Abstract: A wire feed apparatus and method for wire pulling installations through conduit between two boxes. A preferred embodiment of the wire feed apparatus has an opening, preferably centrally located, through which the wires pass prior to entering the box. The apparatus is adapted to securely mount to the box for the pulling operation. Preferably, the apparatus includes mounting apertures or slots to accommodate mounting of the apparatus to boxes of various sizes and shapes. The opening provides wire guidance as the wires enter the box opening and conduit and thus eliminates or significantly reduces the possibility of damaging the wire insulation while also reducing the pulling force required to pull the wires. Preferably, the wire feed apparatus is manufactured from a durable, sturdy plastic material.

Abstract: A fish tape assembly has a flat tape made of a hybrid composite of electrically non-conductive materials, preferably a fiberglass core surrounded by a nylon jacket. The flat tape has a rectilinear lateral cross-section with its width dimension being greater than its thickness. A non-conductive feed piece is bonded to the leading end of the fish tape. The feed piece has a wedged leading end. A non-conductive anchor piece is bonded to the trailing end of the fish tape to attach the fish tape to a reel assembly. The anchor piece is angled to mount the fish tape in a generally tangential direction relative to the reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and pulling line through a raceway includes a line clamp and an attachment portion. The line clamp has a wedge fitted into a channel that is adapted to retain the line between the wedge and the channel. Further, the attachment portion is attached to the wedge and connects the line clamp to an end of a fish tape.

Abstract: A wire and cable handling apparatus that is intended to provide the ability to draw long, and sometimes large, bundles of wire or cable while maintaining the safety of the user while providing an ergonomically correct pulling height and direction.

Abstract: An assembly includes a cable puller, a wheeled carriage and an adapter mounted on the wheeled carriage. The cable puller has vise chains attached thereto. The adapter has a frame onto which the cable puller is mounted by the vise chains.

Abstract: A magnetic wire pulling system advances wire through a house or other structure around obstacles with a string tied to a pulling cord then tied to the wire. The system has small, medium, and large magnets, and tools attracted to the magnets. The round small and medium magnets are tied upon strings wound upon spools. The spools have pins to secure magnets. The tools comprise a retrieval tool, a manual release tool, an insertion tool, an automatic release tool, a transfer tool, an extensible prop, and a telescoping pole with magnet. The tools deliver a magnet into the structure of a house, retrieve a magnet from the structure, or transfer a magnet from one tool to another tool. In operation, a bigger magnet attracts a smaller magnet or a magnet attracts a tool to advance a string beyond an obstacle to continue pulling wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding wire into or out of a raceway includes a raceway attachment, a retainer and a wire guide. The wire guide is attached to the raceway attachment by the retainer. Further, the wire guide is capable of receiving and guiding the wire such that the wire does not contact an end of a raceway.

Abstract: A visual navigation device includes a reel mounted within a reel housing; a flexible tape wound on the reel and adapted to be payed out of the housing and into an area to be navigated, a distal end of the flexible tape incorporating a video camera; and a video monitor, operatively connected to the video camera, supported in the reel housing.

Abstract: A fish tape assembly has a flat tape made of a hybrid composite of electrically non-conductive materials, preferably a fiberglass core surrounded by a nylon jacket. The flat tape has a rectilinear lateral cross-section with its width dimension being greater than its thickness. A non-conductive feed piece is bonded to the leading end of the fish tape. The feed piece has a wedged leading end. A non-conductive anchor piece is bonded to the trailing end of the fish tape to attach the fish tape to a reel assembly. The anchor piece is angled to mount the fish tape in a generally tangential direction relative to the reel.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling line through a raceway includes a plurality of interconnected retainer portions and an attachment portion. The plurality of interconnected retainer portions each has a one-way locking passage through the plurality of interconnected retainer portions that are adapted to retain the line. Further, the attachment portion is positioned on an end of the plurality of interconnected retainer portions.

Abstract: A device and method for clamping and pulling an elongated item such as a wire or cable through a path such as in a conduit for a main body with a bore, and inwardly directed pivoting teeth. The teeth are arranged in circular bands. The end of the item is gripped after insertion of the item, and is cut off and ejected when the pulling is competed.

Abstract: A magnetic wire pulling system advances wire through a house or other structure around obstacles with a string tied to a pulling cord then tied to the wire. The system has small, medium, and large magnets, and tools attracted to the magnets. The round small and medium magnets are tied upon strings wound upon spools. The spools have pins to secure magnets. The tools comprise a retrieval tool, a manual release tool, an insertion tool, an automatic release tool, a transfer tool, an extensible prop, and a telescoping pole with magnet. The tools deliver a magnet into the structure of a house, retrieve a magnet from the structure, or transfer a magnet from one tool to another tool. In operation, a bigger magnet attracts a smaller magnet or a magnet attracts a tool to advance a string beyond an obstacle to continue pulling wire.

