[ 1 ] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[2] The invention relates to a device for routing a guiding wire or guiding device for laying wire in a pipe.

[3] BACKGROUND

[4] Manual routing of a wire, a cable and the like, for example an electrical wire in a wire conduit or pipe, typically entails pushing a strong but reasonably flexible wire guide into one end of the pipe. When the wire guide exits from the other end of the pipe, the wire is then attached to the wire guide and the wire is pulled back along the pipe.

[5] Automatic routing of wire, a cable and the like, for example, an optic fiber, may entail attaching a spool of optic fiber to a self-propelling device that lays out the fiber as the device travels along the interior of a pipe/conduit; for example as disclosed in WO 2002/091535. In a variant on this concept is a wire guided by a device that is propelled by fluid pressure in the pipeline; for example as disclosed in GB 2,119,949.

[6] Difficulties in routing such wire, whether using a manually propelled spool or self- propelled wire guide, may require navigating obstacles in the pipe such as: bends in the pipe; and/or pipe-wall friction, which may be worsened by corrosion in the case of metallic pipes; a narrowing or indentations in the pipe, due to denting or external pressure on the pipe, or the like, and/or material in the pipe that that may result in an obstruction, restriction or other wire-guiding difficulty.

[7] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device to help overcome the difficulties in routing wire in a pipe.

[8] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[9] According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a device for routing a wire, cable, fiber, (which terms may be used interchangeably herein) along the pipe.

[10] More specifically, in accordance with particular embodiments, the present invention provides a device for routing a wire through a pipe comprising: a wire routing member having a wire-engagement portion (e.g. an aperture, hook, clip and the like) and a proximal and distal end; and means for removing or overcoming obstacles in the pipe (e.g. via lubrication, a fluid force; a dynamic rod; a balloon, or a combination thereof). In certain embodiments the device includes self-propelling means, while in other embodiments the device is designed to be manually operated, for example, comprising a strong but flexible hollow tube.

[11] The term 'pipe' will be used to denote any generally closed elongated structure such as conduit, tubing, a channel, ducting, a pipeline and so forth. [12] The terms 'routing device', 'fish tape device' or variations on those terms, may be used interchangeably herein. [13] According to some embodiments the device may use wheels, caterpillar treads or other means for its propulsion. [14] Various means may be used to remove/overcome obstacles. A force may be exerted, or a dynamic rod adapted for any or all of sideways movement, front and back movement, rotation, boring, vibrating and so forth may be applied to the obstacle, etc.

According to other embodiments, a lubricating mechanism is used, which in some modifications can also be used to apply a force on the obstacle, not merely to provide lubrication; while in still other modifications, another fluid is used to help clear the obstacle. [15] In some embodiments, the device includes means for entering a neutral state, or for removing the device by its moving backward. A backward movement may be achieved for example by pulling the device.

[16] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[17] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the structure and operation of a wire routing device according to embodiments of the present invention; [18] Fig. 2 illustrates the structure of a remotely operated device;

[19] Fig. 3 illustrates a mechanically activated cable pulling device;

[20] Fig. 4 is a front view of a device propelled using three wheels;

[21] Fig. 5 is a side view of the three wheels device;

[22] Fig. 6 details a side wheel in the rotary action pulling device;

[23] Fig. 7 illustrates a two-sided support pulling device in a pipe;

[24] Fig. 8 details a two-sided support and forward action pulling device;

[25] Fig. 9 illustrates a possible problem in passing a cable through a pipe;

[26] Fig. 10 illustrates a cable in a sleeve to solve an obstruction problem;

[27] Fig. 11 illustrates an end activation balloon in a pulling device;

[28] Fig. 12 illustrates a pulling device with a side support balloon and end action;

[29] Fig. 13 illustrates a bi-dimensional wheel support at the end of the pulling device;

[30] Fig. 14 illustrates a flexible end device with hydraulic activation;

[31] Fig. 15 illustrates a two-side supported traction mechanism of the device;

[32] Figs. 16-18 illustrate the device using a liquid to clear an obstruction aside and to propel the device along a pipe;

[33] Fig. 19 illustrates a dual action balloon of the device;

[34] Fig. 20 illustrates the device with the capability of applying soap locally;

[35] Fig. 21 illustrates the device with enhanced means for penetrating an obstacle;

[36] Fig. 22 illustrates a four-side supported traction mechanism of the device; [37] Fig. 23 illustrates the device including a rod with two inner cables;

[38] Fig. 24 illustrates a top view of a four-element supported traction mechanism of the device;

[39] Fig. 25 illustrates a vibrating end device;

[40] Fig. 26 illustrates a body of the device including self-propelling means comprising an element for applying a force on the inside walls of the pipe; and

[41] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism of Fig. 26, showing a holding mechanism for the body as it advances along the pipe.

