Abstract: Method and device for installing cables in ducts using a pressurized fluid, a fluid being applied which, under the operational pressure and operational temperature applied during the installation, is in a liquid state and which, under the ambient pressure and ambient temperature prevailing at the location of the installation, is in gaseous state. By applying such a fluid, the advantages of installing a cable using a liquid flow and using a gas flow may be combined, while the drawbacks respectively associated therewith are obviated.

Abstract: Method for, using a fluid under pressure, installing optical fibers or cables in a tubular section comprising a supply tube and an intallation tube, each having an input and an output, the output of the supply tube being in connection with the input of the installation tube, a fluid under pressure being fed near the input of the supply tube, and the cable being conducted into the input of the supply tube and being propelled through the tubular section by the entraining force of the fluid, at least part of the fluid being discharged from the supply tube at the output of the supply tube and, at the input of the installation tube, a second fluid under pressure being fed. Due to said measures, the pressure drop at the input of the tubular section may be overcome without utilizing mechanical means which might damage the fiber or cable.

Abstract: By the present invention, a plurality of blown optical fiber insertions are made into a duct by employing the following method: first installing at least one fiber through the duct to a terminal; trapping the first fiber in place; and subsequently blowing at least one second fiber alongside the first trapped fiber through the duct to a terminal. In a preferred embodiment, a trap fitting is mounted onto an entry end of the duct to permit multiple insertions of blown optical fiber into a duct. The trap fitting comprises a fitting fixed into the duct downstream from a blow head; a passageway through a wall of the fitting; a cylindrical sleeve fixed to the exterior of the fitting over the passageway; and a plunger mounted in the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A line member inserted into a inlet port of the conduit comprises a thin nylon tape. The tape comprising the line member flies into the conduit with the fluid mechanical force in the air stream.

Abstract: A cable straightener removes mini-bends from cable as it is unwound from a reel for installation in an underground duct, providing improved blowing performance for any cable with non-negligible stiffness and that exhibits reel-set or shape memory recovery, for example cables enclosed within small diameter tubular steel jackets, cables enclosed within aluminum laminated polymer sheets, and cables enclosed within hard polymer tubing. Residual stresses induced in such cables are reduced by first and second sets of straightener rollers prior to pushing/blowing installation.

Abstract: A cable straightener removes mini-bends from cable as it is unwound from a reel for installation in an underground duct, providing improved blowing performance for any cable with non-negligible stiffness and that exhibits reel-set or shape memory recovery, for example cables enclosed within small diameter tubular steel jackets, cables enclosed within aluminum laminated polymer sheets, and cables enclosed within hard polymer tubing. Residual stresses induced in such cables are reduced by first and second sets of straightener rollers prior to pushing/blowing installation.

Abstract: Method and device for installing cables in ducts using a pressurized fluid, a fluid being applied which, under the operational pressure and operational temperature applied during the installation, is in a liquid state and which, under the ambient pressure and ambient temperature prevailing at the location of the installation, is in gaseous state. By applying such a fluid, the advantages of installing a cable using a liquid flow and using a gas flow may be combined, while the drawbacks respectively associated therewith are obviated.

Abstract: An optical signal communication system employs an optical signal conduit that is threaded through segments of a utility pipe, such as a water main. Water-tight optical signal transfer fittings are used so that the optical signal conduit does not need to run through valves in the water main.

Abstract: A method of inserting an unreinforced fiber optic member into a duct is disclosed. An elongate, flexible pull cord is inserted into the duct and is attached adjacent its rearward end to the fiber optic member adjacent a forward end thereof. The forward end of the fiber optic member is then introduced into the duct, and fluid such as air is caused to flow along the duct to cause the pull cord and fiber optic member to move into the duct.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a cable in a tube is provided wherein the cable is installed by the combination of a pushing force and a pressurized fluid drag force. In particular, the pressurized fluid drag force is applied by alternately passing a first pressurized fluid having first hydrodynamic properties and a second pressurized fluid having second (different) hydrodynamic properties into the tube at substantially a same location.

Abstract: Method and device for propelling a cable or the like into a duct. According to the invention, said cable (2) is propelled into the duct (3) by the combined action of a flow of a pressurized liquid (14) and of a stream of pressurized gas (12), the pressure of said gas being greater than the pressure of said liquid.

Abstract: A method for drawing a cable which inherently lacks tensile strength into cable channels or cable pipes includes providing a tensile yarn skin on the end of the cable before the step of drawing the cable into the channels or pipes. The yarn skin can either be a net hose or a spin-wrap applied onto the cable. One application of the method is the connection of the cable incoming at a terminal tower to a switching center or exchange.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable member and an outer jacket member disposed about the fiber optic cable member in slidable relation. In a preferred embodiment, the outer jacket member is a woven article, made from low friction, synthetic fibers such as polyester, nylon, Teflon, PEEK, or polyvinylidene fluoride. The outer jacket member serves as a sleeve that extends at least the same length as the cable member. In use, the outer jacket carrying the cable member may be attached at one end to a pull cord or tape that extends through the length of a conduit. A pulling force is exerted on the pull cord at a remote end of the conduit, causing the outer jacket member and cable member to be drawn through the conduit. The outer jacket bears most of the force of the pulling action, and the only force exerted directly on the fragile cable member is that of friction between the jacket and the cable.

Abstract: This invention was a portable pushing and pulling apparatus for in-conduit cable installations, the aforementioned device is of the type which comprises a casing that, viewed from above, is in the shape of a rectangle and is formed of a base (1) joined to a cylindrical handle (4), a cover (2), a hinged joint (3) connecting the base (1) and the cover (2) on a short side, a set of screws (40) for ensuring the cover's closure on the base, a drive capstan (25) driven by a rotary drive shaft (28) mounted in the handle (4), an idler disk (29) with an axle parallel to the capstan (25), and both the capstan (25) and the disk (29) are mounted in such a way as to receive a cable (36) to be driven and gripped between them. The invention itself contains in the handle (4), between the drive shaft (28) and the power take-off (53), a torque regulating device at its end, for the torque limiting clutch which indicates the maximum pushing or pulling force selected by the operator.

