Conduit Snakes Patents (Class 254/134.3FT)
  • Publication number: 20150028274
    Abstract: A cable puller assembly is provided. The cable puller assembly includes a gripping assembly including a first engaging member and a second engaging member removably coupled to the first engaging member, the gripping assembly further including an assembly interior surface at least partially defining a cable channel configured to receive a cable. The cable puller assembly further includes a plurality of friction elements disposed on the assembly interior surface, a cable support member coupled to the gripping assembly, the cable support member configured to guide the cable through the cable channel, and a pulling member coupled to the gripping assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Darrell D. Dugger
  • Patent number: 8925900
    Abstract: In a method for arranging a plurality of wires in a pipe, length of a each wire is determined in accordance with locations a plurality of holes on a surface of the pipe, and each of the plurality of wires on a lead stick is fastened in accordance with the locations of the plurality of holes on the surface of the pipe. Ends of the wires are perpendicularly connected to the surface of the lead stick. The lead stick are inserted into the pipe, and the ends of the plurality of wires are extended from the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: GDS Software (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Chih Wang, Bing-Yu He, Tzu-Te Wang, Po-Wei Hung, Yao-Feng Li, Zhi-Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8899554
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Klein Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Kingston Wong, Russell Goldmann, II
  • Patent number: 8888071
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved cable puller assembly for use in the trenchless replacement of underground pipes including water, sewer and electrical conduits. The improved cable puller assembly utilizes a cylinder body comprising four double acting hydraulic cylinders set up in pairs of two, i.e. two forward cylinders and two aft cylinders. The cable pullers are configured to move inwardly and outwardly from the cylinder body and feature the ability to pull a cable through a pipe on both their inward and outward strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Sol, Roelof Sol
  • Patent number: 8800967
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Carlson, David Brian McCardel, David A. Cooper, David Mercier, Philip Sasse, Allan W. Daniel, Timothy M. Andrea
  • Publication number: 20140217339
    Abstract: A wire-pulling device, in particular for laying electric cables in a building, comprising a frame (16), a spool of a flexible elongate element (6a) wound into a coil, and means for unwinding the member and advancing same into a section of a duct of an electric facility. The spool is mounted on a rotary drum (2) driven by a mechanism (13). The drum (2) has a U-shaped section in which the flexible elongate member is located. The flexible elongate member is fed into a rigid guide member arranged tangentially relative to the periphery of the rotary drum. The drum (2) drives a set of guide rollers (19) arranged at the periphery thereof. Each roller has a central section (3) having a diameter that is larger than that of the side sections (4) thereof that surround same. The two side sections engage with the ends of the arms of the U while the central section contacts the flexible elongate member (6) arranged between the arms of the U.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ROBOTIC CONSULTING SARL
    Inventor: Gianfranco Passoni
  • Patent number: 8757594
    Abstract: A system for installing wire and the like in a conduit which includes a plurality of wire pulling grips and a pulling jacket is provided. The wire pulling jacket encloses the wire pulling grips and keeps them bundled together, making it easier for an operator to use the same. The wire pulling jacket protects the pulling grips by preventing the grips from catching on the conduit, and also keeps the pulling grips clean. The pulling jacket also increases operator safety by reducing the risk that the operator gets a finger, glove, or other part of the body caught in the wire puling grips as these are pulled into the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: David Jordan, Michael Jordan
  • Publication number: 20140103273
    Abstract: Provided are a resin tube for a guide wire, a method for manufacturing a resin tube for a guide wire, and a guide wire, configured such that the resin tube makes point contact in the axial direction with an object of contact at working site, thereby reducing frictional resistance and yielding excellent sliding properties, while also being prevented from kinking and collapsing, and having excellent buckling resistance. The resin tube for a guide wire is characterized in that the outer shape of a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction is polygonal, elliptic, or irregular, that the resin tube is twisted in a helical shape about a deep inner-core hole as the axis of twisting, the deep inner-core hole extending in the axial direction and allowing a core wire to be inserted therein, and that the resin tube is provided with a trunk section having an undulation on the outer surface caused by the twisted eccentric wall thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Nissei Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakajima, Hideki Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8695944
