. A locking member retains the piston in a biased position and triggers release of the piston. The piston accelerates upon release and propels a pull string attached to a projectile toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Brent Rivers, Frederick James Diggle, III
  • Publication number: 20070040157
    Abstract: A line retrieval system comprises a retrieval device having a radially magnetized magnet adapted to be magnetically coupled to an object disposed on an opposite side of a structure for drawing the object in a desired direction relative to the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Publication number: 20070040156
    Abstract: An apparatus that attaches to the end of the electrical fish tape to eliminate or reduce drag and friction while the fish tape is pushed through bends in electrical pipe with a roller attached to the end of an electrical fish tape or snake to drastically reduce friction and drag when the fish tape or snake is being pushed through bends in electrical pipe. The roller is designed to rotate when coming into contact with the inner pipe wall at any position. Inner bearing further magnifies roll, takes advantage of the flat side of the fish tape to position the roller going into and through the bend for optimum roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Publication date: February 22, 2007
    Inventor: Ricky Brown
  • Publication number: 20070034845
    Abstract: An adaptor for a cable puller provides for attachment of the cable puller to various sized conduits. The adaptor provides a V-shaped groove in which the conduit rests. A T-shaped clamp secures the adaptor to the conduit. Gripping members are provided along the V-shaped groove. The gripping members include ribs which mesh with a thread on the outer surface of the conduit to provide a secure connection between the cable puller and the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Plummer
  • Patent number: 7175160
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling line through a raceway includes an attachment member and a body having a plurality of mounting apertures through the body. The attachment member is attached to an end of the body and adapted to releasably attach to an end of a fish tape. Further, the plurality of mounting apertures lies in a common plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick James Diggle, III, Jacob P. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20070007498
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly including a conduit body for containing and accessing wires. The conduit body includes a housing having a generally continuous outer wall, wherein the wall defines a hollow interior chamber. Also, the wall has at least one opening extending therethrough, and at least one tubular hub projecting from the housing. Each tubular hub communicating with an opening. Additionally, a bushing is supported within each opening in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Publication number: 20070001157
    Abstract: A device and method for leading objects through conduit are provided. A conduit leader is provided that is adapted to slide through a conduit and accept objects to be fed through a conduit run. The leader has a bore formed therein to accept objects and a securing means to secure the objects to the leader. The leader is preferably formed from a material that is at least as indurate as the conduit into which the objects are to be fed. The method of using the leader enables a single person to feed objects into a conduit and eliminates several steps required by previous processes used in the art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jon Quick
  • Patent number: 7156373
    Abstract: A line retrieval system comprises a line retriever adapted to magnetically couple to an object disposed within an enclosure through a wall of the enclosure such that the magnetic couple supports the line retriever adjacent the wall of the enclosure. The line retriever is adapted for movement relative to the enclosure in response to movement of the object within the enclosure toward an opening formed in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Labor Saving Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Patent number: 7152846
    Abstract: A gripping tool having a handle oriented orthogonally to the plier jaws to facilitate various operations, such as pulling a wire through a drawplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey Matthew Jue
  • Publication number: 20060284150
    Abstract: A first, or mouse magnet inserted on one side of a sheetrock wall or ceiling is provided with an aperture to receive a trailing pull-cord attached to an electrical wire to be snaked through, and is drawn between its entry opening and an exit opening in the wall or ceiling by moving a second, or mother magnet on the opposite side of the wall or ceiling via a handle provided thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Spadaro, Louis Spadaro
  • Patent number: 7150448
    Abstract: A fish tape assembly has a fish tape. A housing is provided for storing the fish tape. A location indicator circuit is coupled to a first end of the fish tape. The location indicator circuit being used to send a location signal indicating a location of the first end of the fish tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Richard C. Swift
  • Patent number: 7140596
    Abstract: This invention is a spring-powered bolt launcher to facilitate tugging wire or cable between two locations; typically, the locations are in low light levels, are remote by about 10–20 meters and are above a suspended ceiling in a building. The present launcher includes a unique hoop-rocker-slide mechanism to assure safe, controlled and precise launching of a bolt from the origin toward the target. The present launcher system also includes unique combinations of spliced-sequential tethers capable of accurate placement even over ranges of 20–30 meters. The present launcher system is also disclosed in the form of field-configurable kits which are carried in a portable case including a group of selectable component trays. Once the bolt is attached to cable to be pulled, the tether allows the operator to tug cable to be connected between the locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Roger Dale Hayes
  • Patent number: 7128306
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention involves a device for clamping and pulling an elongated item, such as a wire or cable, through a path, such as in a conduit, and includes a main body having a bore and multiple teeth capable of gripping the elongated item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Rectorseal Corporation
    Inventors: William Matthew Ames, Jeremy Daniel Wheaton
  • Publication number: 20060237702
    Abstract: An improved cable pulling device and method is shown. The cable pulling device is smaller, less expensive, and easy to use for lateral line replacement. The cable pulling device includes a cable contacting portion that provides supplemental frictional force during a rotational pulling stroke. Among other advantages, this allows a smaller, more compact design that provides higher gripping and pulling power. Embodiments as described above further allow for a smooth jaw configuration that reduces cable damage. A cable pulling device is also shown that includes a configuration of a force distributing device. One embodiment includes substantially orthogonal plates that help to reduce device twisting during a pulling operation. In a further embodiment, a force distributing device is adapted for attachment to a ground working implement arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Tjader