Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
81784571
DAMMING DEVICE FOR CABLE SEALING
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.
13/492,293,
entitled "Damming Device For Cable Sealing" and filed on June 8, 2012, which
itself claims
priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number
61/495,755,
titled "Damming Mechanism for Cable Sealing" and filed on June 10, 2011.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to cable gland connectors
and more
particularly to systems, methods, and devices for a stopper or integrated
damming device for
sealing a cable within a cable gland assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cable gland assemblies are used for terminating cable in hazardous
and
nonhazardous environments. Typical cable gland assemblies provide a seal
around the
conductors of the cable, mechanical retention of the cable therein, electrical
continuity via the
termination of the cable, and an environmental seal on the outer jacket of the
cable. To seal
the conductors within a sealing chamber of the cable gland assembly, a sealing
compound is
generally used to seal the individual conductors. Generally, the sealing
compound is used in
conjunction with a secondary damming material to prevent the flow of the
sealing compound
beyond the sealing chamber. Conventional damming materials include fiber
materials that
require the cable gland assembly to be disassembled to place the fiber
materials therein. In
addition, these fiber damming materials generally require a large volume to
contain the
material therein. Accordingly, the use of a fiber damming material is time-
consuming and
cumbersome for a user to assemble. Some cable gland assemblies are available
in which a
rubber gland is used instead of a fiber damming material. However, these
rubber glands
generally have limitations in their performance.
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-12-10
CA 02875463 2014-12-19
= Patent Application
SUMMARY
100041 In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a damming
device for a
conductor in a cable gland connector. The damming device can include an outer
portion
having a first thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between a
first diameter
and a second diameter. The damming device can also include an inner portion
having a
second thickness of the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third
diameter and
the second diameter. The damming device can further include a hole having the
third
diameter. The first diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the
second diameter
can be greater than the third diameter. The first thickness greater than the
second thickness.
[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a damming
device for a
conductor in a cable gland connector. The damming device can include an outer
portion
having a first thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between a
first diameter
and a second diameter. The damming device can also include an inner portion
having a
second thickness of the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third
diameter and a
fourth diameter. The damming device can further include a hole having the
fourth diameter.
The first diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the second
diameter can be
greater than the third diameter. In addition, the third diameter can be
greater than the fourth
diameter, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a
cable gland
connector. The cable gland connector can include a union body and a hub body
removably
coupled to the union body. The cable gland connector can also include a
compound chamber
positioned within the hub body and mechanically coupled to the union body. The
cable gland
connector can further include a damming device disposed within a slot formed
between a top
portion of the compound chamber and a bottom portion of the union body. The
damming
device can include an outer portion having a first thickness of a flexible
elastomeric material
disposed between a first diameter and a second diameter. The damming device
can also
include an inner portion having a second thickness of the flexible elastomeric
material
disposed between a third diameter and the second diameter. The damming device
can further
include a hole having the third diameter. The first diameter can be greater
than the second
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diameter, and the second diameter can be greater than the third diameter.
Also, the first
thickness can be greater than the second thickness.
[0007] These
and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent
from the following description and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The
drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to
be considered limiting in scope, as the exemplary embodiments may admit to
other equally
effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not
necessarily
to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the
exemplary embodiments.
Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be
exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings,
reference numerals
designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.
[0009] Figures
1A-D show various views of an exemplary damming device according
to certain exemplary embodiments.
[0010] Figure 2
shows a top perspective view of another exemplary damming device
in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
[0011] Figure 3
shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly using the
exemplary damming device of Figures 1A-D in accordance with certain exemplary
embodiments.
[0012] Figures
4A-C show various views of another exemplary damming device in
accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
[0013] Figure 5
shows a cross-sectional side view of another cable gland assembly
using the exemplary damming device of Figures 4A-C in accordance with certain
exemplary
embodiments.
[0014] Figures
6A and 6B show various views of another exemplary damming device
in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
[0015] Figure 7
shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another cable gland assembly
using the exemplary damming device of Figures 6A and 6B in accordance with
certain
exemplary embodiments.
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[0016] Figures 8A and 8B show various views of still another exemplary
damming
device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
[0017] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of still another cable
gland
assembly using the exemplary damming device of Figures 8A and 8B in accordance
with
certain exemplary embodiments.
[0018] Figures 10A and 10B show various views of yet another exemplary
damming
device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments.