[42] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[43] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[44] Fig. 1 illustrates schematically the structure and operation of a first embodiment of the present device. In a pipe 1, it is required to insert a cable, tube, electric harness or wire 2, or other means, etc. This is accomplished using a fish tape or routing device 3 which includes propelling means 4, director means and/or obstruction opener 5 and a control unit 6.

[45] Using the control unit 6, an operator may conduct the device 3 to move forward, move back, stop and/or remove or overcome an obstacle. Various options may be exercised to remove the obstacles, as the need be and according to the actual installation in the device 3. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, there are many possible means, as detailed in the present disclosure.

[46] Fig. 2 illustrates the structure of a remotely operated device 3 according to certain embodiments. It is required to insert the cable or wire 2 into the pipe 1 in a wall 12 for example. This task can be accomplished with the fish tape device 3. The device's control unit 6 includes an optional wire holding unit from which the wire is dispensed.

[47] The device 3 may further include a remote control device 7, so the wire 2 is automatically routed through the pipe using the unit 6, and there is no need for manual activation.

[48] The remote device 7 may establish a wireless link with fish tape device 71 and a wireless link with control unit 72.

[49] Fig. 3 illustrates a mechanically activated cable pulling device 3. It is required to insert the cable or wire 2 into the pipe 1 in a wall (not shown).

[50] The fish tape device 3 is used for that purpose. In this embodiment of the invention, the propelling means 4 include a first pair of supports 41 and a second pair of supports 42.

[51] The director means 51 will find a path to continue an opening in the pipe l,the director means' sharp distal end 512 may help clear obstructions in the pipe. Its proximal part 513 is rounded and located in a corresponding spherical space 311 which allows it to move in a wide range of possibilities including rotationally, and/or move sideways and/or move forward and back. In some embodiments the device is adapted to move the proximal part 513 inward and outward. [52] The spring 312 will return the part 51 to its rest position, to point forward, thus being ready to a turn in the pipe 1 in any direction. [53] The device 3 has two parts, a first part 31 and a second part 32, separated with a spring 33. [54] In some embodiments, operation of the device 3 is manual: as the user alternately pulls and releases the cable 2, parts 31 and 32 move relative to each other, causing the supports 41 and 42 to alternately lean on the inside walls of the pipe 1, thus pushing the device 3 forward in the direction indicated 81. [55] A joint 21 between the cable 2 and device 3, using a ball attached to the end of the cable 2 and connecting to the device 3, facilitates the operation of the device when there is an angle between the wire 2 and the device3. [56] Optionally, the device 3 may have a neutral state and/or a reverse state for moving back - for example if the passage is blocked and the wire 2 cannot move forward. [57] Various embodiments may use a different number of wheels, with the angle between the wheels defined by the number of wheels. [58] Fig. 4 is a front view of a device propelled using three wheels to help route the cable or wire 2 through the pipe 1, which may be located in a wall (not shown) using the fish tape device 3. [59] The propelling means 4 include three wheels 42 mounted at 120 degrees to each other on the device 3. According to certain embodiments, the device may further include release means, and means for moving back (in the opposite direction), should this movement be necessary. [60] Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the device comprising three wheels to facilitate the insertion of cable 2 into the pipe 1. Other embodiments may use a different number of wheels - the three wheels embodiment is illustrative only and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. [61] An inner rotating cable 22 rotates a conical thread rotating part 23, which engages one or more of the three wheels 42 mounted at 120 degrees to each other on the device

3. The wheels 42 lean on the inner walls of pipe 1 and propel the device 3 along the pipe 1. [62] According to particular embodiments, device 3 may be made to move in either direction by setting the direction of rotation of the cable 22 and part 23 attached thereto. Furthermore, the device 3 can be controlled to adapt to various diameters of the pipe 1, or to exert a varying degree of force on the inside walls of pipe 1 by pushing cable 22 or pulling it in the direction as indicated with arrows 82. [63] For example, if the cable 22 is pushed up, then wheel 42 will engage a segment of part 23 having a larger diameter, thus wheel 42 will move to the right as indicated with arrows 83, applying a greater pressure on the pipe 1. The actual implementation may use three wheels 42 as indicated in Fig. 4, wherein all three wheels move out symmetrically toward the walls of pipe 1.

[64] According to certain embodiments, wheel 42 is mounted on a member 421, rotatable about an axis 422. A flexible leaf 423 tends to bring the member 421 toward the axis of the cable 2, to decrease the diameter of the device 3.

[65] Optionally, the device may include means to enter a neutral state.

[66] In another embodiment (not shown) an inverse cone 23 is used, with its base pointing upwards; when pulling the cable 22 in (down) the wheels 42 will move out to apply a greater pressure on pipe 1; when releasing the cable 22 or pulling it less, then the flexible leafs 423 will move the members 421 and the wheels 42 attached thereto, back toward the cable 2 and away from the inner walls of the pipe 1.

