A laser alignment guide. The laser alignment guide includes a housing having at least one sidewall and a base defining an interior volume therein. A cap is removably securable to an upper end of the housing. The cap further includes at least one light source that can emit a visible laser disposed thereon. A mounting bracket that can magnetically secure to a surface is disposed on a second end of the housing. In some embodiments, at least one light source is disposed on a sidewall of the housing.

This invention relates to a winch and to a method of using the winch. The winch is ideally adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle such as a mini-excavator, and is likely to find its greatest utility in relation to the removal of underground pipes, electricity conduits, fibre optic cables and the like, as well as in the bursting of pipes. The invention provides a winch comprising a support column, a base, a magazine, a drive mechanism and a mounting structure. The drive mechanism is connected to the magazine and is adapted to rotate the magazine in use. The support column connects the magazine to the base. The mounting structure is adapted for mounting to the boom of a vehicle. The winch has a rotatable connection between the base and the mounting structure which is securable in a chosen rotational position, so that the base of the winch can be correctly aligned regardless of the orientation of the vehicle.

A control module for controlling a cable pulling or feeding apparatus at one endpoint of a pulling operation and for wirelessly communicating with a cable feeding or pulling apparatus at an opposite endpoint. The control module includes a switch input to receive a start signal from a switch for initiating operation of the apparatus and an equipment output that connects to the pulling/feeding apparatus. A wireless communication interface communicates ready state or stop state messages to the other apparatus to coordinate a pulling operation. The control module operates in one of two modes: endpoint mode or repeater mode. In repeater mode, the control module may be positioned between the endpoints to extend the wireless communications between the endpoints.

A control module for controlling a cable pulling or feeding apparatus at one endpoint of a pulling operation and for wirelessly communicating with a cable feeding or pulling apparatus at an opposite endpoint. The control module includes a switch input to receive a start signal from a switch for initiating operation of the apparatus and an equipment output that connects to the pulling/feeding apparatus. A wireless communication interface communicates ready state or stop state messages to the other apparatus to coordinate a pulling operation. The control module operates in one of two modes: endpoint mode or repeater mode. In repeater mode, the control module may be positioned between the endpoints to extend the wireless communications between the endpoints.

Conductor identification may be provided. A first sleeve may be placed around a first conductor and a second sleeve around a second conductor. Next, a first tag may be placed on the first conductor and a second tag on the second conductor. Then, the first conductor and the second conductor may be pulled together through a conduit. The first conductor may slideably move through the first sleeve and the second conductor may slideably move through the second sleeve as the first conductor and the second conductor are pulled together through the conduit.

Conductor identification may be provided. A first sleeve may be placed around a first conductor and a second sleeve around a second conductor. Next, a first tag may be placed on the first conductor and a second tag on the second conductor. Then, the first conductor and the second conductor may be pulled together through a conduit. The first conductor may slideably move through the first sleeve and the second conductor may slideably move through the second sleeve as the first conductor and the second conductor are pulled together through the conduit.

A headlock cable installation system includes a headlock assembly, an extension rod, and a flexible headlock cable. The headlock cable installation system is used for installing a pre-connectorized cable assembly. The headlock assembly defines a cavity configured to receive a connectorized end of the pre-connectorized cable assembly. The flexible headlock cable has opposite first and second ends. The first end of the headlock cable is coupled to the headlock assembly, whereas the opposite second end of the headlock cable is adjustably coupled to the extension rod. Adjustment of the second end varies a position of the headlock assembly relative to the extension rod.

A headlock cable installation system includes a headlock assembly, an extension rod, and a flexible headlock cable. The headlock cable installation system is used for installing a pre-connectorized cable assembly. The headlock assembly defines a cavity configured to receive a connectorized end of the pre-connectorized cable assembly. The flexible headlock cable has opposite first and second ends. The first end of the headlock cable is coupled to the headlock assembly, whereas the opposite second end of the headlock cable is adjustably coupled to the extension rod. Adjustment of the second end varies a position of the headlock assembly relative to the extension rod.

Systems and methods for facilitating wire and cable installations are provided. According to embodiments, a system comprises a reel and a first parallel including a first conductor loaded onto the reel in a first layer. The system may further comprise a second parallel including a second conductor loaded onto the reel in a second layer. At least a portion of the second layer of the second parallel may be loaded on top of at least a portion of the first layer of the first parallel.

A method is provided for manufacturing a superconductive cable equipped with means for compensating length changes caused by temperature changes which occur when the cable is cooled from room temperature to work temperature and vice-versa. A superconductive cable (SK) with a tubular, central carrier (1) is used which is surrounded by at least one superconductive conductor. Arranged in the carrier (1) is at least one tension-proof strand (2) arranged over the entire length of the carrier (1). Cable (SK) is initially wound, including strand (2), at room temperature onto a coil (SP). Subsequently, the strand (2) is immovably fastened to the two ends of the cable (SK) and the cable (SK) is subsequently wound off the coil (SP).