Molded conduit penetration seal

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to molded conduit penetration seals. A conduit seal for connecting a conduit between different environments while providing sufficient insulation to mitigate condensation and molding issues. The conduit seal can also provide ground continuity through a conductive insert, thereby providing electrical continuity across a thermal barrier between environments. The conduit seal can be used in a variety of applications, including the food and beverage industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a conduit seal extending between two environments. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a conduit seal extending between two environments that reduces thermal conductivity while optionally maintaining electrical continuity. Background Technology

[0002] In some industries, it is desirable for conduit assemblies to extend between two different locations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, the conduit seal includes a through-hole connector, wherein the through-hole connector includes a body having an outer surface, wherein the body defines an inner cavity, a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is longitudinally opposed to the first end; a compliant member, wherein the compliant member is circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the through-hole connector; and a locking member, wherein the compliant member is connected to the locking member and configured to seal the locking member to a barrier.

[0004] In some embodiments, the conduit seal further includes a second compliant member, wherein the second compliant member is circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the through-hole connector.

[0005] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the second end of the through-hole connector includes a flange, and a second compliant member is connected to the flange and configured to seal the flange to the barrier.

[0006] In some embodiments, the conduit seal further includes at least one conductive insert, wherein the at least one conductive insert extends longitudinally within the lumen along the through-hole connector to electrically connect a first end of the through-hole connector to a second end of the through-hole connector.

[0007] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, at least one conductive insert includes a first interface member connected to a first end of a through-hole connector; a second interface member connected to a second end of the through-hole connector; and a conductive member electrically connecting the first interface member to the second interface member.

[0008] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, a first interface member has a first threaded portion and a second interface member has a second threaded portion, wherein the first threaded portion of the first interface member is configured to connect to a first separate conduit, and wherein the second threaded portion of the second interface member is configured to connect to a second separate conduit.

[0009] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the first interface component and the second interface component comprise metallic materials.

[0010] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the conductive component includes copper, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0011] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the compliant member and the second compliant member are elastomers.

[0012] In some embodiments of the catheter seal, the compliant member and the second compliant member include polyisoprene, polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polychloroprene, polysulfide, silicone (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane), polyurethane, polyacrylate elastomer, chlorinated polyethylene, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), ethylene-propylene-diene polymer, fluorinated elastomer (e.g., tetrafluoroethylene propylene, fluorosiloxane, and perfluoroelastomer), or any combination thereof.

[0013] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the through-hole connector is injection molded, compression molded, transfer molded, or potted.

[0014] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the through-hole connector comprises a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin.

[0015] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the through-hole connector includes additives that provide UV resistance, antibacterial properties, electrical conductivity, mechanical and thermal stability, chemical resistance, insulation, or reduced flammability.

[0016] In some embodiments of the conduit seal, the thermal conductivity of the through-hole connector ranges from approximately 0.2 watts per Kelvin to approximately 5 watts per Kelvin.

[0017] In some embodiments, a method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier includes: inserting a first end of a through-hole connector through the barrier into a first side of the barrier; retaining a flange connected to a second end of the through-hole connector on a second side of the barrier; and sealing the through-hole connector to the barrier by connecting a first compliant member connected to a locking member to the first side of the barrier and a second compliant member connected to the flange to the second side of the barrier.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier, the barrier is a floor in a building, and a first side of the barrier is located vertically above a second side of the barrier.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier, the barrier is a floor in a building, and a second side of the barrier is located vertically above the first side of the barrier.

[0020] In some embodiments of the method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier, the barrier is a wall in a building.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier, a locking member has a threaded inner surface and a first end of a through-hole connector has a threaded outer surface, wherein the threaded inner surface of the locking member and the threaded outer surface of the first end of the through-hole connector engage with each other, and wherein attaching a first compliant member to a first side of the barrier includes screwing the threaded inner surface of the locking member onto the threaded outer surface of the first end of the through-hole connector.

[0022] In some embodiments, the method of securing the catheter seal to the barrier further includes connecting a first catheter to a first end of the catheter seal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method of securing the catheter seal to the barrier further includes connecting a second catheter to a second end of the catheter seal. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure and illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described herein may be practiced.

