# US 5,708,251 A · Method for embedding resistance heating wire in an electrofusion saddle coupler

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- Number: US 5,708,251 A
- Document ID: US5708251A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/550,480
- Filed: 1995-10-30
- Granted: 1998-01-13
- Earliest claimed: 1995-10-30
- Assignees: Compucraft Ltd.
- Inventors: Nathan Naveh
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5708251A

## CPC

- B29D 23/005: {provided with electrical wiring}
- B29C 70/82: Forcing wires, nets or the like partially or completely into the surface of an article, e.g. by cutting and pressing
- B29C 70/885: {with incorporated metallic wires, nets, films or plates (as lost heating elements B29C35/0272, B29C61/0625)}
- F16L 47/03: Welded joints with an electrical resistance incorporated in the joint
- Y10T 29/49083: Heater type
- B29D: PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE (making granules B29B9/00; making preforms B29B11/00)
- B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00)
- F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

A method and apparatuses for embedding a resistance heating wire in a thermoplastic element having a surface such as an electrofusion saddle coupler by providing an operating head including heat grooving mechanism and wire inserting mechanism, the operating head and the thermoplastic element being integratively movable in all directions one relative to the other; using the heat grooving mechanism and the relative movement for creating a groove in the surface of the thermoplastic element; and, thereafter using the wire insertion mechanism and the relative movement for inserting the resistance heating wire into the groove, to implant the resistance heating wire in the groove.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for embedding a resistance heating wire in a saddle-like thermoplastic element having a curved surface, the method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing an operating head including heat grooving means including a heated tip, and wire inserting means, said operating head and the thermoplastic element being actively and concurrently movable in at least one of X, Y, .alpha., .beta. and .gamma. directions one relative to the other;
(b) using said heated tip of said heat grooving means and relative movement for creating a groove in the surface of the thermoplastic element, said heated tip dictating a shape and a depth of said groove; and
(c) thereafter using said wire insertion means and said relative movement for inserting the resistance heating wire into said groove, to implant the resistance heating wire in the groove.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A method as in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
(d) providing a pressing device being connected to said operating head; and
(e) using said pressing device for smoothing the surface of the thermoplastic element after said implantation.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

A method as in claim 2, further comprising the step of:
(f) providing an integrative programmable operating system for controlling said movability in said X, Y, .alpha., .beta. and .gamma. directions, and thereby control said relative movement.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

A method as in claim 2, wherein the saddle like thermoplastic element is an electrofusion saddle coupler.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

A method as in claim 1, wherein said heated tip is heated by a laser beam.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A method as in claim 1, wherein said wire insertion means includes a roller directing the resistance heating wire into said groove to implant the resistance heating wire in the groove.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

A method as in claim 1, wherein said wire insertion means includes a curved stationary member directing the resistance heating wire into said groove to implant the resistance heating wire in the groove.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

A method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of:
(d) providing an integrative programmable operating system for controlling said relative movement.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

A method as in claim 1, wherein the saddle like thermoplastic element is an electrofusion saddle coupler.