Abstract: A magnetic wire pulling system advances wire through a house or other structure around obstacles with a string tied to a pulling cord then tied to the wire. The system has small, medium, and large magnets, and tools attracted to the magnets. The round small and medium magnets are tied upon strings wound upon spools. The spools have pins to secure magnets. The tools comprise a retrieval tool, a manual release tool, an insertion tool, an automatic release tool, a transfer tool, an extensible prop, and a telescoping pole with magnet. The tools deliver a magnet into the structure of a house, retrieve a magnet from the structure, or transfer a magnet from one tool to another tool. In operation, a bigger magnet attracts a smaller magnet or a magnet attracts a tool to advance a string beyond an obstacle to continue pulling wire.

Abstract: The device is shown here in a three dimensional view at an angle to the front. It is of very simple design and essentially consists of a fan (1), with a blower pipe (2) and a holding container (3) for a hollow cylindrical cord reel placed around the blower pipe (2). This cord reel (4) can be seen here because the holding container (3) is made from a polycarbonate section of tubing, thus providing a view of its interior. The cord reel (4) consists of a cable insertion cord. Along its cylindrical axis, the cord reel (4) exhibits a free space (5), from which the cord (6) is gradually spooled radially to the outside. At the holding container's (3) front end, it is sealed to a flange (8), which carries a nozzle (10). When running, the fan conveys air through the device axially, so that the cord (6) is carried along too and thereby unwound from its reel (4) and thence through the nozzle (10) to the outside and then through a connected cable conduit of whatever length and even having many twists and turns.

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.

Abstract: A snake feeding device comprises a base having opposite ends, an actuator pivotally mounted on the base, and first and second sets of drive rolls spaced apart in the direction between ends of the base. Each set includes a roll on the base and two rolls on the actuator for engaging a snake therebetween and displacing the snake relative to the base in the direction between the ends thereof in response to rotation of the snake. The actuator selectively displaces the rolls of each set relative to one another.

Abstract: A device and method for clamping and pulling an elongated item such as a wire or cable through a path such as in a conduit for a main body with a bore, and inwardly directed pivoting teeth. The teeth are arranged in circular bands. The end of the item is gripped after insertion of the item, and is cut off and ejected when the pulling is completed.

Abstract: A wire and cable handling apparatus that is intended to provide the ability to draw long, and sometimes large, bundles of wire or cable while maintaining the safety of the user while providing an ergonomically correct pulling height and direction.

Abstract: An articulated cable puller includes a boom assembly having a boom with a sheave positioned thereon. The boom is mounted upon a load beam and is movable between generally horizontal and vertical positions. A rotatable base is positioned upon a vehicle and has a rectangular link pivotally attached thereto. An A-frame is pivotally attached to the top of the link and features a tube attached to its top side. The load beam features downward extending ears that are secured to the tube of the A-frame by a pin. Hydraulic cylinders are connected between the base and the load beam and frame and may be actuated to adjust the positioning of the boom assembly. Hydraulic cylinders are also positioned between the vehicle and the base and are actuated to adjust the position of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding fish tape through a conduit includes a rounded head having an abutting end, a stabilizing skirt and an attachment mechanism. The stabilizing skirt is attached to the rounded head at the abutting end of the rounded head. In addition, the attachment mechanism is connected to the rounded head within the stabilizing skirt.

Abstract: A fish tape assembly has a handle slidably mounted on a case formed by a pair of case halves. The periphery of the case has a gap formed therein. The handle has an exterior grip and shoe with a web extending from the shoe through the gap in the case to an interior belt. The belt is continuous around the full circumference of the case to provide increased strength and a shield that precludes a fish tape inside the case from inadvertently popping out through the gap. The handle has a passageway for the tape. The passageway includes a pair of laterally disposed posts that prevent the tape from popping out of the passageway.

Abstract: A snake feeding device comprises a base having opposite ends, an actuator pivotally mounted on the base, and first and second sets of drive rolls spaced apart in the direction between ends of the base. Each set includes a roll on the base and two rolls on the actuator for engaging a snake therebetween and displacing the snake relative to the base in the direction between the ends thereof in response to rotation of the snake. The actuator selectively displaces the rolls of each set relative to one another.