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary catheter seal according to some embodiments is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An exemplary catheter seal according to some embodiments is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 A catheter seal according to some embodiments is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 An exemplary flowchart is shown according to some embodiments for securing a catheter seal to a barrier.

[0029] The same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout. Detailed Implementation

[0030] When ducts extend continuously through changing environments, heat leakage or gain can occur. Environmental changes can increase the demands on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and can also lead to unwanted condensation problems. One example is a duct extending from a cold environment through an insulated wall to a relatively warmer side. Unrealistically, the duct surface is cold due to conductive heat transfer from the colder end of the duct. The cool surface then condenses in the warmer environment. This damp surface then provides an opportunity for the growth of mold or bacteria. To prevent moisture penetration and mitigate the cooling effect, users typically fill the gaps between the duct and the opening with a flexible polymer sealant. However, this seal often loosens over time, increasing the passage of convection or other contaminants (insects).

[0031] One current solution involves continuous conduit and the use of elastomers to fill the gap between the conduit and the structure. In some examples, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nipple joints have been used to provide a thermal barrier between the two ends. However, PVC nipple joints do not provide grounding continuity (between commonly used metal conduit systems) and do not provide a reliable seal along the conduit's outer diameter (OD) and the structure.

[0032] This disclosure describes a conduit seal used for conduit connections between different environments, such as varying temperatures and relative humidity, while providing sufficient insulation to mitigate condensation and molding issues. This hygienic design helps eliminate germination and contamination. The conduit seal also provides grounding continuity via a conductive insert, thereby providing electrical continuity across a thermal barrier between environments. This disclosure can be used in a variety of applications, including the food and beverage (F&B) and pharmaceutical industries. More generally, this disclosure can be used in situations where conduits pass through environments with different temperatures or other conditions. For example, an exemplary application is when a conduit extends from an interior space to an exterior space. Commercially viable applications include F&B and commercial / industrial buildings, such as between interior and exterior spaces.

[0033] Figure 1 An exemplary catheter seal according to some embodiments is shown. The catheter seal 10 is shown having unassembled components, including a through-hole connector 12 having a body 46 extending from a first end 14 to a second end 16, the first end 14 having a connection device 18 and the second end 16 having a flange 20. The body 46 has an outer surface and defines an inner cavity 48. The second end 16 is longitudinally opposed to the first end 14. The catheter seal 10 also includes a first compliant member 22, a second compliant member 24, a locking member 26, a first interface member 28, and a second interface member 30. Figure 1 The conductive component 36 is not shown, but it can... Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the conduit seal 10 is shown. The first interface member 28, the second interface member 30, and the conductive member 36 are collectively referred to as the conductive insert 38.

[0034] The first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 are circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the through-hole connector 12. In some embodiments, the conduit seal 10 includes the first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24. In some embodiments, the conduit seal 10 includes either the first compliant member 22 or the second compliant member 24, but not both the first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24. The first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 may be independent and different components. Alternatively, the first compliant member 22 and / or the second compliant member 24 may be integrally formed with another component of the conduit seal 10. For example, the first compliant member 22 and the locking member 26 may be formed as a single integral component. Similarly, the second compliant member 24 and the flange 20 may be formed as a single integral component. When the second compliant member 24 and the flange 20 are not a single integral component, the second compliant member 24 is connected to the flange 20. The second compliant member 24 is configured to seal the flange 20 to a barrier (such as...). Figure 3 The barrier 40 shown is illustrated. There are advantages and disadvantages to using the first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 as integral or separate components of the catheter seal 10. When the first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 are integral with another component of the catheter seal 10, some benefits include a compact form factor for the catheter seal 10 (easy to transport and install). This compact form factor provides a distributor-friendly product. When the first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 are not integral with another component of the catheter seal 10 (i.e., separate and different), some benefits include increased ability to use a variety of materials depending on application requirements.