    Abstract: A metal fish tape for placing electrical wires in long conduit is coiled inside a cylindrical hollow case. The case has a slot all the way around it in the center of the edge of the cylindrical case. A handle is located in the slot. The case can rotate around its circumference when the handle is held stationary. Two sprocket gears connected to a hexagonal hub are attached to the handle. The gear teeth of the sprocket gears fit into a series of corresponding grooves that are located around the circumference of the case on each side of the case slot. The fish tape can still be used manually or the hub can be powered by a drill. When the handle (and sprocket gears) are held stationary, rotating the sprocket gears rotates the case and retracts the fish tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: John R. Riggins
  • Patent number: 8690126
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: John R. Carlson, David Brian McCardel, David A. Cooper, David Mercier, Philip Sasse, Allan W. Daniel, Timothy M. Andrea
  • Patent number: 8657259
    Abstract: A fish tape leader comprises a leader body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. A spheroid cap is at the first end. A tail portion extends from the spheroid cap to the second end. An eyelet extends through the leader body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The fish tape leader further comprises an attachment portion configured to secure the leader body to a fish tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: James Pagliaroli, John Belmonte
  • Publication number: 20140027689
    Abstract: A guide member (40) comprises a sleeve (41) for positioning into an entrance (15A) of a first branch pipe (20A) in a sewerage system, which entrance (15a) provides access to a main pipe (10), wherein a telecommunication cable system is inserted into said sewerage system, which telecommunication cable system comprising a cable trunk (2) present in the main pipe (10) and housing a plurality of cables (1A, 1B), of which plurality of cables a first cable (1A) extending into the first branch pipe (20A), wherein a first aperture (3) is present in said cable trunk (2) at or near the entrance (15A) of the first branch pipe (20A) through which the first cable (1A) leaves the cable trunk (2), which said guide member (40) comprises a trunk support part (42) projecting into the main pipe (10) and positioning the cable trunk (2) in a desired angular position near the entrance (15A) of the first branch pipe (20A), which guide member (40) further comprises a cable guide (45) for supporting the first cable (1A) at an outside
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: JELCER-IP B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Gerhardus Spijker, Klaas Alexander Nicolai
  • Patent number: 8616526
    Abstract: An insertion device for a cable in an existing pipe network includes a longitudinally stable flexible element that can be inserted into a pipe region of the pipe network, and on which a head part can be placed. The head part can be diverted to pass through regions of bends of the pipe. Placed on the flexible element is a coupling part to which coupling part the cable to be pulled can be coupled. The head part includes a base body having an elongated shape, which can be led from a stretched position into a bent position. The base body includes guide elements by which at least one pulling element is guided that is spaced apart from the bending axis of the base body. One end of the pulling element is held at one end region of the base body, whereas the other end is held at a drivable linear drive that is attached at the other end region of the base body. Disposed at the end region, remote from the flexible element, of the head part are a light source and a camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Swisscom AG
    Inventors: Marc Rubin, Thomas Seiler, Ulrich Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8613426
    Abstract: A power line puller control package facilitates the installation of conductor or high tension power lines by directing the conductor or high tension line removal from at least one supply reel at a substantially stable rate, while adjusting the speed of the drum to the amount of the rope or cable on the at least one holding drum, to facilitate manufacturing, installation or use of the high tension power line at a substantially constant speed and tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: L.E. Myers Co.
    Inventors: Raymond Holland, Joshua R. Holland, James G. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130334478
    Abstract: A system and method for installing cable according to which the cable is disposed in conduit. In an exemplary embodiment, the cable is fiber optic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Hammons
  • Publication number: 20130313494
    Abstract: In a method for arranging a plurality of wires in a pipe, length of a each wire is determined in accordance with locations a plurality of holes on a surface of the pipe, and each of the plurality of wires on a lead stick is fastened in accordance with the locations of the plurality of holes on the surface of the pipe. Ends of the wires are perpendicularly connected to the surface of the lead stick. The lead stick are inserted into the pipe, and the ends of the plurality of wires are extended from the plurality of holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: CHI-CHIH WANG, BING-YU HE, TZU-TE WANG, PO-WEI HUNG, YAO-FENG LI, ZHI-QIANG WANG
  • Patent number: 8590862
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Schauerte
  • Publication number: 20130299758
    Abstract: A duct rod system to be pushed in a conduit of a defined configuration for installing an elongated element in the conduit and comprising at least one rod having a flexible main body, the flexible main body having a bending stiffness arrangement defined in relation to the defined configuration of the conduit to permit a friction reduction of the flexible main body in the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: PLUMETTAZ HOLDING S.A.
    Inventor: Willem Griffioen
  • Patent number: 8561967
    Abstract: An assembly comprising: a protective sheath and a loading device for loading a self-expandable prosthesis into the sheath, the loading device having a conical distal section, which radially compresses the prosthesis and an annular lip that engages with the interior of the distal end of the sheath to guide the prosthesis into the sheath while protecting the sheath from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Per Hendriksen, Allan G. Hemmingsen, Jacob Lund Clausen
  • Publication number: 20130240807
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for pulling a cable through a conduit includes a frame that has a base and caster wheels. The apparatus further includes a boom that has at least one roller configured to guide a rope connected to the cable along the boom. The boom also includes a main boom pivotally connected to the base and an upper boom pivotally connected to the main boom. A drive unit connects to the boom and includes a rotatable spool configured to pull the rope along the boom. The apparatus further includes a lift pivotally connected to the frame and the boom. The lift is operable to move the boom relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Radle, Michael A. Schrauth, Christian P. Coulis, Edward A. Haase, Anthony W. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20130221298
    Abstract: An enhanced apparatus and method for securing a wire to a pulling cable for pulling wire. Specifically, the pulling cable and wire are attached via a pulling head body. The wire is inserted into an end of the pulling head body and secured by crimping the pulling head body against the wire. Further, crimp zone indicators positioned on the outer surface of the pulling head body indicate the optimal zone of crimping to achieve substantial contact between the pulling head body and the wire. A pulling cable is secured to the pulling head body via a ball swage that comprises a tapped surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Bennett, William T. Bigbee, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130221296
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved cable puller assembly for use in the trenchless replacement of underground pipes including water, sewer and electrical conduits. The improved cable puller assembly utilizes a cylinder body comprising four double acting hydraulic cylinders set up in pairs of two, i.e. two forward cylinders and two aft cylinders. The cable pullers are configured to move inwardly and outwardly from the cylinder body and feature the ability to pull a cable through a pipe on both their inward and outward strokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Sol, Roelof Sol
  • Publication number: 20130221297
    Abstract: A metal fish tape for placing electrical wires in long conduit is coiled inside a cylindrical hollow case. The case has a slot all the way around it in the center of the edge of the cylindrical case. A handle is located in the slot. The case can rotate around its circumference when the handle is held stationary. Two sprocket gears connected to a hexagonal hub are attached to the handle. The gear teeth of the sprocket gears fit into a series of corresponding grooves that are located around the circumference of the case on each side of the case slot. The fish tape can still be used manually or the hub can be powered by a drill. When the handle (and sprocket gears) are held stationary, rotating the sprocket gears rotates the case and retracts the fish tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: JOHN R. RIGGINS
  • Patent number: 8500100
    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: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Labor Savings Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Patent number: 8496229
    Abstract: Taught is a powered fish tape having an integrated electric rewinding mechanism that winds a tape onto a rotating reel using an electric motor. A cross-member is mounted to the rotating reel. A flexible shaft and a mechanical clutch couple the cross-member to the electric motor. The powered fish tape is beneficially powered by a rechargeable battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathon A. Mayhall
  • Patent number: 8469339
    Abstract: A push/pull tag line includes an elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end located opposite the first end. A flexible member is coupled to the elongated rigid member and extends from the first end of the elongated rigid member. A load connector is coupled to the second end of the elongated rigid member. The tag line may be coupled to a load using the load connector. A pushing force may then be applied to the rigid member that is directed towards the load, and the rigid member will transmit the pushing force to the load to allow precise positioned of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Billy Pugh Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Liberato, Paul Liberato
  • Patent number: 8444115
    Abstract: A cable manipulator includes a base and a plurality of plates attached to the base, each of the plurality of plates including a pair of cams attached to each plate. Each cam of the pair of cams is spaced from each other such that a length of cable can be inserted therebetween. At least one of the plurality of plates is a rotatable plate such that rotation of the rotatable plate causes an end of the cable to be moved closer to the cable manipulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents Acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University
    Inventors: John T. Tester, Andrew J. Dethlefs
  • Patent number: 8434741
    Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a cable through a conduit includes a frame that has a base. The apparatus further includes a boom that has at least one roller configured to guide a rope connected to the cable along the boom. The boom also includes a main boom pivotally connected to the base and an upper boom pivotally connected to the main boom. A drive unit connects to the boom and includes a rotatable spool configured to pull the rope along the boom. The apparatus further includes a lift pivotally connected to the frame and the boom. The lift is operable to move the boom relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Actuant Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Radle, Michael A. Schrauth, Christian P. Coulis, Edward A. Haase, Anthony W. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8434740
