G02B6/48

Systems and methods for installing fiber optic cable onto a powerline conductor

The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Illuminating structures with fiber optic lighting
11686466 · 2023-06-27 ·

A method of fitting a structural member having a passage with fiber optical lighting, the method comprising: a) drilling a first hole through the structural member across the passage and through opposite first and second surfaces of the structural member; (b) enlarging the first hole at the second surface of the structural member forming a second hole; (c) inserting a cable puller having a cable hooking end through the passage to a point such that the cable hooking end is disposed inwardly from the first hole and second hole; (d) inserting a first end of a fiber optic cable first through the second hold and then through the corresponding first hole; (e) securing the first end of the fiber optic cable against being pulled back through the first hole; (f) withdrawing the cable feeder from the passage, hooking the fiber optic cable by the cable hooking end; (g) pulling a second end of the fiber optic cable from the passage; (h) injecting curable material into the passage through the second hole to encapsulate at least a length of the fiber optic cable within the curable material; and (i) cutting the first end of the fiber optic cable flush with the first surface.

BUNDLING SUSPENSION WIRE
20230178972 · 2023-06-08 · ·

A bundling suspension wire includes: a suspension wire that includes a supporting wire and a coat coating the supporting wire; a hanger member that is suspended from the suspension wire and into which a cable is configured to be inserted; and wire threading cords that are inserted into the hanger member.

Systems and methods for installing fiber optic cable onto a powerline conductor

The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

Fiber clamp with attachment accessory nub and receptacle

Technology for securing a line, such as a fiber optic line, to a structure, such as a utility pole. In one aspect, a clamp is provided. The clamp includes a body, a first nub located at a first position on the body, and a first receptacle located at a second position on the body, wherein the first receptacle is connectable with a second nub that is secured to a pole-mount, and the first nub is connectable with a second receptacle that is secured to an aerial drone.

APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING CABLE

A cable supporting device includes a channel member. The channel member has a curved section bounding an interior. A top flange, a bottom flange, and an outer wall define a channel. The channel has an opening facing the interior.

Hanger for messenger wire
11242945 · 2022-02-08 · ·

A messenger wire hanger includes a body having integral first, middle, and hook portions. The hook portion is in the shape of a hook adapted to hook over a messenger wire. The body defines a first opening between the first portion and the middle portion and a second opening between the middle portion and the hook portion. A lashing strap has a first portion and a second portion with the first portion of the lashing strap being disposed in the first opening of the body and the second portion of the lashing strap being disposed in the second opening of the body. Another configuration uses three openings with a second pawl extending between the second and third openings to define a tortuous path for the lashing strap.

DEVICE FOR BRANCHING A CABLE FROM A MID-SPAN LOCATION
20170235082 · 2017-08-17 ·

A mid-span clamp includes an elongate base that defines a cable channel on a top side. The clamp includes a first pressure block connected to the base by a first control arm. The first pressure block includes a clamping surface and a top surface. The top surface includes a cleat. The clamp includes a second pressure block connected to the base by a second control arm. The second pressure block also includes a clamping surface and a top surface. The top surface includes a cleat. The clamp has an open position and a closed position. In the open positon, a cable passageway is defined between the clamping surfaces of the first and second pressure blocks and the cable channel of the base. In the closed position, the clamping surfaces of the first and second pressure blocks close the cable passageway. The clamp is biased in the closed position.

DEVICE FOR BRANCHING A CABLE FROM A MID-SPAN LOCATION
20170235082 · 2017-08-17 ·

A mid-span clamp includes an elongate base that defines a cable channel on a top side. The clamp includes a first pressure block connected to the base by a first control arm. The first pressure block includes a clamping surface and a top surface. The top surface includes a cleat. The clamp includes a second pressure block connected to the base by a second control arm. The second pressure block also includes a clamping surface and a top surface. The top surface includes a cleat. The clamp has an open position and a closed position. In the open positon, a cable passageway is defined between the clamping surfaces of the first and second pressure blocks and the cable channel of the base. In the closed position, the clamping surfaces of the first and second pressure blocks close the cable passageway. The clamp is biased in the closed position.

AERIAL SEGMENTED VIRTUAL CONDUIT

An aerial cable support system includes a first cable holder with a first tubular member and a second tubular member attached thereto. First and second elongated links are attached within first and second opposed openings of the first tubular member. A messenger wire is inserted through a sidewall of the second tubular member. At least one cable is either inserted through the sidewall of the second tubular member or through a sidewall of a third tubular member attached to the first and/or second tubular members. By attaching a series of cable holders together using a series of elongated links, a virtual conduit system is created to push cable(s) along a messenger wire between two poles and to support the cables from the messenger wire.