[0035] Locking member 26 is interfaced with through-hole connector 12 via connecting device 18. Locking member 26 may be made of the same material as through-hole connector 12. Locking member 26 and first conforming member 22, whether or not they are integral, are configured to seal locking member to a barrier (such as...) Figure 3 The barrier 40 shown. The locking member 26 and the first compliant member 22 can be connected to each other and are configured to be on the first side of the barrier (such as...). Figure 3 Excellent sealing performance is provided on the first side 42) of the barrier 40 shown. Depending on the connecting device 18, the locking member 26 can take many forms. For example, if the connecting device 18 is a threaded interface, the locking member 26 can be a flange with mutually threaded interfaces.

[0036] The connecting device 18 can use a variety of methods to connect the through-hole connector 12 to the locking member 26, including threaded interfaces, mechanical fasteners, clearance fits (such as bolt / bore), interference fits (i.e., press fits or friction fits), transition fits (i.e., sliding fits or push-in fits), or snap-fits (such as ball joints, ball bearing joints, slotted joints, torsion joints, ring joints, or cantilever lug joints). Set screws and compression fittings are types of connecting devices 18 that can be used in a variety of applications, including electrometallic conduits (EMTs). This list is not exhaustive and is only illustrative. The connecting device 18 may be threaded to allow the conduit seal 10 to pass through a barrier (similar to...). Figure 3 The length of the barrier 40) varies and is fixed to a structure such as a barrier.

[0037] Figure 2 A catheter seal 10 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2 The fully assembled Figure 1 The conduit seal 10. Accordingly, similar reference numerals are used. Figure 2 The barrier between the first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 (not shown in the image) is similar to... Figure 3 Barrier 40 in the middle). Figure 2 The first end 32 and the second end 34 of the catheter seal 10 are shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A catheter seal 10 according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 3 An embodiment of a conduit seal 10 with a conductive insert 38 is shown. Accordingly, a seal with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Similar reference numerals. The conductive insert 38 includes a first interface member 28, a second interface member 30, and a conductive member 36. (As shown in the figures) Figure 3 As shown, the first interface component 28 is connected to the first end 14 of the through-hole connector 12, the second interface component 30 is connected to the second end 16 of the through-hole connector 12, and the conductive component 36 electrically connects the first interface component 28 to the second interface component 30.

[0039] The conductive insert 38 provides electrical continuity through the barrier 40, from a first side 42 of the barrier 40 to a second side 44 of the barrier 40. A first conduit may be connected to a first end 32 of the conduit seal 10, and a second conduit may be connected to a second end 34 of the conduit seal 10. The conductive insert 38 achieves electrical continuity between the first conduit connected to the first end 32 and the second conduit connected to the second end 34. Depending on the application, the first and second conduits can be of various shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the first and second conduits can be ropes and can be flexible or rigid.

[0040] The barrier 40 can take various forms. In some examples, the barrier 40 is a floor or a wall (e.g., a floor or wall in a building). When the barrier 40 is a floor (e.g., a floor in a building), the first side 42 of the barrier 40 can be above or below the second side 44 of the barrier 40. That is, the first side 42 of the barrier 40 can be located vertically above the second side 44 of the barrier 40; alternatively, the second side 44 of the barrier 40 can be located vertically above the first side 42 of the barrier 40. When the barrier 40 is a wall (e.g., a wall in a building), the first side 42 of the barrier 40 can be positioned horizontally relative to the second side 44 of the barrier 40. These examples of the barrier 40 are not exhaustive and are merely illustrative.

[0041] Depending on environmental conditions, it may be more advantageous to position the locking member 26 on either the first side 42 or the second side 44. For example, positioning the locking member 26 vertically below the flange 20 may facilitate installation. This allows the user to extend the conduit seal 10 through the barrier 40 while holding the flange 20 above the floor side. The flange 20 will prevent the conduit seal 10 from slipping through the holes in the barrier 40. The user can then descend below the floor and connect the locking member 26 to the connection device 18 of the conduit seal.

[0042] In contrast, if the conduit seal 10 is pushed through the hole in the barrier 40 while the flange 20 is held below the floor side, the conduit seal 10 may fall out of the hole because the flange 20 cannot support the conduit seal 10. This example is similar to... Figure 3 The description shown indicates that barrier 40 is the floor / ceiling of the building.

