Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force – Method or apparatus for placement of conductive wire – By fluid pressure differential in conduit
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-01
2001-01-09
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Implements or apparatus for applying pushing or pulling force
Method or apparatus for placement of conductive wire
By fluid pressure differential in conduit
C254S134400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170804
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a method and apparatus by which a cable, such as a fiber optic cable or the like, can be introduced into or otherwise installed in an underground conduit or casing. More particularly, this invention relates to such a method and apparatus which is particularly suited for conduit which is already in place underground and which already is carrying one or more existing cables.
BACKGROUND ART
It is common practice to provide cable, such as telephone, electric or other utility cables, in a network of plastic conduits buried underground. The installation of such conduits and the introduction of cables therein is obviously a time-consuming and expensive task. For any such installation, many of which extend for many miles, first the conduit must be buried underground and then the cable must be installed in the conduit. Traditionally, such cable is installed by first blowing a rope through the conduit, then attaching the cable to the rope, and then pulling the rope to insert the cable into the conduit.
Today, millions of miles of underground conduits having a cable in place exist throughout the world. However, the ever-expanding telecommunications systems often require that additional networks be put in place, networks which might even parallel an existing network. Although existing conduits are large enough to house more than one cable, because there is no known efficient way to introduce another cable into an existing conduit, another entire system of conduit must first be placed underground and a new cable installed therein. The need exists, therefore, to be able to easily and efficiently install an additional cable in an existing conduit to avoid the redundancy of multiple complete conduit/cable networks, without damage to the cable already in the conduit.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for introducing a cable into a conduit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus, as above, in which the cable can be introduced into a conduit which is already in place underground.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus, as above, in which the cable may be introduced into a conduit which already has at least one other cable therein.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus, as above, which will not damage existing cable in place.
These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art forms, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements hereinafter described and claimed.
In general, a method of introducing a new cable into an underground conduit already having at least one existing cable therein includes the steps of splicing the conduit to provide two conduit ends with the existing cable extending therebetween. The new cable is positioned in a conduit section having two ends. The leading end of the new cable is positioned in the conduit. The two conduit ends and one end of the conduit section are enclosed in a block. The other end of the conduit section is attached to a source of air under pressure whereby pressurized air is provided through the conduit section, through the block, and around the new cable to position the new cable in the conduit.
The block for housing the ends of the spliced conduit and the end of the conduit section includes a first block section, a second block section, and means to attach the two sections. When so attached, a first aperture is formed to receive one end of the conduit, a second aperture is formed to receive the other end of the conduit, and a third aperture is formed to receive the conduit section.
A preferred exemplary method of introducing a cable into a conduit, and the apparatus employed to accomplish the same, incorporating the concepts of the present invention, is shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings without attempting to show all the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6019351 (2000-02-01), Allen
Renner Kenner Greive Bobak Taylor & Weber
Smith James G.
TVC Communications, Inc.
Wilson Lee
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for introducing a cable into a conduit does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for introducing a cable into a conduit, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for introducing a cable into a conduit will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2524470