Method for manufacturing a cable by stringing an element through a sheath

Abstract

A method for stringing a conductive element through a hollow sheath to assemble an electrical cable is provided by injecting compressed gas into the sheath to propel the conductive element therethrough. The conductive element is loaded into a closed channel in fluid communication with a source of compressed gas. A first end of the channel terminating in a needle is inserted into the sheath. The sheath is sealed around the needle and secured into position. Compressed gas, for example, air or nitrogen, is injected in pulses into the channel towards the sheath. The compressed gas radially expands the sheath and forms an air bearing on an inner surface of the sheath. The conductive element is propelled through the sheath over the air bearing. Upon removal of the pressurized gas, the sheath contracts to a normal position to secure the conductive element therein.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.