    Abstract: An apparatus consisting of sheaves/rollers is for guiding cables from a single pulling location through conduit that extends continuously between manholes and end points of conduit runs. The cable is set up at one end of the conduit run and a power driven tugger is set up at the other end of the cable pull. The apparatus is installed at each end of the run to guide the cables into the conduit through the manhole or out conduit stub. A rope is installed through the sheaves/rollers and into the conduit and then through another sheave at the other end and then connected to the cable. A power driven tugger is energized which causes tension on the rope and cable and pulls the cable through the end of the sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Marinus R. Logtenberg
  • Patent number: 8336857
    Abstract: A hose puller that includes puller wheels that are motorized and configured to grip, among other things, a high pressure water hose. The hose puller further includes an idler wheel that is positioned to oppose the puller wheels. The idler wheel is spring loaded to help ensure that the hose maintains frictional relation with the puller wheels. Alternatively, the hose puller may have puller wheels shaped to grip a high pressure water hose. The hose puller also includes a camera that is configured to show images that enable the operator to control the hose puller from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Rufus Davis
  • Patent number: 8322690
    Abstract: A fixture for dressing a plurality of cables into cable bundles is provided. The fixture includes a first panel having a plurality of first apertures extending through the panel. The first apertures are configured in a predetermined array in the first panel, with each first aperture located a first distance from each adjacent first aperture. A second panel is disposed at a distance from the first panel, the second panel having a plurality of second apertures extending through the second panel. The second apertures are configured in a second array corresponding to the array of apertures in the first panel. Each second aperture is located a second distance from each adjacent second aperture. The first plurality of apertures receives a plurality of cables fed into the fixture. The second plurality of apertures is adapted to receive the cables from the first apertures and to feed the cables from the fixture in a cable array ready to be tied into a bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Cathlina
  • Patent number: 8308137
    Abstract: The invention is a remote controlled vehicle adapted for navigating inside HVAC supply trunks. It is equipped with a moveable camera and a powered tool for snagging a string or parachute propelled into the trunk by other methods. A command box is provided to view the image from the camera and control the vehicle's various functions. The installation technician inserts the vehicle into the trunk through an access hole and uses the command box to navigate the vehicle inside a HVAC trunk and locate and secure the string to the vehicle. The technician then controls the vehicle to pull the string back to the access or the technician manually pulls the vehicle back to the access by its tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: EMME E2MS, LLC
    Inventor: Harold Gene Alles
  • Patent number: 8308138
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for wire pullers and conduit adapters. According to various embodiments, a wire puller includes first and second positionable arms. The wire puller also can include an adapter and adapter bracket. In some embodiments, the adapter and adapter bracket are configured to allow easier pulling of wire through conduit. Some embodiments of the wire puller are configured to allow for easier set up and use compared to existing wire pullers. Some embodiments of the wire pullers also are configured to provide increased pulling force over existing wire pullers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8302936
    Abstract: A cable puller assembly includes a housing assembly, a motor assembly and an anti-fouling device. The motor assembly is secured to the housing assembly and has an output shaft extending outwardly therefrom. The output shaft is rotated about an axis of rotation by the motor assembly. The anti-fouling device has a capstan and a body. The output shaft is operatively associated with the capstan in order to rotate the capstan about the axis of rotation. The body is positioned around an end portion of the capstan proximate to the housing assembly. The body defines a sloped surface that biases incoming rope that wraps around the sloped surface down onto the capstan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Plummer
  • Patent number: 8262065
    Abstract: A cord aligning device formed with a plurality of guide holes allowing cords to be separately inserted therethrough is provided. Each of the guide holes includes a feed port into which a cord is fed, a delivery port from which the cord is delivered, an introducing portion provided continuously with the feed port, and a delivery portion provided between the introducing portion and the delivery port. The introducing portion is formed such that the area of a cross-section vertical to a centerline thereof is reduced gradually toward the delivery portion from the feed port, the area of a cross-section of the delivery portion vertical to a centerline thereof is uniform along the centerline over its total length, and the delivery portion is formed in a linear fashion. Moreover, the delivery portions of the plurality of guide holes are juxtaposed in a predetermined direction so as to form rows parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiro Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 8246009
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Greenlee Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Plummer
  • Patent number: 8235358