Abstract: A machine for installing a plurality of cables together in a duct comprising a cable pushing machine and a cable wrapper. The cable wrapper comprises a platform rotatably attached to a mount. The platform and mount have aligned bores therethrough. Coils of winding media are attached to the platform. Cables pass through the bores, and the winding media is dispensed onto the cables. The platform rotates as the winding media is dispensed, thus wrapping the winding media around the cables. The cables are then passed through the cable pusher and into the duct. The rotation of the platform may be driven by the movement of the cables, or by independent means such as a motor.

Abstract: A blowing head for a blown fibre installation, the blowing head including a buckling detector in the transmission line being installed and decreasing the drive forces applied to the transmission line, preventing mechanical damage occurring to the transmission line.

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fiber (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fiber members containing the optical fibers into the bores. The optical fiber members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.

Abstract: In order to install an optical fiber cable 110 in a duct 112 a plurality of vents 130, 132, 134 spaced apart along the duct are operated such that during blowing any vent 130 upstream of the leading end 138 of the cable is closed and when there is at least one vent 132, 134 downstream of the cable leading end at least the downstream vent 132 closest to the cable leading end is open for venting gas from the duct. In this way the pressure decay and pressure gradient profiles are modified during installation to improve installation performance.

Abstract: A pipe threading arrangement includes a launch body (13) and a parachute (15) within tube (12). The parachute is launched into pipe (2) via slide valve (1) and brings with it a threading cable (19). At a remote location within the pipe (2) the parachute is stopped by a catch arm (8) with associated catch finger (5). The parachute is deflated and retrieved, together with the threading cable, via the slide valve into the catch body (4).

Abstract: A cable flushing lateral is inserted into a guide tube or conduit through which a cable is to be payed out. The flushing lateral is in the form of a pipe within a pipe with a cylindrical space formed between the pipes. The inner pipe is connected to the upstream side of the guide tube and the outer pipe is connected to the downstream side of the guide tube. The upstream end of the outer pipe has a Y-connection to which a water source is connected such that water under pressure may enter the space between the pipes. The inner pipe has an open nozzle termination at its downstream end and the outer pipe is closed against the inner pipe at its upstream end. The cable to be payed out extends through the guide tube and flushing lateral. The pressure and velocity of the water flowing through the cylindrical space between the inner and outer pipes become uniform. As the water flows past the end of the nozzle, a uniform flow of water surrounds the cable.

Abstract: An assembly for providing air assisted insertion of a draw line such as a string line or the like through a conduit or network of conduits; the assembly comprising: a pneumatic gun (1) including a housing having an internal chamber with an entrance and an exit, a handle (3) attached to or integral with said housing and having a bore therethrough in communication with said internal chamber (2) and at an entrance to said bore means to facilitate receipt of pressurized air from a pressurized air source (4); a spool unit (41) integrally or detachably connected direct or indirectly to said pneumatic gun (1) and which receives and retains therein a line spool, or cartridge, said spool unit (41) including a chamber which terminates in an opening in communication with the internal chamber of said pneumatic gun and through which a line on said line spool travels; wherein, upon actuation of a trigger on the pneumatic gun (1) pressurized air from the air source (4) urges the draw line, through the gun and upon exiting s

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for blind placement of a cable under a slab (14) such as a slab closing off a storage silo for the storage of noxious products, between two openings (24, 34). A target (42) is lowered through one (24) of the openings and a gun (38) is lowered through the other opening (34). The target (42) and the gun (38) are rotated to face each other and a projectile such as a harpoon (40) is then fired with a gun towards the target, after attaching a hemp rope (44) to the harpoon. After lifting the target (42) above the slab (14) and disconnecting the harpoon (40), the cable is attached to the other end of the hemp rope and the hemp rope is pulled through the opening (24) until the cable is put into place.

Abstract: A technique for installing a length of cable assembly and coiled tubing includes application of both compressive and tensile forces on the cable assembly. The compressive forces are applied to the cable assembly in a compression station at an entry end of the coiled tubing. Tensile forces are applied to the cable assembly by a wire line or a similar structure situated at an exit end of the coiled tubing. Following installation of the cable assembly in the coiled tubing, the coiled tubing may be transported to an application site, and coupled to equipment, such as a submersible pumping system. The submersible pumping system may then be deployed by extension of the coiled tubing and cable assembly. Additional lengths may be obtained by joining subassemblies formed by the tensile and compressive force technique. The technique reduces residual elongation or strain in the cable assembly as compared to conventional methods.

Abstract: A new cable (16) may be introduced into a conduit (11) having an existing cable (13) therein by splicing the conduit (11) to form conduit ends (11A, 11B) with the existing cable (13) extending therebetween. The new cable (16) is positioned in a conduit section (58). A piston (67) may be attached to the leading end of the new cable (16) and is positioned in the conduit (11). A block (15) encloses the conduit ends (11A, 11B) and one end of the conduit section (58). The other end of the conduit section (58) is attached to a blower (70) which provides air under pressure through the conduit section (58), through the block (15) and against the piston (67) to position the new cable (16) in the conduit (11).

Abstract: A transmission line, such as an optical fiber (or wire) transmission line, is installed by first installing a conduit having one or more bores and subsequently inserting flexible, lightweight optical fiber members containing the optical fibers into the bores. The optical fiber members are propelled by employing the fluid drag of air, or another suitable gas, passed at high velocity through the bores.