Abstract:
A splice comprising a hollow receptacle housing with a first connector end and a second connector end, where a first observation port is in the first end and a second observation port is in the second end. The splice covers the exposed sections of two cables and the device that electrically couples the cables together. The device is placed in the proper position by the user looking for the transition between a semi-conductive layer and an insulating layer of the cables though each observation port. When the appearance of the transition between the insulating layer and the semi-conductive layer in the first observation port mirror that in the second observation port, the splice is properly positioned.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/398,224 entitled “Observation Port or Membrane to Assist the Proper Positioning of a Cable Accessory on a Cable” filed Mar. 5, 2009. The complete disclosure of the above-identified related application is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosed apparatus relates generally to connectors between electrical cables. Specifically, this application relates to technology that allows cables to be spliced together with a splice of minimal length while maintaining the proper positioning between components. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A routine task faced by utility linepersons is the need to connect two cables that do not possess some form of mutually compatible connector device. Typically, the utility lineperson removes sections of the outer semi-conductive layer and the inner insulating layer of the cable to expose the electrical conductor of both cables. The electrical conductors of both cables are then electrically coupled. Once the electrical conductors are electrically coupled, the utility lineperson now has to protect the exposed electrical conductors in a manner that is consistent with the remaining sections of the outer semi-conductive layer and inner insulating layer. The covering used to replicate the semi-conductive layer and the insulating layer is referred to as a splice. 
         [0004]    Conventional pre-molded splices have operated by inserting the first cable through the splice, causing the exposed end of the cable to project out of the opposite end of the splice. The two cables are then electrically coupled. The splice is then slid over the electrical coupling to protect the electrical coupling from the external environment. Additionally, as the splice is slid over the electrical coupling, a semiconductive insert in the splice is positioned around the electrical coupling, which creates a Faraday cage around the coupling. The Faraday cage maintains the electrical potential on all sides of any air  313  between or around the coupled components to prevent a partial discharge therein. 
         [0005]    Two factors that influenced the length of the splice were the length of the splice to effectively seal the electrical coupling and create a proper Faraday cage verses the minimization of length of the splice to facilitate installation of the splice. These two competing interests can impact the effectiveness of a splice. If the splice is too long, then installation becomes difficult as more of the splice has to pass over the first cable. If the splice is too short, then the electrical coupling or the insulation is exposed, or internal conductive portions of the splice are not properly positioned to electrically shield the coupled conductors of the cables, thereby leading to potential electrical arcing. If the splice is at the optimum size, it may still prove ineffective if not properly centered and covering the cables. Previous attempts to reconcile these issues used rolled splices, but those connectors can introduce foreign contamination to the electrical connection. 
         [0006]    One conventional method for attempting to properly center a splice over electrically coupled cables is to make the entire walls of the splice relatively thin. With a thin-walled splice, the positioning of the cables within the splice can be detected based on visual deformations of the shell caused by the contact with the cables therein. However, a thin-walled splice has several deficiencies. For example, a thin-walled splice is more likely to tear or split when being installed over the cables, which usually involves stretching the splice over the cables. Additionally, a thin-walled splice is more likely to tear along the parting lines of a mold during the manufacturing process, thereby creating additional scrap material. A thin-walled splice also may be damaged by a fault current such that the splice fails to conduct a fault current to ground. In this case, the damaged splice does not allow “fault reinitiation,” and a utility lineperson may be injured by touching the energized splice (or nearby components). 
         [0007]    Therefore, a need exists in the art for a splice that is positionable over the cables and the electrical connector with a minimal length to ease installation and with sufficient thickness to avoid the deficiencies of conventional splices, while still maintaining proper positioning of the splice with regard to the spliced cables. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The disclosed apparatus relates generally to electrical connections. More particularly, the disclosed apparatus relates to a device that allows a connection between two physically separate cables in a manner that allows electrical coupling and external protection for the electrical coupling. 
         [0009]    According to one exemplary aspect, a splice comprises a hollow receptacle housing with a first end and a second end, where a first observation port is disposed in the first end and a second observation port is disposed in the second end. The observation ports aid the user in positioning of the cables in the splice by allowing the user to observe the transition between the semi-conductive layer and the insulating layer of cables when coupled via the splice. 