    Abstract: A cord aligning device formed with a plurality of guide holes allowing cords to be separately inserted therethrough is provided. Each of the guide holes includes a feed port into which a cord is fed, a delivery port from which the cord is delivered, an introducing portion provided continuously with the feed port, and a delivery portion provided between the introducing portion and the delivery port. The introducing portion is formed such that the area of a cross-section vertical to a centerline thereof is reduced gradually toward the delivery portion from the feed port, the area of a cross-section of the delivery portion vertical to a centerline thereof is uniform along the centerline over its total length, and the delivery portion is formed in a linear fashion. Moreover, the delivery portions of the plurality of guide holes are juxtaposed in a predetermined direction so as to form rows parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Fumihiro Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20120187353
    Abstract: A draw-in wire tip with a base part, a flexible part and a head part for draw-in wires for drawing lines into tubes and cavities and the like, with the flexibility of the flexible part increasing from the base part in the direction towards the head part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Immothal Investment GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Haslacher
  • Publication number: 20120168699
    Abstract: It is provided an electrically powered fish tape manipulating device. The device includes a control unit, a power source and a two-way belt system rotatable in accordance with the provided power. A segment of the fish tape is disposed forcibly on the belt such that rotating the belt system forces the fish tape to propagate accordingly. The device includes a rotatable reel assembly for receiving a length of a fish tape. Manipulation parameters include direction and speed of belt rotation, and a serial list of manipulations, defined by direction, speed and duration values. A motor receives the provided power, a gear reduces rotation speed, and drives the two-way rotating belt system. A sliding clutch having a sliding surface forces the fish tape segment to propagate whenever the belt rotates. The control unit is associated with a wireless remote controller. A conduit coupler receives the fish tape and guides it into a conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Yona RACHMINOV, Michele PERETS, Tomer HAYUN
  • Patent number: 8186650
    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: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Labor Saving Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Patent number: 8157244
    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: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Labor Saving Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Publication number: 20120080650
    Abstract: A fish tape leader and coupling are disclosed wherein the coupling attaches to a fish tape using an adaptor that fits within the coupling and has a slot through which the fish tape can be inserted. Twisting the fish tape deforms the tape so that the tape cannot be pulled back through the adaptor and coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Scott Davidson, Aleksey Neverov
  • Publication number: 20120049140
    Abstract: Apparatus (sheave) is for guiding cables from a single pulling location through conduit that extends continuously between manholes and end points of conduit runs. The cable is set up at one end of the conduit run and a power driven tugger is set up at the other end of the cable pull. The invention apparatus (sheave) is installed at each end of the run to guide the cables into the conduit through the manhole or out conduit stub. A rope is installed through the invention apparatus (sheave) and into the conduit and then through another invention apparatus (sheave) at the other end and then connected to the cable. A power driven tugger is energized which cause tension on the rope and cable and pulls the cable through the invention apparatus (sheave) end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Marinus Randal Logtenberg
  • Patent number: 8091866
    Abstract: A wire pull assembly including a quick-change assembly and a wire pull attachment. The wire pull attachment includes an insert, a basket adapted to receive and secure an article therein, and a swivel assembly interconnecting the insert and basket such that the swivel assembly allows the basket to move freely relative to the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher L White
  • Patent number: 8087643
    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: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Labor Saving Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark Turner
  • Publication number: 20110227010
    Abstract: An insertion device for a cable in an existing pipe network includes a longitudinally stable flexible element that can be inserted into a pipe region of the pipe network, and on which a head part can be placed. The head part can be diverted to pass through regions of bends of the pipe. Placed on the flexible element is a coupling part to which coupling part the cable to be pulled can be coupled. The head part includes a base body having an elongated shape, which can be led from a stretched position into a bent position. The base body includes guide elements by which at least one pulling element is guided that is spaced apart from the bending axis of the base body. One end of the pulling element is held at one end region of the base body, whereas the other end is held at a drivable linear drive that is attached at the other end region of the base body. Disposed at the end region, remote from the flexible element, of the head part are a light source and a camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: SWISSCOM AG
    Inventors: Marc Rubin, Thomas Seiler, Ulrich Herrmann
  • Patent number: 8016267
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Jordan, David S. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8006954
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Mallory
  • Patent number: 7997559
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Schauerte
  • Publication number: 20110140058
    Abstract: A fish tape leader comprises a leader body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. A spheroid cap is at the first end. A tail portion extends from the spheroid cap to the second end. An eyelet extends through the leader body transverse to the longitudinal axis. The fish tape leader further comprises an attachment portion configured to secure the leader body to a fish tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: James Pagliaroli, John Belmonte