[0043] The barrier 40 can be any form or shape that separates the first side 42 of the barrier 40 from the second side 44 of the barrier 40. For example, the barrier 40 can be an insulating board. In addition, the first side 42 and the second side 44 can be positioned in any mutual relationship: side by side; and above and below (or vice versa). Depending on the application, it may be advantageous to have a locking member 26 on the first side 42 or the second side 44 of the barrier 40.

[0044] The conductive insert 38 provides electrical continuity between the first side 42 and the second side 44. The conductive insert 38 extends longitudinally within the cavity 48 along the through-hole connector 12 to electrically connect the first end 14 of the through-hole connector 12 to the second end 16 of the through-hole connector 12. In some examples, the conductive insert 38 may include more than one conductive member 36. In some examples, the conductive member 36 does not extend along a longitudinal centerline substantially parallel to the through-hole connector 12. Instead, the conductive member 36 may be helical or have a non-axial orientation, which can increase thermal resistance.

[0045] In some examples, the first interface member 28 has a threaded portion and is configured to connect to a separate conduit. Similarly, the second interface member 30 has a threaded portion and is configured to connect to a second separate conduit. In some examples, interface members 28 and 30 are unthreaded instead of having threaded fittings.

[0046] The conduit seal 10 can be made from a variety of materials, depending on the application requirements, including polymers, reinforced polymers such as those with additives, FDA-approved materials, and fire-resistant polymers. For example, fiber-reinforced polymers can be used to achieve the desired mechanical stiffness. FDA-approved polymers can be used for F&B applications. If the application requirements for the conduit seal 10 are fire-resistant, intumescent materials can be used. In some examples, when exposed to fire, the intumescent material will expand and form a carbonized porous foam to seal the through-hole and subsequently prevent fire from penetrating from the first side 42 of the barrier 40 to the second side 44. When the conduit seal 10 is a foamed polymer, the conduit seal 10 can have enhanced thermal resistance.

[0047] In some examples, the catheter seal 10 may be made of a single material. Alternatively, some components of the device may be made of different materials. For example, the through-hole connector 12 and interface member 28 and interface member 30 may be made of different materials from each other. In some embodiments, the catheter seal 10 is injection molded from a thermoplastic material, compressed (compression molding or transfer molding) molded from a thermosetting material, or potted. This disclosure specifies that the catheter seal 10 includes materials such as thermosetting plastics, silicone rubber gels, or epoxy resins. The catheter seal 10, including the through-hole connector 12, may be made from polymers by a variety of methods, such as injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding, or potting.

[0048] Examples of thermoplastic materials that may be used include one or more polymer composites, including but not limited to polyolefins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, acetal and ketal polymers and copolymers, polyesters (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate), polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyethersulfone (PESU), polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU), polysulfone, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Other polymers may also be used, including but not limited to polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphthalamide (PPA), polyoxymethylene (POM), phenolic formaldehyde (PF), unsaturated polyester (UP), polyurethane (PUR and PU), polyimide, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylonitrile, and polyalkylene p-hydroxybenzoate. Engineering polymer materials, such as reinforcing polymer materials and refractory polymers including expanded polymers, may be used.

[0049] Examples of thermosetting materials include, but are not limited to, epoxy resins, polyesters such as block molding compounds (BMC), and phenolic resins. Rubbers such as nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, neoprene rubber, EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber), and silicone resins may also be used. Thermosetting materials including rubber can be used in potting processes. For example, thermosetting materials can be used in potting processes for encapsulating interface components 28 and 30.

[0050] In some embodiments, the material of the catheter seal 10 may include various types of fibers, including but not limited to carbon fiber, glass fiber, wool, silk, cotton, rayon, cellulose, cellulose acetate, flax, ramie, jute, and aramid fibers. For example, the catheter seal 10 may be made of a polymer composite material containing wool.

[0051] In some embodiments, additives may be added to the material of the conduit seal 10 to improve the material's quality, including but not limited to ultraviolet (UV) resistance, antibacterial properties, electrical conductivity, mechanical and thermal stability, chemical resistance, insulation, and reduced flammability. Additives may include, but are not limited to, ceramics, alumina, calcium silicate, flame retardants, expandable graphite, and clay. Foaming agents may also be added to the formulation to achieve a foamed structure. Possible foaming agents may be ammonium polyphosphate, melamine phosphate, urea, urea-formaldehyde resin, dicyandiamide, melamine, or glycine. Additives may be present in the conduit seal 10 at a concentration of 0% to 50% by weight, or any intermediate amount or a smaller range within 0% to 50%. For example, the additives in the conduit seal 10 may be approximately 12% by weight or from approximately 15% to approximately 25%.

[0052] Depending on the shape of the barrier 40 and environmental conditions, the catheter seal 10 may need to be rigid or flexible. In some examples, the catheter seal 10 may have a hardness range of about 40 Shore A to about 100 Shore A or any intermediate number. For example, the catheter seal 10 may have a hardness range of about 40 Shore A to about 90 Shore A.

[0053] The conduit seal 10 can have various shapes and sizes depending on the barrier 40 to achieve a proper seal. Although the cross-sectional shape of the conduit seal 10 is shown as cylindrical, other geometries (e.g., triangular or hexagonal) may also be used. The geometry of the conduit seal 10 can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The outer surface of the conduit seal 10 can be smooth or textured (e.g., corrugated). In some examples, such as in the F&B industry, a smooth exterior may be advantageous. The shape and size of the conduit seal 10 can be selected based on the shape and size of the space through which the conduit seal 10 extends. For example, if the space of the barrier 40 is long, the conduit seal 10 will also need to be long. If the cross-sectional shape of the space of the barrier 40 is small, the conduit seal 10 will also need to be small. The components of the conduit seal 10 can have different dimensions and / or geometries from each other. For example, interface member 28 and interface member 30 can have a circular cross-sectional shape, while the body 46 can have a square cross-sectional shape. Interface members 28 and 30 may have different cross-sectional shapes or sizes, depending on the conduit they are connected to. As an example, both interface members 28 and 30 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, but the first interface member 28 may be smaller than the second interface member 30 to connect to a smaller conduit.

[0054] The conduit seal 10, particularly the through-hole connector 12 and locking member 26, can have a low thermal conductivity. By making the conduit seal 10 a material with low thermal conductivity, heat leakage or gain due to environmental changes can be prevented or reduced. This, in turn, reduces the HVAC requirements on the environment and also prevents or reduces condensation problems, as previously mentioned. The conduit seal 10, including the through-hole connector 12, can have a thermal conductivity ranging from about 0.2 watts per Kelvin to about 5 watts per Kelvin or any intermediate figure. For example, the conduit seal 10 can have a thermal conductivity in the range of about 1 watt / Kelvin to about 3 watts / Kelvin or about 0.5 watts / Kelvin.

[0055] The first interface member 28 and the second interface member 30 (collectively referred to as interface member 28 and interface member 30) can be made of a variety of materials. In some examples, interface member 28 and interface member 30 are made of or include conductive materials, such as metallic materials. Conductive materials include galvanized steel, stainless steel (304 or 316), aluminum, or brass. In some examples, interface member 28 and interface member 30 may be made primarily of non-conductive materials and then include conductive materials, such that interface member 28 and interface member 30 as a whole are sufficiently conductive.

[0056] Similar to interface components 28 and 30, conductive component 36 can be made of a variety of materials. Conductive component 36 can be made of or at least include a conductive material. In some examples, the conductive material includes copper, aluminum, or stainless steel. Conductive component 36 and interface components 28 and 30 can be made of the same or substantially similar materials. Alternatively, conductive component 36 can be made of a different material than interface components 28 and 30.

[0057] The first compliant member 22 and the second compliant member 24 (collectively referred to as compliant member 22 and compliant member 24) can be made of a variety of materials. In some examples, compliant member 22 and compliant member 24 are elastomers, and the elastomer seal is designed to provide a superior and durable seal for the structure. In some examples, compliant members may not be required when a reinforced seal for the structure is not needed. Elastomer materials include polyisoprene, polybutadiene (butadiene rubber), styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polychloroprene, polysulfides, silicones (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane), polyurethanes, polyacrylate elastomers, chlorinated polyethylene, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), ethylene-propylene-diene polymers, fluorinated elastomers (e.g., tetrafluoroethylene propylene, fluorosiloxanes, and perfluoroelastomers), or any combination thereof.

[0058] The conduit seal 10 can be assembled and manufactured using various methods. Interface members 28 and 30 can be overmolded at each end of the through-hole connector 12. Interface members 28 and 30 (e.g., overmolded metal interfaces) can be standard conduit couplers or fittings and are electrically engaged with a conductive member 36 (e.g., a mating conductor). Interface members 28 and 30 can have standard interface designs (e.g., National Taper (NPT) interfaces), allowing the conduit seal 10 to be widely used in pipes and fittings.

[0059] When installing the conduit seal 10, the through-hole connector 12 can be inserted into the barrier 40 (e.g., an insulating wall, ceiling, or insulating panel), and then compliant members 22 and 24 (e.g., elastomeric gaskets) are used on the flange 20 and locking member 26 (e.g., a flange) to provide a superior and durable seal. The conduit can then be mounted at the first end 14 and the second end 16 of the through-hole connector 12. In some examples, the locking member 26 may be a molded threaded locking cap to mechanically secure the conduit seal 10 to the barrier 40 (i.e., the structure through which the conduit seal 10 is intended to penetrate).

[0060] The conductive insert 38 can be overmolded via injection molding, compression molding, transfer molding, or potting. In manufacturing the conduit seal 10, the conductive insert 38 can be placed within a mold, and then, in a single step, molten polymer can be filled into the cavity, encapsulating the conductive insert 38 and forming the final geometry. By varying the conductive insert 38 (such as its size, shape, and material), multiple trade sizes can be achieved in a single mold, thereby reducing production costs. Manufacturing the conduit seal 10 can also combine scalable manufacturing (with limited capital expenditure) and automated production methods (e.g., for overmolding manufacturing). The conductive insert 38 can also be added or mounted after the molding process via mechanical connection or welding to different metal components.

[0061] Figure 4 Exemplary flowcharts are shown according to some embodiments for securing a conduit seal to a barrier. The conduit seal can be any of the embodiments described herein. Method 100 includes inserting a first end of a through-hole connector through the barrier into a first side of the barrier via an insertion 102. The method also includes retaining a flange 104 connected to a second end of the through-hole connector on a second side of the barrier. The method further includes sealing the through-hole connector 106 to the barrier by attaching a first compliant member connected to a locking member to the first side of the barrier and attaching a second compliant member connected to the flange to the second side of the barrier. In some examples, the locking member has a threaded inner surface and the first end of the through-hole connector has a threaded outer surface, and the threaded inner surface of the locking member and the threaded outer surface of the first end of the through-hole connector engage with each other. Attaching the first compliant member to the first side of the barrier may include screwing the threaded inner surface of the locking member onto the threaded outer surface of the first end of the through-hole connector.

[0062] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and not to be limiting. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also include the plural forms. When used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0063] It should be understood that detailed changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure, particularly in terms of the building materials used and the shape, size, and arrangement of components. This specification and the described embodiments are exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A catheter sealing element, comprising: Through-hole connector, The through-hole connector includes: main body, The body described herein has an outer surface. The body defines the inner cavity. The first end, and The second end, The second end is longitudinally opposite to the first end; Compliant components, The compliant member is circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the through-hole connector; Locking component, The compliant member is connected to the locking member and configured to seal the locking member to the barrier; and At least one conductive insert, The at least one conductive insert extends longitudinally along the through-hole connector within the cavity to electrically connect the first end of the through-hole connector to the second end of the through-hole connector; The at least one conductive insert includes: A first interface component is connected to the first end of the through-hole connector; A second interface component, the second interface component being connected to the second end of the through-hole connector; and A conductive component that electrically connects the first interface component to the second interface component; The first interface component has a first threaded portion, and the second interface component has a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion of the first interface component is configured to connect to the first separate conduit, and The second threaded portion of the second interface member is configured to connect to a second separate conduit.

