Apparatus and method for installing lines in conduits

Abstract

An apparatus for placing lines in a conduit is disclosed. The device uses a battery powered, motor driven wheeled body to roll through the conduit pulling a jet line. The apparatus is used instead of “fish” tape, vacuum, or compressed air to draw a jet line through the conduit.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 154,506, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Installing Lines in Conduits”, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jun. 16, 2005 by the inventor herein, the specification of which is included herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention generally relates to the field of line threading devices for elongated conduits and, in particular, to an apparatus and method of installing utility lines, such as telephone, fiber optic, or electrical wiring in a conduit. [0004] 2. Background of the Prior Art [0005] As most electricians are aware, one of the most difficult chores that they encounter is the threading of wires and cable through elongated tubular conduits. Depending on the gauge and composition of the wires, as well as the length of the conduits and the number and sha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a device for installing lines in conduits that avoids the disadvantages of prior art methods. The device uses a motorized conduit \"mouse\" that rolls through the conduit, pulling a jet line through. It is effective in elongated conduits up to several hundred feet long and can be used with conduits of varying diameters. The device is battery powered and easy to use, providing a more efficient and effective solution for installing lines in conduits."

Problems solved by technology

As most electricians are aware, one of the most difficult chores that they encounter is the threading of wires and cable through elongated tubular conduits.

Depending on the gauge and composition of the wires, as well as the length of the conduits and the number and sharpness of the bends in the conduit, feed of the wires through the conduits can be a difficult and trying chore.

These difficulties have spurred much activity in terms of time and effort in an attempt to devise a suitable system or apparatus for “fishing” conduit that would be effective, inexpensive, and simple enough to be conducted by unskilled labor working under the direction of a professional electrician.

However, this is not always practicable.

However, as the projectile moved away from the source of pressurized air, the inefficiency of the system became more pronounced, and the missile would decelerate and often come to a halt short of the conduit end.

The employment of such a loosely fitting missile was particularly unsatisfactory where it was proposed to move the projectile in response to creation of a vacuum in the conduit ahead of the missile.

Although each of the projectiles worked satisfactorily under controlled circumstances, each presented its own special problems.

Often, the project would get stuck in the conduit.

Particularly in the case of very long conduits, the pressure or vacuum system tends to be less effective.

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