[67] Fig. 6 details one of the side wheels 42, mounted on the member 421. As illustrated, preferably the thread is slanted so as to engage the conical threaded part 23, see Fig. 5.

[68] Fig. 7 illustrates a two-side support pulling device in a pipe 1. The propelling device

3 with propelling wheels 42 or other propelling means may be used to insert the cable 2.

[69] The cable 2 may be used to transfer control and power to the device 3. Ultimately it is the purpose of the device 3 to insert the cable 2 into and along the pipe 1, despite possible obstructions and/or turns in the pipe 1.

[70] Fig. 8 details a two-side support and forward action pulling device, wherein two rotating wheels 42, lean on the inner walls of the pipe 1 to pull the cable 2 along the pipe 1.

[71] Preferably, the wheels 42 are threaded as illustrated, to increase the hold on the pipe

1, to prevent slippage thereon.

[72] The director means include a flexible spiral spring 52 with a rounded part 53 at its forward end, to find the direction of the pipe in case of a turn in the pipe, or to guide to an opening if there is an obstruction or discontinuity (such as a change in the diameter of the pipe).

[73] A rotary motor may be used to rotate the rounded part 53 that will rotate wheels 42.

The motor may be electrical or may be activated with air pressure or hydraulic pressure for example. Air pressure may be used where the pipe 1 allows for an unrestricted flow of air.

[74] Fig. 9 illustrates a possible problem in passing a cable 2 through a pipe 1, of a varying diameter or a long pipe 1 causing the cable to fall down or being stuck there.

[75] Fig. 10 illustrates a cable in a sleeve to solve the obstructions problem an inner cable 24 may be made of flexible steel, still mechanically strong and thus capable of pushing away an obstruction in the pipe 1, with an outer sleeve 25 for inserting the inner cable 24 into the pipe 1 up to the obstruction. This is an outer shield which prevents it from collapsing inside (buckling).

[76] Fig. 11 illustrates an end activation balloon 54 in a cable pulling device. The balloon

54 may be inflated to remove obstructions in the pipe or to correct an accidental narrowing in the pipe, if the situation permits it. For example, such a narrowing may be corrected prior to the concrete completely hardening. The balloon 54 may be inflated with air pressure or another gas, or a liquid like water or oil.

[77] Fig. 12 illustrates a pulling device with a side support balloon 551 and end action means 552 to address an obstacle. A common problem in such a situation is to apply force locally, within the pipe 1, possibly a long distance from the insertion opening in the pipe 1. It may be difficult to apply a significant push force from the outside, as the cable 2 will fold, will apply a lateral force on the walls of the pipe 1 and may become stuck.

[78] The solution presented in Fig. 12 includes forming a local support for applying the force: normally the balloon 551 is deflated and will not affect the insertion of the device into the pipe 1. When an obstacle is reached, the balloon 551 is inflated. It expands radially to apply a force on the walls of pipe 1, thus providing a fixed support at that location. A differential force can then be applied, that is the part 552 is forcibly pushed forward, relative to the supporting balloon 551. After removing the obstruction, the balloon 551 can be deflated and the device is then pushed forward. This feature/ device may be an optional addition to any of the embodiments detailed. Part 552 comprises an exemplary wire engagement mechanism, comprising an aperture 553, however in other embodiments different wire engagement mechanisms may be used, such as a hook, a clip, a clamp and so on.

[79] Fig. 13 illustrates a bi-dimensional wheel support and a flexible end of a pulling device. Bi-dimensional support means include a horizontal wheel 421 and a vertical wheel 422. Thus the device is supported on all its sides. More wheels may be used, to support a longer part of the device. Part or all of the wheels may be active (connected to a motor means) for device propulsion along the pipe 1. The flexible means 56 at the end of the device, preferably with one or more wheels attached there, allow the device to adapt to, and be directed along, turns in the pipe 1.

[80] Fig. 14 illustrates a flexible end device with hydraulic activation. In the pipe 1 there is inserted a device with an end rod with a measure of flexibility 571. The device further includes a hydraulic oil return reservoir 572, a cylinder 573, which is hy- draulically activated; it can therefore exert a large force on an obstacle. The cable 2, or any other conduit such as a wire or pipe or tube, may be used to supply a liquid. [81] Fig. 15 illustrates a two-side supported traction mechanism. It uses caterpillar treads

43 for its propulsion along the pipe 1. The possible benefits: less damage to the pipe 1 while applying a significant force, since the force is divided along a larger area of contact; and. reduces the possibility of slippage of the device 3.

[82] Figs. 16-18 illustrate a device using a liquid to push obstructions aside and to propel the device along a pipe. A liquid pressure is applied through a pipe 2 as illustrated. A large force may be generated, to push an obstruction aside using a cylinder 573 which moves a rotating arm 576 (see Fig. 16).

