Neptco, Inc.

Other

Larry N Shelton

Patrick Tiberio

Daniel E Upton

Joseph Sylvia

Barbara P Cioffi

Paul S Mcclellan, Jr

Robert F Hegan

Ross Smith

A tracer wire product for use in detection of underground utility line or routes includes: a metallic wire configured to conduct an electrical signal for detection by an aboveground signal detector; a tin coating formed over the metallic wire; a non-fibrous insulating jacket of polyethylene over the tin coating; a hot melt adhesive at least partially over the polyethylene jacket; a high tenacity woven polyester strength element with water blocking fibers being formed over the hot melt adhesive and the polyethylene jacket; and, an abrasion resistant HDPE outer jacket formed over the high tenacity woven polyester strength element to form one of a circular or oval cross-sectional shape.

Tracer wire product and method of manufacture of the same

A tracer wire product for use in detection of underground utility line or routes includes: a metallic wire configured to conduct an electrical signal for detection by an aboveground signal detector; a tin coating formed over the metallic wire; a non-fibrous insulating jacket of polyethylene over the tin coating; a hot melt adhesive at least partially over the polyethylene jacket; a high tenacity woven polyester strength element with water blocking fibers being formed over the hot melt adhesive and the polyethylene jacket; and, an abrasion resistant HDPE outer jacket formed over the high tenacity woven polyester strength element to form one of a circular or oval cross-sectional shape. Further, an apparatus and method for manufacturing the tracer wire product includes a source of a substantially flat polyester woven material; a source of a metal wire material; and an elongated forming tool including an input base into which the substantially flat polyester woven material is fed. The elongated forming tool also includes an outlet member downstream of the input base and including a restricted passage for receiving the metal wire material, and concurrently folding the substantially flat polyester woven material about the metal wire material.

A detectable tracer element for use in underground detection applications includes a metallic wire, a non-fibrous insulating jacket integral with the wire, and a flexible, cut-resistant, non-electrically shielding woven protective tube surrounding the wire and jacket combination. The woven protective tube includes a plurality of non-metallic fibers woven around the wire and jacket combination such that the combination is disposed within the interior of the protective tube. In one configuration of the invention, the woven protective tube defines a substantially oval or circular tube weave. The substantially oval or circular tube weave is woven, such that, the tube weave is pulled or stitched into a flattened configuration for use in underground applications.

Metallic wire tracer element including woven protective tube and methods of making same

The invention provides an apparatus and methods for applying a material to a cable or into a conduit. The apparatus includes a hinged housing for coupling to a portion of a cable and/or a conduit. The apparatus is configured as a portable housing that is particularly suited for use in the field to apply a material to an existing underground cable or conduit or to a new or relocated cable or conduit during installation. The hinged housing permits the apparatus to couple to a portion of a cable or a portion of a conduit without splicing the cable or the conduit or removing the cable. When coupled to a cable or a conduit, the housing defines a chamber into which a material is inserted. Compressed air is supplied to the chamber to force the material into an innerduct of the conduit and to pull the material therethrough, applying the material to the cable and/or the conduit. Various materials can be applied to occupied and unoccupied conduit using the apparatus including a detectable tape, a service or tracer wire, a cable or a narrow-diameter cable duct sized for insertion into a conduit.

Growing community of inventors

Warwick, RI, United States of America

Larry N Shelton