Minimally invasive mid-span grounding clamp and method of use thereof

US9362635B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• John Mezzalingua Associates, LLC · US

Inventors

• Werner Wild · Buttenwiesen, DE
• Bernhard Strasser · Steinheim, DE
• Christopher P. Natoli · Baldwinsville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 23, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 7, 2016
• Expiry date: Jan 17, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T408/89
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A grounding clamp is provided that includes a grounding wire having two ends that are each configured to extend out an opening in a coaxial cable. The grounding clamp includes a housing configured to receive both ends of the extending wire in an inner chamber through a first opening, the housing including a second opening configured to receive a lug, wherein the lug is configured to secure both ends of the grounding wire within the inner chamber. A method of installing a grounding clamp includes attaching a fishline to a grounding wire and inserting the fishline through an opening of a corrugated coaxial cable in a valley located between an outer conductor and an outer jacket of the coaxial cable, wherein the fishline is rigid enough that it does not buckle or deform significantly under the pressure of the outer conductor and the outer jacket, wherein the fishline is flexible enough that it bends around the corrugated coaxial cable. A drill bit for creating an opening in a coaxial cable is also contemplated, along with a tool for fishing the grounding wire through the coaxial cable.