2. The conduit seal according to claim 1, It also includes a second compliant component. The second compliant member is circumferentially disposed around the outer surface of the through-hole connector.

3. The catheter seal according to claim 2, The second end of the through-hole connector includes a flange, and The second compliant member is connected to the flange and configured to seal the flange to the barrier.

4. The conduit seal according to claim 1, The first interface component and the second interface component are made of metallic materials.

5. The conduit seal according to claim 1, The conductive component may be made of copper, aluminum or stainless steel.

6. The conduit seal according to claim 2, The compliant member and the second compliant member are elastomers.

7. The conduit seal according to claim 2, The compliant component and the second compliant component include polyisoprene, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, isobutylene-isoprene copolymer, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polychloroprene, polysulfide, silicone, polyurethane, polyacrylate elastomer, chlorinated polyethylene, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer (SIS), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), ethylene-propylene-diene polymer, fluorinated elastomer, or any combination thereof.

8. The conduit seal according to claim 7, wherein the polybutadiene comprises butadiene rubber.

9. The catheter seal according to claim 1, The through-hole connector is injection molded, compression molded, transfer molded, or potted.

10. The conduit seal according to claim 1, The through-hole connector described herein comprises thermoplastic or thermosetting resin.

11. The conduit seal according to claim 1, The through-hole connectors described herein include additives that provide UV resistance, antibacterial properties, conductivity, mechanical and thermal stability, chemical resistance, insulation, or reduced flammability.

12. The conduit seal according to claim 1, The thermal conductivity of the through-hole connector ranges from 0.2 watts per Kelvin to 5 watts per Kelvin.

13. A method of securing a catheter seal to a barrier, the catheter seal comprising a through-hole connector, a first compliant member, a second compliant member, and a locking member. The method includes: The first end of the through-hole connector is inserted through the barrier and into the first side of the barrier; A flange connected to the second end of the through-hole connector is maintained on the second side of the barrier; The through-hole connector is sealed to the barrier by connecting the first compliant member, which is connected to the locking member, to the first side of the barrier and by connecting the second compliant member, which is connected to the flange, to the second side of the barrier. The catheter seal further includes at least one conductive insert. The at least one conductive insert extends longitudinally within the cavity of the through-hole connector to electrically connect the first end of the through-hole connector to the second end of the through-hole connector; The at least one conductive insert includes: A first interface component is connected to the first end of the through-hole connector; A second interface component, the second interface component being connected to the second end of the through-hole connector; and A conductive component that electrically connects the first interface component to the second interface component; The first interface component has a first threaded portion, and the second interface component has a second threaded portion. The first threaded portion of the first interface component is configured to connect to the first separate conduit, and The second threaded portion of the second interface member is configured to connect to a second separate conduit.

14. The method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier according to claim 13, wherein the barrier is a floor in a building, and wherein the first side of the barrier is located vertically above the second side of the barrier.

15. The method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier according to claim 13, wherein the barrier is a floor in a building, and wherein the second side of the barrier is located vertically above the first side of the barrier.

16. The method of securing a conduit seal to a barrier according to claim 13, wherein the barrier is a wall in a building.

17. The method for securing a catheter seal to a barrier according to claim 13, The locking member has a threaded inner surface, and the first end of the through-hole connector has a threaded outer surface. The inner threaded surface of the locking member and the outer threaded surface of the first end of the through-hole connector engage with each other, and Connecting the first compliant member to the first side of the barrier includes: The inner threaded surface of the locking member is screwed onto the outer threaded surface of the first end of the through-hole connector.

18. The method for securing a catheter seal to a barrier according to claim 13, Also includes: Connect the first conduit to the first end of the conduit seal.

19. The method for securing a catheter seal to a barrier according to claim 13, Also includes: Connect the second conduit to the second end of the conduit seal.

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