         [0010]    According to another exemplary aspect, two cables are connected using the splice. Each cable is prepared by removing a section of the semi-conductive outer layer and the insulating inner layer to expose the electrical conductor of the cable. The splice is coupled to a first cable in a preparatory position and the two conductors are coupled together. Once the conductors are coupled together, the splice is placed in a cover position where the appearance of the cables in the first observation port and the second observation port mirror each other, showing their respective semi-conductive and insulating layers of the respective cables. 
         [0011]    These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the apparatus as presently perceived. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of non-limitative, exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like parts of each of the figures are identified by the same reference character, and which are briefly described as follows. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a splice with observation ports coupled to two cables according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the splice of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  comprises  FIGS. 3A-3D .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a first cable and a second cable before splice installation according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the first cable and the second cable with a splice installed over the first cable in a preparatory position according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the first cable and the second cable electrically coupled by an electrical coupling device with the splice installed over the first cable in the preparatory position according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3D  is a cutaway view of the first cable and the second cable electrically coupled by an electrical coupling device with the splice in a cover position and installed over the first cable, the second cable, and the electrical coupling device according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  comprises  FIGS. 4A-4D .  FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of the connector end of the splice illustrating an observation port or membrane according to an exemplary embodiment without a cable installed. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of the connector end of the splice according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4C  is a top perspective view of the connector end of the splice with a cable installed therein according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional view of the connector end of the splice according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 4C . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  comprises  FIGS. 5A-5D .  FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of the connector end of the splice illustrating an observation port or membrane according to an exemplary edge embodiment without a cable installed. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional view of the connector end of the splice according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5C  is a top perspective view of the connector end of the splice according to the exemplary edge embodiment with a cable installed therein. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5D  is a cross-sectional view of the connector end of the splice according to the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5C . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a splice with observation ports  102   a - b  coupled to two cables  104   a - b  according to an exemplary embodiment. The splice  100  couples two cables  104   a - b  that are otherwise uncoupled. The connection may be made for any reason, including but not limited to extension of a preexisting electrical cable or for repair of a damaged cable. The splice  100  is long enough to electrically shield air  313  ( FIG. 3 ) inside the connector to prevent any voltage drop across the air  313  and to shield the coupled cables when properly centered. 
         [0028]    The splice  100  comprises a semi-conductive main body  120  acting as an outer shell with a first cross sectional area with two connector ends  140   a - b  having a smaller, second cross sectional area than that of the main body  120 . As used throughout this specification, a “semi-conductive” material can refer to rubber or any other type of material that carries current, and thus can include conductive materials. The main body  120  comprises a fill sprue  112  via which insulation  312  ( FIG. 3 ) is injected into the main body  120  during the manufacturing process. The proximal sections  142   a - b  of the connector ends are coupled to the main body  120 , with the distal sections  144   a - b  projecting away from the main body  120 . Attached near the junction of the main body  120  and a proximal sections  142   a - b  of the connector ends  140  are drain wire tabs  110   a - d  that may be used to couple the main body  120  to ground. 
         [0029]    Observation ports  102   a - b  are located in the connector ends  140   a - b  of the splice  100 . The observation ports  102   a - b  are located near the distal ends  144   a - b  of the connector ends  140   a - b  in an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the observation ports  102   a - b  are translucent, allowing a user to perceive the opposite side of the observation port  102   a - b . In alternative exemplary embodiments, the observation ports  102   a - b  can be a hole through the outer conductive layer of the splice  100 , thereby allowing a user to see through the observation ports  102   a - b , or the observation ports  102   a - b  can be a thin membrane, thereby allowing the user to perceive a change in the layers of materials of a cable contained with the splice  100 . The observation ports  102   a - b  facilitate the centering function of the splice  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the observation ports  102   a - b  show a semi-conductive section  106   a - b  of the cables  104   a - b  on the side of the cables  104   a - b  and an insulating section  108   a - b  of the cables on the side of the main body  120  of the splice  100 . The transition between the semi-conductive section  106   a - b  in the observation ports  102   a - b  and the insulating section  108   a - b  in the observation ports  102   a - b  aids in centering the splice  100 , as will be discussed below. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the splice  100  of  FIG. 1 . In the illustrated embodiment, without the cables  104   a - b  installed in the splice  100 , the observation ports  102   a - b  have a uniform appearance. 
         [0031]    The method of splicing cables involves placing a splice  100  on a first cable  104   a , electrically coupling the first cable  104   a  and a second cable  104   b  using an electrical coupling device, and positioning the splice  100  such that the splice  100  covers the electrical coupling device and the coupled conductors of the cables  104   a - b.    