Abstract: A flexible innerduct guide tube assembly configured to contain a cable within a conduit is provided. The innerduct assembly includes a plurality of guide tubes, each tube configured to contain at least one cable, wherein the tubes are disposed and bundled within a protective textile sleeve. Each guide tube may contain means for pulling a cable into the tube, and such pulling means may include pull cord or tape, or any other means suitable for installing a cable into the guide tube. Other principal features of the invention relate to the material of which the innerduct guide tube assembly is formed, as well as methods for manufacturing and using the innerduct assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fish tape comprising a plurality of substantially round forms including a circular outer diameter with and without a cable attaching mechanism, a plurality of facets about the diameter, an elliptical outer diameter, a spiral groove extending along a longitudinal portion, one or more notches about the diameter and forming a repeating pattern along the longitudinal portion, and one or more corrugations about the diameter and extending along the longitudinal portion. Also disclosed is a fish tape device that includes the various fish tape forms described.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and pulling line through a raceway includes a line clamp and an attachment portion. The line clamp has a wedge fitted into a channel that is adapted to retain the line between the wedge and the channel. Further, the attachment portion is attached to the wedge and connects the line clamp to an end of a fish tape.

Abstract: A method of advancing a mole to define a passageway through a composition between first and second locations spaced from each other a substantial first distance. The method includes the steps of: attaching the mole to a cable; providing a support; providing a cable pulling assembly on the support; and operating the cable pulling assembly to cause a pulling force on the cable to be continuously applied through the cable pulling assembly to the cable and therethrough to the mole to thereby cause the mole to be advanced in a path a substantial second distance at least partially over the first distance between the first and second locations.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for defining a passageway through a composition between first and second locations. The apparatus has a cable pulling assembly and a support for the cable pulling assembly. The cable pulling assembly has a capstan assembly, with a part of the capstan assembly guided in movement around a first axis and engageable with a cable connected to a mole so as to cause a cable engaged by the part of the capstan assembly to be pulled as the part of the capstan assembly is driven around the first axis. The part of the capstan assembly has a circumferential groove, bounded by a surface and extending around the first axis, for reception of a cable to be pulled. The groove is configured so that a circumferentially localized force is applied by the groove surface to a cable operatively positioned in the groove tending to avoid circumferential slippage between the part of the capstan assembly and the cable operatively positioned in the groove.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling line through a raceway includes a plurality of interconnected retainer portions and an attachment portion. The plurality of interconnected retainer portions each has a one-way locking passage through the plurality of interconnected retainer portions that are adapted to retain the line. Further, the attachment portion is positioned on an end of the plurality of interconnected retainer portions.

Abstract: A system for pulling wire over or through structural members of a building, including an elongate shuttle, including a leading end and a trailing end. Connecting means are associated with the shuttle, and are configured for connecting to the shuttle a wire to be pulled by the shuttle. An interlock device, separate from the shuttle is selectively and releasably engagable with the shuttle. Engaging means, are associated with the shuttle and selectively and releasably engagable by the interlock device for transferring force from the interlock device to the shuttle to move the shuttle. A method for pulling wire through or over structural members of a building is also provided and includes the steps of connecting a portion of the wire to an elongate shuttle; physically engaging the shuttle with an interlock device at a first location; and feeding the shuttle, and thus the wire to be pulled, with the interlock device from the first location to a second location.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding fish tape through a conduit includes a rounded head having an abutting end, a stabilizing skirt and an attachment mechanism. The stabilizing skirt is attached to the rounded head at the abutting end of the rounded head. In addition, the attachment mechanism is connected to the rounded head within the stabilizing skirt.

Abstract: A rollable conduit device for enabling the pulling of electrical wires through a tubular conduit without having to apply lubrication in the tubular conduit. The rollable conduit device includes a tubular conduit member having open ends and a bore being disposed therethrough, and also having a selected thickness, and further having a plurality of holes being disposed through a wall thereof; and also includes rollable assemblies being disposed in the holes of the tubular conduit member for facilitating moving objects through the bore of the tubular conduit member.

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.

Abstract: A fish tape assembly includes a generally circular case, a fish tape and a winder. The fish tape has an inner end, an outer end and a main section. The inner end is fastened in the interior of the case to an anchor and an eyelet is formed at the outer end. A winder is slidable around the perimeter of the case. The toe of the winder is engageable with the fish tape to push it back into the case. A notch in the winder traps the eyelet to prevent the outer end of the tape from entering the case.

Abstract: A cable system, especially an optical fiber cable system being installed in a sewer tube system having a main sewer and at least one lateral, entering the main sewer at an entering point and connecting a cable access point to the main sewer and a method for laying cable resulting in the cable system. The cable system comprising at least one cable distributor point, located in or outside at or nearby a main sewer manhole of the main sewer, and at least one main cable being laid in the main sewer, reaching to the cable distributor point and at least one access cable being laid in the lateral, wherein said access cable is connecting the access point directly with the distributor point, being partially laid in the main sewer, parallel to the main cable, preferably wherein the access cable and the main cable are connected at the distributor point.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding wire into or out of a raceway includes a raceway attachment, a retainer and a wire guide. The wire guide is attached to the raceway attachment by the retainer. Further, the wire guide is capable of receiving and guiding the wire such that the wire does not contact an end of a raceway.