[83] The liquid pressure may be used to push a rod 577 forward, see Fig. 17.

[84] The liquid pressure may be used to inflate radially a device 578, see Fig. 18.

[85] Fig. 19 illustrates a dual action balloon device. The fluid pressure applied through hollow cable 2 first inflates the balloons 581 and 582, which expand radially to apply pressure on the pipe 1. Thus a support means is achieved, wherein the device 3 is secured in place and is attached to the pipe 1. Next the balloon 583 is inflated, to push forward the rod 584, to apply a strong force on an obstacle.

[86] By controlling the mechanical flexibility coefficients of the balloons, the device can be so devised that a common fluid pressure applied through pipe 2 will first inflate the balloons 581 and 582, and only in a second stage will balloon 583 be inflated.

[87] Fig. 20 illustrates a device capable of applying a lubricant such as soap locally. The head of the routing device 3 has holes 591 for applying soap at a desired location using a cable 2 with a conduit (e.g. hollow tube, so the lubricant can pass through) for applying a fluid pressure, to supply soap and/or for other uses. The device may use soap or another liquid lubricant. Soap may be applied under pressure, where required. This facilitates further insertion of the device 3 along the pipe 1. For clarity, the wire- engaging member is not shown in this figure (see Fig. 12).

[88] The lubricant can be squirted, sprayed or otherwise dispensed using a pump a regular pump or hand-held pump (e.g. bulb, bellows, etc; not shown) typically located at or near the proximal end of the tube; or other means such as a . In alternative embodiments, the routing device 3 comprises a lubricant reservoir and dispensing means at or near the distal end of the device.

[89] Fig. 21 illustrates a device with enhanced means for penetrating an obstacle in a pipe

1. A fish tape 592 is inserted into a conduit 593. Mechanical means may be used to generate a large force to push the fish tape 592 forward. It will not press sideways, because of the restraining action of the sleeve 593. The device may have a varying degree of hardness, as required in each situation so as to prevent it from collapsing inside.

[90] Fig. 22 illustrates a four-side supported traction mechanism. The traction mechanism

44 may use caterpillar treads as illustrated. The propulsion energy may be provided through electrical motors [91] The cable 2 may include electric wires to supply the required electrical energy. Using

DC voltage, the polarity of the voltage will determine the direction of movement of the device. In another embodiment, AC may be used. The direction of movement may be defined by the phase of two AC signals, for example. [92] Fig. 23 illustrates a device including a rod with two inner cables the activation rods

593 can be used to move the device or to remove an obstruction. The wheels 594 may be mounted at the end of the rods 593, as illustrated. [93] Fig. 24 illustrates a top view of a four-element supported traction mechanism the unit may include a plurality of devices 3, 36, etc., which can be connected by cables 2, 27, etc. thus achieving a distributed system which can better adapt to irregular pipes and reduce the friction along the cable. The cables 2, 27 may transfer electrical energy to all the devices there. [94] Fig. 25 illustrates a vibrating end device. The device 3, which includes power and propulsion means, further includes an extractable rod 594. It may further include means for activating rod 594 to remove obstacles, using for example ultrasound waves, a mechanical force, etc. [95] Fig. 26 illustrates a body of the wire routing device 3 including self-propelling means comprising an element 442 for applying a force on the inside walls of pipe 1. The figure illustrates the element 442 in its two states: compressed state (1) and expanded out (2). The body of the device 3 can include a plurality of elements 442 on its perimeter. [96] The element 442 can move on a rail (not shown) from the lower, inner part of the body of the device 3, outwards and backwards. The device's body moves until there is a force being applied on the pipe 1, and thereby the body is pushed forward. [97] The pressure tube P, located at the center of the body 3, transfers pressure to a sleeve

444 which expands and pushes the part 442(1) upwards along the rail and outwards, together with contracting the coil 443 until its state 2. [98] When the pressure P is released, the coil 443 restores the part 442 to its rest state, down the rail and contracts the sleeve 444. The head of element 5 allows the guidance of device 3 along the varying shape and orientation of the pipe. [99] Fig. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the mechanism detailed in Fig. 26, showing a holding mechanism for the device's body as it advances along the pipe. [100] The goal is to solve the problem of movement of the mechanism back along the pipe, when releasing the hold of part 442 on the inside walls of the pipe in the state 2, when the two opposite elements 442 in state 2 are locked on the side walls of pipe 1. The elements at 90 degrees to the previous ones, are in state 1 and this because of the linkage through rods 445. [101] When the elements 442(2) move inwards to state 1, the elements perpendicular to them are pushed outside and are locked against the pipe, thus the system is ready for another movement/progress/advancement cycle.

[102] It should be understood that there are a variety of embodiments and modifications within the scope of the present invention, and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinabove.