Patent classifications
H01B13/062
Method of manufacturing a non-circular electrical cable having a reduced pulling force
In various embodiments, a non-circular electrical cable having a reduced pulling force attributable to the exterior surface of an outer sheath, and method of producing the same is provided. In various embodiments, an outer sheath of the cable may comprise a first and second sheath layer, the second sheath layer being located external to the first sheath layer, and comprising a nylon material configured to reduce the pulling force necessary for installing the cable. In various embodiments, the first sheath layer may be extruded using a tube extrusion method into a substantially circular shape, and the second sheath layer may be extruded using a pressure extrusion methods onto the exterior surface of the first sheath layer while maintaining the at least substantially circular shape of the sheath. The sheath may then be pulled onto the surface of a plurality of conductors to form the non-circular electrical cable.
Methods and apparatus for installing sleeve on cable using active dimensional analysis
An apparatus that melts and monitors sleeves for installation onto shielded cables. The apparatus includes a heat source for melting the sleeve, cable supports for supporting the cable during the melting process, a sensor system that is configured to measure a dimension of the sleeve during melting, and a computer that is connected to receive sensor data from the sensor system and send heater control signals to the heat source. The computer is configured to receive dimensional data from the sensor system, monitor that dimensional data by performing a dimensional analysis, and then deactivate or remove the heat source in response to dimensional analysis results indicating that the sleeve is fully melted (in the case of a solder sleeve) or only fully shrunken (in the case of a dead end sleeve) onto the cable.
Method for trimming cable shield
A shield trim is performed by tearing bunched shield strands circumferentially along a circular edge. The apparatus includes a pair of aligned metal plates that have been drilled through multiple times such that holes of varying diameters pass through both plates. A cable gripper on the entry side of the device clamps the cable in place. A shield gripper on the rear side of the device closes over the exposed shielding of the cable, and the two plates are pushed together. The shield gripper travels with the rear plate, pushing the shield over the wires and causing the shield to bunch between the two plates. With the two plates pushed together, both grippers open and the cable is pulled free from the device. This pull forces a stress concentration which tears the shield strands across the sharp edge of the hole, producing a uniformly trimmed shield.
Methods and Apparatus for Installing Sleeve on Cable Using Active Dimensional Analysis
An apparatus that melts and monitors sleeves for installation onto shielded cables. The apparatus includes a heat source for melting the sleeve, cable supports for supporting the cable during the melting process, a sensor system that is configured to measure a dimension of the sleeve during melting, and a computer that is connected to receive sensor data from the sensor system and send heater control signals to the heat source. The computer is configured to receive dimensional data from the sensor system, monitor that dimensional data by performing a dimensional analysis, and then deactivate or remove the heat source in response to dimensional analysis results indicating that the sleeve is fully melted (in the case of a solder sleeve) or only fully shrunken (in the case of a dead end sleeve) onto the cable.
Automated methods and apparatus for installing a sleeve on a cable
A method utilizes a funnel system and robotic end effector grippers to feed an unjacketed portion of a shielded cable through a sleeve. The funnel is designed with one or more thin extensions (hereinafter “prongs”) on which a sleeve is placed prior to a cable entering the funnel. Preferably two or more prongs are employed, although a single prong may be used if properly configured to both guide a cable and fit between the sleeve and cable. The prongs close off the uneven surface internal to a sleeve and provide a smooth surface for the cable to slide along and through the sleeve, preventing any damage to the exposed shielding. The sleeve is picked up and held on the prongs using a robotic end effector. If the sleeve is a solder sleeve, the robotic end effector has grippers designed to make contact with the portions of the solder sleeve that are between the insulating rings and the central solder ring.
CABLE SEAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
A method of manufacturing a cable seal is provided, the method including the steps of providing a cable having a protective outer jacket of a non-PVC material; preparation of the protective outer jacket of the cable such as to promote adhesion with a sealant; and overmolding the outer jacket with a sealant. As a result, a sealing interface is formed between the jacket and the sealant.
Methods and apparatus for installing sleeve on cable using active dimensional analysis
An apparatus that melts and monitors sleeves for installation onto shielded cables. The apparatus includes a heat source for melting the sleeve, cable supports for supporting the cable during the melting process, a sensor system that is configured to measure a dimension of the sleeve during melting, and a computer that is connected to receive sensor data from the sensor system and send heater control signals to the heat source. The computer is configured to receive dimensional data from the sensor system, monitor that dimensional data by performing a dimensional analysis, and then deactivate or remove the heat source in response to dimensional analysis results indicating that the sleeve is fully melted (in the case of a solder sleeve) or only fully shrunken (in the case of a dead end sleeve) onto the cable.
Apparatus for installing a sleeve on a cable
A method utilizes a funnel system and robotic end effector grippers to feed an unjacketed portion of a shielded cable through a sleeve. The funnel is designed with one or more thin extensions (hereinafter “prongs”) on which a sleeve is placed prior to a cable entering the funnel. Preferably two or more prongs are employed, although a single prong may be used if properly configured to both guide a cable and fit between the sleeve and cable. The prongs close off the uneven surface internal to a sleeve and provide a smooth surface for the cable to slide along and through the sleeve, preventing any damage to the exposed shielding. The sleeve is picked up and held on the prongs using a robotic end effector. If the sleeve is a solder sleeve, the robotic end effector has grippers designed to make contact with the portions of the solder sleeve that are between the insulating rings and the central solder ring.
Arrangement For Attaching An Insulator Sleeve To An Electrical Conductor
An arrangement includes an insulator sleeve, a mounting sheath, an end piece of the insulator sleeve is received in a receptacle opening of the mounting sheath, and a holding pin penetrating the insulator sleeve and fixing the mounting sheath on the insulator sleeve in a non-displaceable manner in a length direction of the insulator sleeve.
HIGH DENSITY THERMISTOR CABLE
A thermistor cable is formed from a tubing and a plurality of thermistor conductors bundled within the tubing, wherein each thermistor conductor forms a junction with a shared thermistor conductor to form a thermistor junction, and each thermistor junction is attached to a support cable in a thermistor bundle. The cable is formed by pulling the thermistor bundle into the tubing.