         [0032]      FIG. 3  comprises  FIGS. 3A-3D .  FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a first cable  104   a  and a second cable  104   b  before the splice  100  is installed according to an exemplary embodiment. A portion of the semi-conductive outer layer  302   a - b  and a smaller portion of the insulating inner layer  304   a - b  are removed from the respective cables  104   a - b , exposing the conductors  306   a - b  of each cable  104   a - b . A visible transition  114   a - b  between the semi-conductive outer layer  302   a - b  and insulating inner layer  304   a - b  of the cables  104   a - b . When the splice  100  is properly positioned on the cables  104   a - b , the transition  114   a - b  is visible through the observation ports  102   a - b  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the first cable  104   a  and the second cable  104   b  with the splice  100  installed over the first cable  104   a  in a preparatory position according to an exemplary embodiment. The end of the first cable  104   a  with the exposed conductor  306   a  is inserted into the first connector end  140   a  until the conductor  306   a  of the first cable  104   a  extends from the second connector end  140   b  of the splice  100 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the first cable  104   a  and the second cable  104   b  electrically coupled by an electrical coupling device  308  with the splice  100  installed over the first cable  104   a  in the preparatory position according to an exemplary embodiment. With the conductor  306   a  of the first cable  104   a  exposed through the splice  100 , the conductor  306   b  of the second cable  104   b  is placed adjacent to the conductor  306   a  of the first cable  104   a . The conductors  306   a - b  are then electrically coupled by the use of a splice connector, such as the electrical coupling device  308 . Crimp connectors are one of several suitable types of electrical coupling device  308  for the cables  104   a - b  that may be utilized in the exemplary embodiment. With the cables  104   a - b  connected, the splice  100  is slid into position where the electrical coupling device  308  is enclosed by the splice  100  and the connector ends  140   a - b  of the splice  100  are placed over the semi-conducting outer layers  302   a - b  of both cables  104   a - b , as shown in  FIG. 3D . 
         [0035]      FIG. 3D  is a cutaway view of the first cable  104   a  and the second cable  104   b  electrically coupled by an electrical coupling device  308  with the splice  100  in a cover position and installed over the first cable  104   a , the second cable  104   b , and the electrical coupling device  308  according to an exemplary embodiment. The semi-conductive outer layer  302   a - b  of the respective cables  104   a - b  is partially positioned within the splice  100  to provide a protective barrier for the conductors  306   a - b  and the electrical coupling device  308 . Furthermore, when properly positioned, an interior semi-conductive portion  310  of the splice  100  is positioned around the coupled conductors  306   a - b  and the ends of the insulating layers  304   a - b  to provide a Faraday cage around the connection. The splice  100  further comprises an insulating layer  312  disposed between the semi-conductive portion  310  and the semi-conductive main body  120 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3D . 
         [0036]    To verify that the splice  100  is properly positioned (in other words, centered and/or having the Faraday cage created by the interior semi-conductive portion  310  located around the coupled conductors  306   a - b  and around both insulating layers  304   a - b ), the user observes the position of the transition  114   a - b  between the semi-conductive outer layers  302   a - b  and the insulating inner layers  304   a - b  through the observation ports  102   a - b . When the splice  100  is properly positioned, the transition  114   a - b  between the semi-conductive outer layers  302   a - b  and the insulating inner layers  304   a - b  will become visible through the observation ports  102   a - b . When the user positions the splice  100 , the user can have the position of the transition  114   a - b  between the semi-conductive outer layer  302   a  and the insulating inner layer  304   a  in observation port  102   a  mirror the position of the semi-conductive outer layer  302   b  and the insulating inner layer  304   b  in observation port  102   b . When the observation ports  102   a - b  mirror each other, the splice  100  is properly positioned in the exemplary embodiment. 
         [0037]    In an exemplary embodiment, the observation ports  102   a - b  comprise a membrane  406  ( FIG. 4 ) that allows an observer to perceive cables under the membrane  406 . In the exemplary embodiments, the membrane  406  is thick enough to prevent tearing, but thin enough to allow observation of the transition  114  in the splice  100  by touch or by sight. Examples in the exemplary embodiment are membranes  406  that are about 10% or 25% of the thickness of the shell  120 , and others which are about 5-50% or 10-20% of the thickness of the shell  120 . Other alternatives are suitable to provide both observation properties and maintaining the protective properties of the splice  100 . In exemplary embodiments, the membrane  406  can comprise a thin layer of material, which material can be the same material as the main body  120 , the same material as the insulating layer  312 , or another suitable material. Additionally, the membrane  406  can comprise a translucent or transparent material that can allow direct visual confirmation of the positioning of the cables with respect to the observation ports  102   a - b . In yet another exemplary embodiment, the observation ports  102   a - b  can be a hole within the end connectors  104   a - b.    
