Apparatus and method for separating a conductor and sealing a conduit

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses and methods for separating wires and sealing a conduit. An insertion apparatus for sealing a conduit, wherein at least one component of the insertion apparatus is configured to separate and position at least one cable in the conduit so as to form a space or internal volume for introducing a sealant therein. The insertion apparatus can have a nozzle configured to allow precise injection of the sealant into the internal volume. The insertion apparatus can be operated to rapidly and reliably repeat sealing of the conduit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to sealing conduits containing wires. Background Technology

[0002] In hazardous locations, sealed conduits are required to reduce airflow through the conduits due to temperature or pressure gradients. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments of the device for positioning cables and sealing conduits, the device includes a cable separation component, wherein the cable separation component includes a body, wherein the body is configured with a removable portion, wherein the body has a notch when the removable portion is removed from the body, wherein the notch is configured (e.g., shaped) to secure the cable; and a nozzle, wherein the nozzle includes a body, wherein the body defines a tubular channel, a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end along the body, wherein the second end is connected to the cable separation component such that the tubular channel passes completely continuously through the body of the cable separation component.

[0004] In some embodiments, the device further includes a second cable separation component, wherein the second cable separation component is connected to the cable separation component, wherein the second cable separation component includes a second body, wherein the second body has another removable portion, wherein when the other removable portion is removed from the second body, the second body has a second notch, wherein the second notch is used to secure the cable.

[0005] In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one support post, wherein the second cable disconnect component is connected to the cable disconnect component via at least one support post.

[0006] In some embodiments of the device, the cable separation component and the second cable separation component are made of a different material than the nozzle.

[0007] In some embodiments of the device, the cable separation component and the second cable separation component comprise a polymer.

[0008] In some embodiments of the device, the cable separation component and the second cable separation component are flexible, wherein the hardness ranges from about 40 Shore A to about 100 Shore A.

[0009] In some embodiments of the device, the removable portion includes multiple cutouts for each notch, wherein the multiple cutouts can be removed sequentially to gradually enlarge the notch.

[0010] In some embodiments of the device, the cable separation component tapers downwards and away from the nozzle.

[0011] In some embodiments of the device, the longitudinal centerline of the nozzle extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

[0012] In some embodiments of the device, the nozzle is corrugated.

[0013] In some embodiments, a method of installing a device for separating a cable and sealing a conduit includes: placing the device in the conduit; connecting a cable to a cable separation component of the device; moving the device to a desired location within the conduit; and delivering a sealant to the device to seal the device to the conduit.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, the cable separation component includes a body, wherein the body is configured with a removable portion; and further includes: removing the removable portion from the body to form a notch on the body.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the cable separation component for connecting the cable to the device includes placing the cable in a notch.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the cable separation component includes a body configured with a notch and a removable portion to enlarge the notch, and wherein the cable separation component for connecting a cable to a device includes placing the cable in the notch.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, placing the cable in the notch includes keeping the removable portion attached to the body.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, delivering the sealant to the device includes delivering the sealant to the device via a nozzle of the device.

[0019] In some embodiments of the method, delivering the sealant to the device includes delivering an irritant.

[0020] In some embodiments of the method, delivering the sealant to the device includes: delivering a foam polymer.

[0021] In some embodiments of the method, moving the device to a desired location within the catheter includes: sliding the device longitudinally along the catheter and away from the opening of the catheter.

[0022] In some embodiments of the method, the method includes delivering a sealant to the device after moving the device to a desired location within the conduit. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this disclosure, and illustrating embodiments in which the systems and methods described herein may be implemented.

[0024] Figure 1 An embodiment of the insertion device is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the insertion device is shown.

[0026] Figure 3A An embodiment of the components of the insertion device is shown.

[0027] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A An exemplary notch portion of the embodiment shown.

[0028] Figure 4 An embodiment of the notched portion is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 An embodiment of the components of the insertion device is shown.

[0030] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Different views of an embodiment of the insertion device are shown.

[0031] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method according to some embodiments is shown.

