Utilx Corporation

Keith Lanan

Glen John Bertini

Kim Jenkins

William R Stagi

Albert W Chau

Nelson Hall

Glenn S Jessen

Oscar E Morel

Methods of testing at least a transmission line of interest within a group of transmission lines for anomalies using Time Domain Reflectometry are provided. The testing methods set forth herein aim to improve, for example, the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating signals along a length of transmission line in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. To achieve this and other benefits, the testing methods simultaneously impose, for example, pulses of equal magnitude and form onto a group of transmission lines, such as the phases cables of a three phase power transmission cable system. From this, at least one transmission line from the group is monitored for reflected signals caused by impedance change. An example TDR is also provided.

Systems and methods employing time domain reflectometry

The present invention provides a distributed feed system ( ) for use in a cable system ( ), where the cable system includes at least two cable subsystems ( ). The distributed feed system is adapted to feed a performance-enhancing compound into each of the cable subsystems. The distributed feed system includes a central feed station ( ) having a tank ( ) for holding the performance-enhancing compound. The distributed feed system further includes an impermeable or low-permeable distribution conduit ( ) that connects the central feed station to each of the cable subsystems to permit distribution of the performance-enhancing compound therethrough to each of the cable subsystems.

Distributed cable feed system and method

A computer-based method and computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions for assimilating data collected by a time domain reflectometer and displaying more than two waves representing reflections of a pulse on conductors is provided. The method includes a means for wave reversal, wave shifting, multi-wave display, segmented velocity of propagation adjustment, multi-cursor option multi-flagging options and calculating of the total length of wet cable. The combination of these functions provides a highly accurate means for identifying the location of splices, faults, corrosion, cable damage and other anomalies that are typically found on any length of conductor cable. The ability of this method to display a greater number of waves simultaneously adds additional benefit to a technician attempting to locate particular anomalies with multi-conductor cables.

Time domain reflectometer display method

A method and apparatus for connecting flow-through cables. Flow-through cables have a conduit or a plurality of conduits longitudinally placed inside the cable to allow fluid passage. Special terminators, joints, and methods for installing these devices are described herein. One method for connecting two flow-through cables involves: inserting a tubing material into the conduit of one flow-through cable, placing a crimp connector over the cable's conductive core and crimping the crimp connector. The tubing material is then placed into the conduit of the second flow-through cable, the cables are aligned, and then the crimp connector is fastened to the conductive core of the second flow-through cable. The termination assembly includes a rigid tubing material, a hollowed plug assembly that includes a single or a plurality of rigid tubes, a tubing connector connected to the single or plurality of rigid tubes, and a conductive terminator that has a cavity adapted to anchor a cable's conductive core and allow a flexible tubing material to attach to the single or plurality of rigid tubes while being routed through the conductive terminator.

Connections and terminations for cables

A flow-through cable for transmitting information ( ) is provided. The cable includes a jacket ( ) having a length and an information conducting core ( ) coaxially received within the jacket. A first insulation layer ( ) surrounds the information conducting core and has a dielectric strength. The cable further includes a first conduit ( ) disposed within the jacket. The first conduit is adapted to permit a compound to flow therethrough and is chemically permeable to permit at least a portion of the compound to diffuse through the first conduit.

Flow-through cable

A device for repairing and electrically connecting at least two sections of electrical cable includes an elongate connector, for example a tube, having two open ends that are each adapted to receive an end of an electrical cable section. The cable connector has an interior wall longitudinally dividing the cable connector into two portions, each portion having a hollow interior for containing the end of one of the two electrical cable sections. The cable connector also has an orifice in each of the two portions communicating with the hollow interior of that portion. A closure device, such as a threaded plug, is mateable with each orifice. In operation, water damage to the electrical cable portions is repaired by securing an end of an electrical cable section in the hollow interior of each of the two portions of the cable connector and passing water-damage repairing chemicals through the orifices in the cable connector, into the hollow interior of each of the two portions of the cable connector, and into the interior of the sections of the electrical cable. The secondary addition of damming chemicals through the cable connector and into the electrical cable sections is not required. The sections of electrical cable are electrically connected when secured in the hollow interior of the two portions of the cable connector; therefore, the cable connector also functions as a splice electrically joining the two wire sections. With the connection of only a single cable end to the conduit for passage of water damage repair chemicals therethrough, the conduit functions as a terminal.

Growing community of inventors

Renton, WA, United States of America

Keith Lanan