Abstract: A device and method for clamping and pulling an elongated item such as a wire or cable through a path such as in a conduit for a main body with a bore, and inwardly directed pivoting teeth. The teeth are arranged in circular bands. The end of the item is gripped after insertion of the item, and is cut off and ejected when the pulling is completed.

Abstract: A fish tape assembly has a handle slidably mounted on a case formed by a pair of case halves. The periphery of the case has a gap formed therein. The handle has an exterior grip and shoe with a web extending from the shoe through the gap in the case to an interior belt. The belt is continuous around the full circumference of the case to provide increased strength and a shield that precludes a fish tape inside the case from inadvertently popping out through the gap. The handle has a passageway for the tape. The passageway includes a pair of laterally disposed posts that prevent the tape from popping out of the passageway.

Abstract: A fish tape assembly has a handle slidably mounted on a case formed by a pair of case halves. The periphery of the case has a gap formed therein. The handle has an exterior grip and shoe with a web extending from the shoe through the gap in the case to an interior belt. The belt is continuous around the full circumference of the case to provide increased strength and a shield that precludes a fish tape inside the case from inadvertently popping out through the gap. The handle has a passageway for the tape. The passageway includes a pair of laterally disposed posts that prevent the tape from popping out of the passageway.

Abstract: An assembly includes a cable puller, a wheeled carriage and an adapter mounted on the wheeled carriage. The cable puller has vise chains attached thereto. The adapter has a frame onto which the cable puller is mounted by the vise chains.

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.

Abstract: A winder insert for a fish tape reel fits into a center opening of the fish tape reel and engages an inner periphery of the reel. The insert has an attachment member, which can be a multi-sided socket for example, that is engaged by a removable handle or lever member to rotate the insert and in turn the reel with respect to a reel handle grasped by the user so as to wind and/or unwind fish tape in the reel. In one preferred form, a roller clutch is pressed into a center opening of the insert about a drive shaft that is rotated by the handle. The handle and shaft can be rotated in one direction to engage the clutch and thereby rotate the reel. Rotating the winder handle in the opposite direction overruns the clutch so that the handle can ratchet back to the original position without unwinding the reel. The winder insert removably snaps onto the reel.

Abstract: A frame assembly includes a shoe frame and a roller frame. The shoe frame includes an inflatable bladder thereon and the roller frame includes at least one roller that is rotatably mounted thereto. The method of the present invention comprises placing the shoe within a pipe and inflating the bladder so as to secure the shoe frame within the pipe. A flexible cable is then trained around the roller and into the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A duct for containing a cable and method for mounting the cable therein include providing the duct with a collapsible or flexible wall movable between a contracted condition for mounting the duct in a conduit and an extended condition of increased cross-sectional area for inserting a cable in the duct. The duct is moved to its extended condition by an applied internal pressure and, after the cable has been inserted, the duct is returned to its contracted condition. The duct has a multiple layer construction: an inner layer, an outer protective layer and a reinforcing layer between them. There may be frictional reducing ribs on the inner and/or outer layer in order to reduce the forces necessary to place the duct and/or the cable. Alternatively, the duct may have a single, thin layer.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for pulling communication cable through conduit. The apparatus has a winch mounted to a stand. The stand includes a base connected to an upper frame by at least three supports. At least one of the supports is pivotally mounted to at least one of the base and the upper frame such that the upper frame collapses toward the base. The stand is positioned above the conduit, the communication cable is attached to the winch, and the winch is used to pull the communication cable through the conduit.

Abstract: A duct for containing a cable and method for mounting the cable therein include providing the duct with a collapsible or flexible wall movable between a contracted condition for mounting the duct in a conduit and an extended condition of increased cross-sectional area for inserting a cable in the duct. The duct is moved to its extended condition by an applied internal pressure and, after the cable has been inserted, the duct is returned to its contracted condition. The duct has a multiple layer construction: an inner layer, an outer protective layer and a reinforcing layer between them. There may be frictional reducing ribs on the inner and/or outer layer in order to reduce the forces necessary to place the duct and/or the cable.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a pull string to a tube or cable for pulling the tube or cable through a duct. When an obstructing edge stops progress, the connector converts additional pull string tension into a rotation force that enables the connector header to pivot on the obstructing edge until it slips and passes by the obstructing edge.