[0032] The same reference numerals denote the same or similar parts throughout. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Conduits sometimes need to be sealed under certain conditions. These conditions include hazardous locations or environments where it is necessary to mitigate the effects of airflow within the conduit due to temperature or pressure gradients. Conduit seals can be used to provide a seal in hazardous locations to isolate potentially explosive liquids or vapors from sparking equipment. Conduit seals can also mitigate heating or cooling requirements and condensation. Additionally, conduit seals can restrict the entry of rodents or other pests into buildings or other facilities.

[0034] Existing methods for sealing conduits require significant time and material costs to prepare the seal. Due to the difficulty in separating the leads, more than one attempt is needed to achieve the desired seal. Temperature effects can also reduce the adhesion between the filler compound and the conduit wall. Some methods require the placement of fiber dams, such as foam strips or other materials, inside the conduit to trap the sealant before curing. Because the conduits are typically long, a considerable amount of time and effort is usually required, as the leads must be pulled and adjusted twice to ensure separation. This step can consume multiple people and a significant portion of the time in preparing the seal. Furthermore, the foam strips are expected to slide along the leads when they are pulled within the conduit to adjust the proper spacing. Finally, due to the compliance of the foam strips (at least in part due to a lack of visual inspection and inaccessibility), a low level of confidence in the injected foam filler is not expected.

[0035] This invention provides a device that adapts to the inside of a conduit, separating cables (e.g., conductors such as wires) from each other and from the conduit wall. The device can be easily inserted into the conduit from within the conduit body. In some examples, the insert has two planes that restrict the free passage of fluid (e.g., injected foam); and a nozzle that allows precise injection of fluid into the space between the two planes. In this way, an installer provides an internal conduit seal to prevent the passage of fluid or pests in a quick, reliable, and repeatable manner. Furthermore, this method eliminates the need for extensive cable movement within the conduit (normal cable oscillation can be used), thus requiring only one installer. After the device is inserted into the appropriate position within the conduit, a sealant can be delivered to the device (e.g., via the nozzle, if present) to provide a conduit seal. In some examples, when the sealant is delivered to the device, only the nozzle of the device is visible from the conduit opening.

[0036] This invention is applicable to both commercial and industrial applications. It can be used in applications where sealing of conduits is required or desired. For example, these applications include explosive atmospheres or food and beverage facilities. General applications of this invention include conduit systems requiring sealing, such as conduit systems transferring fluids from one environment to another. The device of this invention teaches the use of conduits to seal conduits to mitigate cable separation components that transport fluids along the conduit's interior. This invention provides several benefits, including: reduced number of parts compared to known solutions; reduced work time in forming the seal within the conduit (also requiring fewer workers); reduced installation personnel movement and errors in creating the sealing interface; retrofit readiness (cables do not need to be moved as in current solutions); reliable performance; improved adhesion to the conduit wall (compared to fragile hazardous location solutions); and reduced impact / fracture effects (compared to fragile hazardous location solutions).

[0037] Figure 1 A device 100 for positioning cables (e.g., wires) and sealing conduits, according to some embodiments, is shown. The device 100 includes a cable separation component 102 and a nozzle 110. The cable separation component 102 has a first end 106 and a second end 108. The first end 106 is opposite to the second end 108 along the body of the cable separation component 102. Figure 1 As shown, the cable separation component 102 is connected to the nozzle 110. Although described in relation to positioning cables, the device can be used to position a variety of conduits and other components (e.g., ropes, multiple conductors inside a sheath, or fiberglass cables).

[0038] The main body of the cable separation component 102 has removable portions 104-a, 104-b, 104-c, 104-d, 104-e, and 104-f (collectively referred to as removable portions 104). When the removable portions 104 are removed from the main body of the cable separation component 102, the main body has a notch configured to secure the cable (see, for example...). Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 4 and Figure 5 (And further discussion of the removable portion 104 relative to the cable separation component 102 with the notch).

[0039] In some embodiments, the cable disconnect component 102 tapers downwards and away from the nozzle 110. In other words, the diameter of the first end 106 is larger than the diameter of the second end 108; the diameter of the body decreases from the first end 106 to the second end 108. The cable disconnect component 102 has tapered edges to further facilitate insertion of the cable disconnect component 102 and the device 100 as a whole into the conduit. The cable disconnect component 102 may also be flexible to accommodate a wide range of conduit sizes.

[0040] Nozzle 110 has a body defining a tubular channel 116. Nozzle 110 includes a first end 112 and a second end 114. The second end 114 is opposite to the first end 112 along the body of nozzle 110. The second end 114 of nozzle 110 is connected to the first end 106 of cable separation member 102. The tubular channel 116 of nozzle 110 extends from the first end 112 and is connected to the tubular channel (not shown) 102 of cable separation member 102. The tubular channel of cable separation member 102 extends from the first end 106 to the second end 108. The tubular channel 116 of nozzle 110 and the tubular channel of cable separation member 102 form a continuous channel from nozzle opening 118 to the second end 108 of cable separation member 102. In other words, the second end 114 of nozzle 110 is connected to cable separation member 102 such that the tubular channel 116 continues completely through the body of cable separation member 102.

[0041] The first end 112 of the nozzle 110 includes a nozzle opening 118. A tubular channel 116 can enter through the nozzle opening 118. Fluid can flow from the nozzle opening 118 through the continuous channel formed by the nozzle 110 and the cable separation component 102 to reach the external space adjacent to the second end 108 of the cable separation component 102. In some examples, the longitudinal centerline of the nozzle 110 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the device 100.

[0042] The user can remove part or all of the removable portion 104. Using the newly created notch or a pre-existing notch created by removing the removable portion 104, the user can connect a cable to the device 100. After the cable is connected to the device 100 and placed in the notch, the device 100 can be placed in the conduit and slid into the desired position. For example, moving the device to the desired position within the conduit includes sliding the device 100 longitudinally along the conduit and away from the nozzle opening 118 of the conduit. After the device 100 is in place in the conduit, sealant or other fluid can be delivered to the device 100 (via the nozzle opening 118 if a nozzle 110 is present). The sealant can form a seal on the conduit and prevent fluid from flowing within it.

[0043] In some examples, the sealant is polyurethane or silicone. In some examples, delivering the sealant to device 100 includes delivering a foamed polymer. In some embodiments, additives may be added to the sealant to improve its quality, including but not limited to UV resistance, antimicrobial properties, electrical conductivity, mechanical and thermal stability, chemical resistance, insulation, and 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. Foaming agents may be ammonium polyphosphate, melamine phosphate, urea, urea-formaldehyde resin, dicyandiamide, melamine, or glycine. The additives in device 100 may be in the range of 0% to 50% by weight, or any intermediate amount or a smaller range within 0% to 50%. For example, the additives in device 100 may be from about 12% or about 15% to about 25% by weight. In addition to the sealant, other fluids or materials may be delivered to device 100. For example, metal or other fillers can be supplied to device 100 to resist rodents or other pests.

[0044] Device 100 may be made of a single material. Alternatively, some components of the device may be made of different materials. For example, cable disconnect component 102 and nozzle 110 may be made of different materials from each other. In some embodiments, device 100 is injection molded from a thermoplastic material, compression molded (compression or transfer molding) or potted from a thermosetting material. The present invention specifies that device 100 comprises materials such as thermosetting plastics, silicone rubber gels, or epoxy resins.

[0045] 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 parabens.

[0046] 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 can also be used. Thermosetting materials, including rubber, can be used in potting processes.

[0047] In some embodiments, the material of device 100 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, device 100 may be made of a polymer composite material containing wool.

[0048] In some embodiments, additives may be added to the materials of device 100 to improve material quality, including but not limited to UV resistance, antimicrobial properties, electrical conductivity, mechanical and thermal stability, chemical resistance, insulation, and 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. Foaming agents may include ammonium polyphosphate, melamine phosphate, urea, urea-formaldehyde resin, dicyandiamide, melamine, or glycine. The additives in device 100 may be present in the range of 0% to 50% by weight, or any intermediate amount or a smaller range within 0% to 50%. For example, the additives in device 100 may be present in the range of about 12% or about 15% to about 25% by weight.

[0049] Depending on the shape of the catheter and environmental conditions, device 100 may need to be rigid or flexible. In some examples, the hardness of device 100 may range from about 40 Shore A to about 100 Shore A or any intermediate number. For example, the hardness of device 100 may range from about 50 Shore A to about 70 Shore A.

[0050] Depending on the conduit, device 100 can have various shapes and sizes to achieve a proper seal. Although the cross-sectional shape of device 100 is shown as cylindrical, other geometries (e.g., triangular or hexagonal) can also be used. The geometry of device 100 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Components of device 100 may have different geometries from each other. The geometries of removable portion 104, cable separation component 102, and the notch of nozzle 110 may have some matching geometries, all matching geometries, or no matching geometries. For example, nozzle 110 may have corrugations formed on its inner or outer surface, and cable separation component 102 may be smooth. As another example, removable portion 104 may have an elliptical cross-section, while cable separation component 102 may have a circular cross-section.

[0051] Figure 2 A device 200 for positioning cables and sealing conduits according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2 An embodiment of a device with an additional cable separation component and a second cable separation component 220 is shown. Device 200 is identical or similar to device 100 in some features. Therefore, similar reference numerals are used. For example, Figure 1 The nozzle 110 is described; Figure 2 Nozzle 210 is described. Some differences between device 100 and device 200 are discussed. However, it should be understood that other differences may exist without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0052] Figure 2 A device 200 for positioning cables and sealing conduits is shown. Device 200 includes a first cable separation component 202 having removable portions 204-a, 204-b, 204-c, 204-d, 204-e, and 204-f (collectively referred to as removable portions 204). The first cable separation component 202 has a first end 206 and a second end 208. Figure 2 As shown, a first cable disconnect component 202 is connected to a nozzle 210. The nozzle 210 has a body defining a tubular channel 216. The nozzle 210 includes a first end 212 and a second end 214. The first end 212 of the nozzle 210 includes a nozzle opening 218.

[0053] Compared to device 100, device 200 includes a second cable separation component 220 and supports 230-a, 230-b, and 230-c (collectively referred to as supports 230). In some examples, the second cable separation component 220 is the same as or substantially similar to the first cable separation component 202 and / or cable separation component 102. The second cable separation component 220 includes removable portions 222-a, 222-b, 222-c, 222-d, 222-e, and 222-f (collectively referred to as removable portions 222; removable portions 222-a, 222-b, and 222-c in...). Figure 2 As can be seen; removable portions 222-d, 222-e, and 222-f exist, but from Figure 2 (Not visible in the view). In some examples, removable parts 104, 204, and 222 are identical or substantially similar to each other.

[0054] Support 230 connects the first cable separation component 202 to the second cable separation component 220. Although Figure 2 The embodiment depicted shows three supports 230, but one or more supports 230 may connect the first cable disconnect component 202 to the second cable disconnect component 220. For example, there may be one support 230 or ten supports 230. The supports 230 may be made of the same or different materials as other components of the device 200. For example, the supports 230 may be made of a different material (more or less rigid) than the first cable disconnect component 202 and / or the second cable disconnect component 220. The supports may also differ from each other (e.g., shape, size, and material). Combinations of supports 230 that are the same as and different from each other may exist.

[0055] The length of the support post 230 determines the volume defined between the first cable separation member 202 and the second cable separation member 220. The first cable separation member 202 and the second cable separation member 220 may contain sealant delivered via nozzle 210. Increasing the length of the support post 230 results in a larger volume between the first cable separation member 202 and the second cable separation member 220. Similarly, decreasing the length of the support post 230 reduces the volume between the first cable separation member 202 and the second cable separation member 220. Depending on the application of the device 200, the volume of sealant delivered to the device 200 may need to be varied. When a large amount of sealant needs to be delivered, the volume defined by the first cable separation member 202 and the second cable separation member 220 may need to be adjusted accordingly and is also larger. Therefore, the support post 230 will need to be long to produce a larger volume of sealant. Similarly, when a small amount of sealant is required, the support post 230 may be shorter.