         [0038]    Two exemplary embodiments for positions of the observation ports  102   a - b  will be described.  FIG. 4  comprises  FIGS. 4A-4D .  FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of the connector end  140   a  of the splice  100  according to an “adjacent” embodiment, without cable  104   a  installed. The previously described exemplary embodiments utilized the adjacent embodiment. The adjacent embodiment involves the observation ports  102  located near the distal ends  144   a  of the connector ends  140 , but not in contact with the distal ends  144   a  of the connector ends  140 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4B  is a cross sectional view of the connector end  140  of the splice  100  according to the embodiment of  FIG. 4A . The splice  100  has an end  404  of a uniform thickness and membranes  406   a ,  406   c  covering the observation ports  102   a ,  102   c . The membranes  406   a ,  406   c  have a uniform thickness that is less than a thickness of the end  404  of the splice  100 . 
         [0040]    In the illustrated, exemplary embodiment, the connector end  140  has two observation ports  102   a ,  102   c  that facilitate observation from more than one direction. In the figures shown, observation ports  102   a  and  102   c  and membranes  406   a  and  406   c  are shown, with the understanding that observation ports  102   b  and  102   d  and membranes  406   b  and  406   d  are on the connector end  104   b  that is not shown. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4C  is a top perspective view of the connector end  140   a  of the splice  100  according to an adjacent embodiment with a cable  104   a  installed.  FIG. 4D  is a cross sectional view of the connector end  140   a  of the splice  100  according to the embodiment of  FIG. 4C . The transition  114   a  between the semi-conductive layer  106   a  and the insulating layer  108   a  of the cable  104   a  is visible in the observation port  102   a  to indicate the splice  100  is properly positioned. Additionally, the transition  114   a  also is visible in the second observation port  102   b . The thickness of the membranes  406   a ,  406   c  allows the transition  114   a  to be perceived in the observation ports  102   a ,  102   c . For example, the transition can be visible or can be detected through touch. 
         [0042]    The installed cable  104   a  pushes against the inner surface of the end connector  140   a  and the observation ports  102   a ,  102   c , creating a seal that insulates the conductors  306   a ,  306   c  and the electrical coupling device  308  from the outside air. The displacement of the observation port  102  causes the thickness of the observation port  102  to adjust depending on where the cable  104   a  is installed. 
         [0043]    An alternative embodiment has the observation port  102   a  located on the edge of the splice  100 .  FIG. 5  comprises  FIGS. 5A-5D .  FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of the connector end  140   a  of the splice  100  according to an “edge” embodiment, without cable  104   a  installed. In the edge embodiment, the observation port  102   a  is located on a distal end  144   a  of the connector ends  140   a .  FIG. 5B  is a cross sectional view of the connector end  140   a  of the splice  100  according to the embodiment of  FIG. 5A . Except for the location of the observation port  102   a  (or  102   c ), the remaining components in  FIGS. 5A-5D  are the same as the components in  FIGS. 4A-4D . 
         [0044]    An observation port may be manufactured in a splice in any suitable manner. In one exemplary embodiment, a mold can include a boss that creates an area of lesser thickness in a side of the splice. In this case, the boss also provides an advantage of preventing or limiting deflection and movement of a mandrel within the main body  120  when the insulation layer  312  is injected therein during the molding process for manufacturing the splice. The area of lesser thickness is the observation port. In this embodiment, the observation port comprises the same material as the side of the splice. In an alternative exemplary embodiment in which the observation port is a hole in the splice, the mold can include solid components around which the splice is molded, thereby leaving a hole as the observation port. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a membrane material may be applied and press molded into the apertures in the splice, forming the membrane  406   a  (for example) from a material that is different from the material in the side of the splice. In this case, for example, the membrane may be made from an opaque material, a translucent material, or a transparent material. 
         [0045]    Therefore, the disclosed apparatus is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosed apparatus may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of the teachings herein. Having described some exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed apparatus, various modifications are within the purview of those in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. While numerous changes may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art, such changes are encompassed within the spirit of the disclosed apparatus as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present disclosed apparatus. The terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee.