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Electrical Cable Portable Rotary Manipulator

Description

This tool can be used to manipulate (e.g., bend, unbend, “shorten,” or “lengthen”) heavy gauge cable (750 MCM) and pipes. It has been designed to cope with the properties of helically wound cable where bending and unbending can cause lateral distortions of the cable, and it can be operated by a lineman in the confines of a power cabinet. The device can be operated by a mechanical rotary input, such as a battery-powered drill, allowing motor-assisted device cable “take-up.”

Additional Information

Patent number and inventors

8,444,115 and 9,172,223

John Tester and Andrew Dethlefs

Potential applications

This device is a useful tool for electrical contractors handling heavy cable as well as power.

Benefits and advantages

Commercial-grade electrical power cables are currently manipulated manually, potentially resulting in soft-tissue injuries. This technology allows a lineman to manipulate cables without creating or exacerbating injury. The design represents the best combination of minimum torque input, compact size, low weight, and least acceptable damage to the cable.

Case number and licensing status

2008-004

This invention is available for licensing.