[0056] In some embodiments, device 100 and device 200 are a single unit. That is, device 100 and device 200 may be manufactured as a single piece. In some embodiments, the device may include additional cable separation components similar to the second cable separation component 220 and additional supports similar to the support 230 to create additional volume of sealant. These additional supports and cable separation components will be added to device 200 in a similar manner to how the support 230 and the second cable separation component 220 are added to device 100. In some embodiments, device 200 may not include the support 230; that is, device 200 may only include the first cable separation component 202, the nozzle 210, and the second cable separation component 220.

[0057] Figure 3A A cable separation component 300 according to some embodiments is shown. The cable separation component 300 includes removable portions 302-a, 302-b, 302-c, 302-d, 302-e, and 302-f (collectively referred to as removable portion 302). In some examples, the cable separation component 300 is the same as or similar to cable separation component 102, first cable separation component 202, and / or second cable separation component 220. In some examples, removable portions 104, 204, 222, and 302 are the same as or substantially similar to each other. Figure 3A Six removable portions 302 are shown. In some embodiments, one or more removable portions 302 may be present. For example, there may be one removable portion 302 or ten removable portions 302. The removable portions 302 need not be symmetrically arranged around the cable separation member 300. For example, the removable portions 302 may be grouped on one half of the cable separation member 300.

[0058] although Figure 3A The removable portions 302 are depicted as all identical, but they can also differ from one another. For example, the removable portions 302 can have different shapes and sizes. In a cable separation component 300, the removable portions 302 can be identical or completely different. The cable separation component 300 can also have both identical and different removable portions 302. For example, two removable portions 302 can match, and there may be two additional removable portions 302 that do not match any other removable portion 302. In some embodiments, the cable separation component 300 may not include removable portions 302. Instead, a notch can be created by a user using a tool.

[0059] Figure 3B Showing Figure 3AA detailed cross-section of the removable portion 302-c is shown. The removable portion 302-c includes a first hollow portion 304-c1 defined by a first weakened portion 306-c1, a second hollow portion 304-c2 defined by a second weakened portion 306-c2, and a third hollow portion 304-c3 defined by a third weakened portion 306-c3.

[0060] The first weakened portion 306-c1, the second weakened portion 306-c2, and the third weakened portion 306-c3 (collectively referred to as weakened portion 306-c) are weakened portions of the removable portion 302-c. The weakened portion 306-c can be used to enable the removal of the first cutout portion 304-c1, the second cutout portion 304-c2, and the third cutout portion 304-c3 (collectively referred to as cutout portion 304-c), respectively.

[0061] The weakened portion 306-c can be implemented in several different ways. For example, the weakened portion 306-c can be a portion with a reduced amount of material of the removable portion 302-c. In other words, the weakened portion 306-c can have a reduced cross-sectional width relative to the rest of the removable portion 302-c. In other examples, the weakened portion 306-c can also or alternatively be perforated. These two examples are not exhaustive, and other methods can be used to make the hollowed-out portion 304-c easily removed from the removable portion 302-c.

[0062] The cutout portion 304-c and the weakened portion 306-c can have various shapes / geometry and sizes. Similar to the description of the removable portion 302, the cutout portion 304-c and the weakened portion 306-c can be all the same, all different, or some different and some the same. For example, the first weakened portion 306-c1 may be 14 American wire gauge (AWG), the second weakened portion 306-c2 may be 10 AWG, and the third weakened portion 306-c3 may be 6 AWG.

[0063] Figure 3B Three cutout portions 304-c and three weakened portions 306-c are shown. However, depending on the application, the removable portion 302-c may have one or more cutout portions 304-c and weakened portions 306-c. For example, there may be one cutout portion 304-c or ten cutout portions 304-c.

[0064] Figure 4 A removable portion 402-c according to some embodiments is shown. For certain features, removable portion 402-c is the same as or similar to removable portion 302-c and removable portions 104, 204 and 222. Figure 4The removable portion 402-c is shown, which is the removable portion 302-c after the first hollowed-out portion 304-c1 has been removed. Therefore, similar reference numerals are used. For example, Figure 3B The third hollow section 304-c3 is described; Figure 4 The third cutout portion 404-c3 is described. Some differences among the removable portions 302-c and 402-c are discussed. That is, the removable portion 402-c lacks the cutout portion and instead has a notch 408-c. It should be understood that other differences may exist without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0065] The removable portion 402-c includes a notch 408-c (after the first hollow portion has been removed; it is not shown since the first hollow portion has been removed), a second hollow portion 404-c2 defined by a second weakened portion 406-c2, and a third hollow portion 404-c3 defined by a third weakened portion 406-c3. For Figure 4 The notch 408-c is formed by removing a hollowed-out portion. In some examples, the notch 408-c may be pre-formed and also have one or more hollowed-out portions (e.g., a second hollowed-out portion 404-c2 and a third hollowed-out portion 404-c3 around the notch 408-c). In other words, there may be a pre-existing notch (e.g., notch 408-c) and hollowed-out portions (e.g., a second hollowed-out portion 404-c2 and a third hollowed-out portion 404-c3) surrounding the pre-existing notch (e.g., notch 408-c), rather than removing a hollowed-out portion to form the notch.

[0066] In some examples, there may be no second cutout 404-c2, third cutout 404-c3, second weakened portion 406-c2, and third weakened portion 406-c3; only the notch 408-c exists in the removable portion 402-c. The notch 408-c may have existed beforehand, may have been created by the user using a tool, or the user may have already removed a single cutout. The user can then use a tool to further enlarge the removable portion 402-c.

[0067] Depending on the user specifications, the size of the notch 408-c may need to be changed. For smaller wires, the smallest cutout can be removed (e.g., the second cutout 404-c2), and for larger wire sizes, progressively more portions of the removable portion 402-c can be removed. Alternatively, if a smaller number of cables are used, it may be permissible to leave the removable portion (e.g., removable portion 402-c) unchanged.

[0068] about Figure 4Multiple cutouts (e.g., a second cutout 404-c2 and / or a third cutout 404-c3) can be successively removed to progressively enlarge the notch 408-c. The second cutout 404-c2 and the third cutout 404-c3 can be successively removed to progressively enlarge the notch 408-c. For example, the cable may be larger than the size of the notch 408-c. To accommodate a larger cable, the second cutout 404-c2 can be removed from the removable portion 402-c to increase the size of the notch 408-c. If the notch is still not large enough for the cable, the third cutout 404-c3 can be removed to further increase the size of the notch 408-c.

[0069] Figure 5 A cable separation component 500 according to some embodiments is shown. The cable separation component 500 includes removable portions 502-a, 502-b, 502-c, 502-d, 502-e, and 502-f (collectively referred to as removable portions 502). The cable separation component 500 is identical or similar to cable separation component 102, first cable separation component 202, second cable separation component 220, and / or cable separation component 300. Some differences are discussed. It should be understood that other differences may exist without departing from the scope of the invention. Removable portion 502-a includes a weakened portion, a cutout portion, and a notch. Removable portion 502-d includes two weakened portions, two cutout portions, and a notch. Removable portions 502-b, 502-c, 502-e, and 502-f include three weakened portions and three cutout portions, and no notch. The notches for the removable portions 502-a and 502-d can be pre-formed. That is, the cable separation component 500 can be manufactured with pre-existing notches, and these notches may be present when supplied to the user. In contrast, the user may have already removed the portion with cutouts to expose the notches for the removable portions 502-a and 502-d.

[0070] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The same exemplary embodiment is depicted from different perspectives. Figure 6A The nozzle, first cable separation component, and support of the equipment are depicted. Figure 6B The entire device is depicted, including the first cable separation component and the second cable separation component, a support, and a portion of the nozzle.

[0071] Figure 7An exemplary flowchart of method 700 according to some embodiments of a method for installing a device 100 for separating cables and sealing conduits is shown. Device 100 can be any of the embodiments described herein. Method 700 includes: placing 702 of the device according to any of the embodiments described herein in a conduit. Then, connecting a cable 704 to a cable separation component of the device. The dashed line of step 704 indicates that this step is optional. In some embodiments, no cable is connected to the device, and the device is used to seal the conduit. Method 700 includes: moving 708 of the device to a desired location within the conduit. Then, delivering a sealant 710 to the device, thereby sealing the device to the conduit.

[0072] In some embodiments, before connecting the cable 704 to the cable separation component of the device, method 700 includes: removing a removable portion from the body to form a notch on the body. In some embodiments, connecting the cable to the cable separation component of the device includes: placing the cable in the notch. In some embodiments, the device may have pre-existing notches and removable portions, and placing the cable in the notch may or may not include: removing the removable portion. For example, depending on the size and number of cables, the device may include two pre-existing notches and two removable portions, and the pre-existing notches and removable portions may or may not be used. If the removable portion is not removed, the removable portion may remain attached to the body of the cable separation component.

[0073] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and not to limit them. 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 said 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.

[0074] It should be understood that detailed changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, particularly in terms of the construction materials used and the shape, size, and arrangement of the parts. This specification and the described embodiments are exemplary, wherein the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for positioning cables and sealing conduits, comprising: Cable separation component, The cable separation component is flexible, with a hardness ranging from 40 Shore A to 100 Shore A. The cable disconnect component includes: The first subject, The first body is configured with a removable portion, wherein when the removable portion is removed from the first body, the first body defines a first notch. The first notch is configured to secure the cable; and pipe mouth, The nozzle includes: The second subject, The second main body defines a tubular channel. The first end, and The second end, The second end is opposite to the first end along the second body. The second end is connected to the cable separation component, such that the tubular channel passes completely and continuously through the first body of the cable separation component.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: Second cable separation component, The second cable separation component is connected to the cable separation component. The second cable separation component includes: The second subject, The second body is configured with another removable portion, wherein when the other removable portion is removed from the second body, the second body has a second notch. The second notch is configured to secure the cable.

3. The device according to claim 2, It also includes at least one pillar, The second cable separation component is connected to the cable separation component via the at least one support post.

4. The device according to claim 2, The cable separation component and the second cable separation component are made of a different material than the nozzle.

5. The device according to claim 2, The cable separation component and the second cable separation component comprise polymers.

6. The device according to claim 2, The second cable separation component is flexible, with a hardness ranging from 40 Shore A to 100 Shore A.

7. The device according to claim 1, The removable portion includes multiple cutouts for each notch, wherein the multiple cutouts can be removed sequentially to gradually enlarge the notch.

8. The device according to claim 1, The cable separation component tapers downwards and away from the nozzle.

9. The device according to claim 1, The longitudinal centerline of the nozzle extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the device.

10. The device according to claim 1, The nozzle is corrugated.

11. A method of installing the device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the device being used to separate a cable and a sealing conduit, the method comprising: Place the device into the catheter; The cable disconnect component connects the cable to the device; Move the device to the desired position within the catheter; as well as A sealant is delivered to the device, thereby sealing the device to the conduit.

12. The method according to claim 11, The cable disconnect component includes: The first subject, The main body is configured with a removable portion; and The method further includes: removing the removable portion from the first body to form a notch on the first body.

13. The method according to claim 12, The cable disconnection component that connects the cable to the device includes: Place the cable in the notch.

14. The method according to claim 11, The cable disconnect component includes: The first subject, The first body is provided with a notch and a removable portion for enlarging the notch; as well as The cable separation component that connects the cable to the device includes placing the cable in the notch.

15. The method according to claim 14, Placing the cable in the recess includes: The removable portion remains attached to the first body.

16. The method according to claim 11, The process of delivering the sealant to the device includes: The sealant is delivered to the device via the nozzle of the device.

17. The method according to claim 11, The process of delivering the sealant to the device includes: Delivery of stimulants.

18. The method according to claim 11, The process of delivering the sealant to the device includes: Transporting foamed polymer.

19. The method according to claim 11, Moving the device to the desired position within the catheter includes: Slide the device longitudinally along the conduit and away from the opening of the conduit.

20. The method according to claim 19, The process of delivering the sealant to the device is performed after the device has been moved to the desired position within the conduit.

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