Patent ID: 6993981
Filing Date: 2006-02-07
Classification: B66C,B66D,G01L

Abstract:
1. In a system for installing an underground utility by retraction that is applied to a leading end of the utility to draw the utility through the ground such that the utility is subjected to a tension force during installation, a tension monitoring apparatus, comprising: sensing means for sensing the tension force to produce a tension signal; electronic means for using the tension signal; battery means for supplying electrical power to said electronic means; and housing means for supporting the sensing means in a way that exposes the sensing means to said tension force and for defining an elongated chamber between a pair of opposing, first and second ends, said housing means being electrically conductive and a first one of said ends configured for receiving said tension force such that the tension force is transferred through the housing means to the second one of said ends for then transferring the tension force to said utility, and said electronic means being positionable in said chamber with said battery means such that said housing means serves as at least a portion of an electrical circuit for supplying said electrical power to the electronic means from the battery means.