Patent ID: 6364290
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G02B,H02G

Abstract:
A blowing head for a blown cable installation process, comprising:a motor; a rotatable driving element operatively connected to the motor; a cable inlet to receive a cable to be installed; a cable outlet for connection to an installation duct into which the cable is to be installed, the cable outlet being connected to the cable inlet by a through-bore that defines a cable path along which the cable passes in use; a buckle detector located between the driving element and the cable outlet, said buckle detector comprising: a cavity, through which the cable path passes, within the blowing head; at least one sensor for monitoring, in use, the position of the cable within the cavity; and a deflector on which the cable impinges on its passage along the cable path, the deflector being arranged to introduce a bend into the path followed by the cable; wherein if the driving element propels the cable with an excess amount of force, the cable will preferentially buckle into the cavity at the site of the deflector.