Device and method for installation of electrical wiring in conduit
AssigneeChaps Builders, Inc.
InventorPhillip A. Lagro
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure is directed to a system for wiring conduit by use of an airflow-assisted pulling line and various components of the system. The system generally includes an airflow supply, a flexible pulling-line, a conduit-interface tube, and an airflow adapter for connecting the airflow supply with the wiring conduit. The adapter having a first end dimensioned to receive a conduit-interface tube and a second end adapted to receive an airflow source supply member. The preferred airflow supply is a conventional shop vacuum, but may be a blower rather than a vacuum source.
Claims36
A system for installing electrical wiring into electrical conduit, the system comprising:
- a vacuum source having a hose;
- a conduit interface tube;
- a lightweight pulling line that is drawable through the electrical conduit by the vacuum source;
- an integral, one-piece adapter having a first connector segment extending inward from a first end of the adapter wherein the first connector segment receives an extent of the hose, the adapter further having a second connector segment extending inward from a second end of the adapter wherein the second connector segment receives an extent of the interface tube, the adaptor further having a transition segment positioned between the first and second connector segments, the transition segment having a diameter less than a diameter of both the first and second connector segments;
- wherein the first and second connector segments and the transition segment collectively define an internal air passageway that extends between the first and second ends of the adaptor;
- and,
- wherein the hose extends between the vacuum source and the first connector segment of the adapter, and wherein the interface tube extends between the second connector segment and the electrical conduit through which the electrical wire is introduced.
A vacuum system for installing electrical wiring into electrical conduit, the vacuum system having remote operation capabilities, the vacuum system comprising:
- a vacuum source having a hose;
- a conduit interface tube;
- a lightweight pulling line that is drawn through the electrical conduit by suction provided by the vacuum source;
- an integral, one-piece adapter having a first connector segment extending inward from a first end of the adapter wherein the first connector segment receives an extent of the hose, the adapter further having a second connector segment extending inward from a second end of the adapter wherein the second connector segment receives an extent of the interface tube, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first connector segment is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the second connector segment, the adaptor further having an auxiliary cavity positioned radially outward of the first and second connector segments;
- and wherein the cavity is misaligined with the longitudinal axis of the first and second connector segments;
- an actuator positioned within the auxiliary cavity of the adapter;
- and a remote unit with at least one receptacle that receives an electrical plug of the vacuum source, the remote unit further having an electrical plug for connection of the vacuum source to a power source.
A vacuum system for installing electrical wiring into electrical conduit, the vacuum system having remote operation capabilities, the vacuum system comprising:
- a vacuum source having a hose;
- a conduit interface tube;
- a lightweight pulling line that is drawn through the electrical conduit by suction provided by the vacuum source;
- an adapter having a first end opening and an opposed second end opening, the first end opening having a first connector segment extending inward that receives the hose, the second end opening having a second connector segment extending inward that receives the interface tube, the adaptor further having a barrier screen positioned between the inward end of each of the first and second connector segments, the adaptor further having an auxiliary housing positioned radially outward of the first and second connector segments;
- wherein the first and second connector segments are substantially aligned to define an internal air passageway that extends between the first and second end openings, and wherein the auxiliary housing does not intersect the internal air passageway;
- and,
- wherein the second connector segment has a length defined from the second end opening to the barrier screen, and wherein the second connector segment has an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the first connector segment.
A vacuum system for installing electrical wiring into electrical conduit, the system comprising:
- a vacuum source having a hose;
- a conduit interface tube;
- a lightweight pulling line that is drawable through the electrical conduit by the vacuum source;
- an adapter having a first connector segment extending inward from a first end of the adapter wherein the first connector segment has a tapered internal wall arrangement, the adapter further having a second connector segment extending inward from a second end of the adapter, the second connector segment having an inner surface with at least one internal circumferential rib that engages an outer surface of the interface tube received within the connector segment;
- wherein the first and second connector segments collectively define an internal air passageway that extends between the first and second ends of the adaptor;
- and,
- wherein the hose extends between the vacuum source and the first connector segment of the adapter, and wherein the interface tube extends between the second connector segment and the electrical conduit through which the electrical wire is introduced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.