[0019] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of still another cable
gland
assembly using the exemplary damming device of Figures 10A and 10B in
accordance with
certain exemplary embodiments.
[0020] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative
embodiment of
the example cable gland assembly of Figure 3 in accordance with certain
example
embodiments.
[0021] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional side view of another alternative
embodiment
of the example cable gland assembly of Figure 3 in accordance with certain
example
embodiments.
[0022] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another
alternative
embodiment of the example cable gland assembly of Figure 3 in accordance with
certain
example embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] In general, exemplary embodiments provide systems, methods, and
devices for
an integrated damming device for sealing a cable within a cable gland assembly
(also called a
cable gland connector). The damming device allows one or more conductors to
pass through
one or more holes. Each hole provides a seal around the corresponding
conductor. The seal
formed by the damming device around the conductor prevents a sealing compound
and/or any
other liquid-based compound from passing through the hole along the conductor.
The
damming device does not require disassembly of the cable gland assembly to
ensure proper
function.
[0024] A sealing compound is any liquid-based compound that is injected
into the
compound chamber of the cable gland assembly. In certain exemplary
embodiments, the
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sealing compound is injected into the compound chamber of the cable gland
assembly when
one or more conductors is disposed within the compound chamber of the cable
gland
assembly. The sealing compound can be any suitable liquid that can dry to seal
the
conductors within the compound chamber.
[0025] Each damming device described herein can be made of a flexible
elastomeric
material. Examples of such flexible elastomeric material include, but are not
limited to,
synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene, such as neoprene,
polychloroprene, urethane, and silicone. In addition, or in the alternative,
the flexible
elastomeric material can include a butyl compound. A damming device can be
made as a
single piece (e.g., made from a single mold) or as multiple pieces that are
mechanically
coupled together. In the latter case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically
coupled using
one or more of a number of methods, including but not limited to epoxy,
melting, fusion, a
fastening device, and a clamping device. A damming device can also be called
by other
names, including but not limited to a damming mechanism and an armor stop.
[0026] Each hole and/or recessed area described herein is shown and
described as
being cylindrical or conical (i.e., circular when viewed from a horizontal
cross section).
Alternatively, or in addition, the holes and/or recessed areas can have one or
more other
shapes, viewed in two or three dimensions. For example, one or more recessed
areas of a
damming device may have one shape (e.g., cube), while one or more holes of the
damming
device can have another shape (e.g., cylinder). Examples of such shapes, when
viewed in a
two dimensional space, include but are not limited to a circle, an ellipse, a
square, a rectangle,
a hexagon, an octagon, and five-point star.
[0027] In certain exemplary embodiments, the walls of the hole and/or
recessed area
are conical (tapered) to channel the conductor more easily toward a designated
area. When
the holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other
portion of the
damming device are circular, each may be defined in terms of one or more
radii. Similarly,
the holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other
portion of the
damming device can be defined by one or more other terms appropriate for the
shape of the
holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other portion
of the damming
device. For example, while a circular hole is described below with respect to
a radius, the
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circular hole may also be described with respect to one or more other terms,
including but not
limited to a diameter, a circumference, a volume, and an area. Similarly,
holes having other
shapes can be described using one or more terms appropriate to that shape. The
junction
between a hole, a recessed area, an inner portion, an outer portion, and/or
any other portion of
the damming device can be formed as a pointed edge or a rounded edge.
[0028] Figures 1A-D show various views an exemplary damming device 100
according to certain exemplary embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or
more of
the components or elements shown in Figures 1A-D may be omitted, repeated,
and/or
substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of a damming device should not be
considered
limited to the specific configuration shown in Figures 1A-D.
[0029] Referring now to Figures 1A-D, the damming device 100 includes an
outer
portion 170 defined horizontally between an outer radius 120 and an inner
radius 122. The
outer portion 170 also has a thickness 130 defined vertically by a height
between the top
surface 102 of the outer portion 170 and the bottom surface 112 of the outer
portion 170. The
damming device 100 also includes an inner portion 172 defined horizontally
between an outer
radius 122 and an inner radius 124. The inner portion 172 also has a thickness
132 defined
vertically by a height between the top surface 104 of the inner portion 172
and the bottom
surface 112 of the inner portion 172. In certain exemplary embodiments, as in
this example,
the bottom surface 112 of the outer portion 170 is the same as the bottom
surface 112 of the
inner portion 172. The thickness 130 of the outer portion 170 is greater than
the thickness of
the inner portion 172.
[0030] In certain exemplary embodiments, the outer portion 170 is made of
one or
more materials that are different than the materials of the inner portion 172.
For example, the
outer portion 170 and the inner portion 172 may be made of rubber. In
addition, a metallic
material can be bonded and/or co-molded with the outer portion 170 of the
damming device
100 to provide additional stiffness. By having the outer portion 170 be
thicker and/or stiffer
than the inner portion 172, the conductor is prevented from being pushed too
far into the cable
gland assembly.
[0031] The inner portion 172 may have one or more holes that traverse the
inner
portion 172. For example, as shown in Figures 1A-D, the inner portion 172 may
have only a
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single circular hole 106 positioned substantially at the horizontal center of
the inner portion
= 172. In such a case, the hole 106 has a radius 124 (which, as described
above, can also be
= described in other terms, such as a diameter) that is equal to the inner
radius 124 of the inner
portion 172. In other exemplary embodiments, as shown below with respect to
Figure 2, the
inner portion 172 can have multiple holes. The wall 114 of the hole 106 can be
vertical
through (L e., perpendicular to) the inner portion 172. Alternatively, as
shown for example in
Figures 4A-C below, the wall 114 can traverse the inner portion 172 at a non-
normal (non-
= perpendicular) angle. Aside from a circular shape, each hole 106 can have
one or more of a
number of other shapes, including but not limited to an oval, an ellipse, a
square, a rectangle,
a slit, a slot, a triangle, and a free-form shape.
[0032] The transition between the outer portion 170 and the inner portion
172 can be
substantially seamless, as shown in Figures 1A-D. Specifically, the inner wall
108 of the
outer portion 170 can be substantially vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the
top surface 104 of the
inner portion 172). Alternatively, as shown for example in Figures 4A-C, an
intermediate
section can mechanically couple the outer portion 170 to the inner portion
172. In such a
case, the intermediate section has walls that are non-normal to the top
surface 102 of the outer
portion 170 and/or the top surface 104 of the inner portion 172.
[0033] Figure 2 shows a top perspective view of another exemplary danuning
device
200 in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device 200
of Figure
2 is substantially the same as the damming device 100 of Figures 1A-D, except
that the
damming device 200 has multiple holes that traverse the inner portion 272.
Specifically, the
inner portion 272 includes a central hole 206 and a number of other holes 207
symmetrically
positioned around the central hole 206. The other holes 207 can be the same
size as each
other or one or more different sizes. Further, the central hole 206 can be the
same size and/or
a different size as one or more of the other holes 207. The central hole 206
and/or the other
holes 207 can also be arranged in one or more of a number of other ways,
including but not
limited to a grid (e.g., 2x2, 3x3), a square, a line, and randomly. When the
central hole 206
and/or the other holes 207 are circular, each may be defined in terms of one
or more radii.
[0034] In certain exemplary embodiments, the central hole 206 and/or the
other
holes 207 traverse one or more recessed portions 214 and 215, respectively,
that are
disposed within the inner portion 272.
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In Figure 2, there are seven recessed portions 215 disposed on the inner
portion 272, where each
recessed portion 215 is traversed by a hole 207. Such recessed portions 215
can have the same or
a different shape compared to the holes 207 that traverse the recessed
portions 215. In either case,
the shape of a hole 207 fits within the shape of the corresponding recessed
portion 215. In certain
exemplary embodiments, the hole 207 is the same size and shape as the
corresponding recessed
portion 215. In this example, the radius of the hole 207 is less than the
radius of the opening of
the recessed portion 215.
[0035] In addition to having a radius, each recessed portion 215 in
Figure 2 has a
thickness. In certain exemplary embodiments, the thickness of each recessed
portion 215 is less
than the thickness of the inner portion 272. The thickness of the recessed
portion 215 is defined
between the top surface 209 of the recessed portion 215 and the bottom surface
(hidden from
view) of the damming device 200. In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more
of the
recessed portions 215 do not have a corresponding hole. In such a case, the
thickness of the
recessed portion 215 may be very thin to allow a conductor to easily puncture
the thickness. When
this occurs, the flexible nature of the material of the recessed portion 215
allows the remainder of
the top surface 209 of the recessed portion 215 and the bottom surface of the
damming device 200
to create a liquid-tight seal around the annulus of the conductor. In such a
case, the material
(e.g., the remainder of the top surface 209 of the recessed portion 215, the
top surface 204 of the
inner portion 272) surrounding each hole through which the conductor traverses
is under tension
with respect to the conductor.
[0036] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland
assembly 300 using
the exemplary damming device 100 of Figures 1A-D in accordance with certain
exemplary
embodiments. The cable gland assembly 300 includes a hub body 350, a compound
chamber 362,
a union body 356, and a union body nut 358. In one or more embodiments, one or
more of the
components or elements shown in Figure 3 may be omitted, repeated, and/or
substituted.
Accordingly, embodiments of a cable gland assembly should not be considered
limited to the
specific configuration shown in Figure 3.
[0037] Referring to Figures 1A-D and Figure 3, the compound chamber
362 includes a
cavity 352 that traverses the length of the compound chamber 362. The cavity
352 of the
compound chamber 362 receives one or more conductors that traverse the damming
device
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Patent Application
100. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cavity 352 of the compound chamber
362 also
receives a sealing compound. The cavity 352 can have a substantially uniform
horizontal
cross-sectional area along the length of the cavity 352. Alternatively, the
horizontal cross-
sectional area along the length of the cavity 352 can vary. The cavity 352 is
wide enough to
allow one or more conductors to pass therethrough. In certain exemplary
embodiments, the
cavity 352 can be a hollow sleeve that is removably coupled to the inner wall
of the body of
the compound chamber 362.
[0038] As shown in Figure 3, a collar 353 can be positioned at the top end
of the
cavity 352. The collar 353 can be an extension of the cavity 352 and have a
larger horizontal
cross-sectional area than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the cavity
352. The transition
between the collar 353 and the cavity 352 can be abrupt (e.g., perpendicular
walls, as shown
in Figure 3) or tapered. The collar 353 can be a hollow sleeve that is
removably coupled to
the inner wall of the body of the compound chamber 362. In such a case, the
collar 353 and
the cavity 352 can be the same hollow sleeve. The body of the compound chamber
362
and/or the sleeve forming the collar 353 and/or the cavity 352 can be made of
one or more of
a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are
not limited to,
metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon.
[0039] The body of the compound chamber 362 has a number of features having
varying characteristics. For example, at the top end of the body of the
compound chamber
362, is a collar that extends along the perimeter of the top end. Such a
collar can have a
height suitable for mating against a corresponding downward protruding feature
at the bottom
end of the union body 356. Further, the collar can have a width suitable for
mating against a
portion of the bottom surface 112 of the damming device 100. As another
example, the
middle and bottom end of the body of the compound chamber 362 can have a
conical shape
with gradually decreasing thickness moving from the top to the bottom of the
compound
chamber 362.
[0040] In certain exemplary embodiments, the compound chamber 362 is seated
within a cavity of the hub body 350. The compound chamber 362 may be coupled
to the hub
body 350 in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to
fixedly, slidably,
removably, threadably, and mechanically. The hub body 350 includes a cavity
that traverses
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the length of the hub body 350. The hub body 350 can be made of one or more of
a number
of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited
to, metal,
plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The hub body 350 can be made of the same
or different
materials used for the compound chamber 362.
[0041] The cavity of the hub body 350 can have one or more features that
are
complementary of the features on the outer side of the body of the compound
chamber 362.
For example, the cavity walls of the hub body 350 can have smooth surfaces
that are disposed
at angles that complement the smooth surfaces of the outer walls of the
compound chamber
362. As another example, the cavity walls of the hub body 350 can have one or
more features
(e.g., a notch, a mating thread) that mechanically couple with complementary
features
disposed on the outer walls of the compound chamber 362.
[0042] In certain exemplary embodiments, when the compound chamber 362 is
positioned inside of and/or coupled to the hub body 350, there is a gap that
is formed around
at least a portion of the perimeter of the coupled components. A bottom
portion of the union
body 356 is positioned inside of this gap to mechanically couple the union
body 356 to the
hub body 350 and the compound chamber 362. The union body 356 also includes a
cavity
360 that traverses at least a portion of the union body 356 and through which
one or more
conductors are passed and/or positioned.
[0043] The union body 356 can be made of one or more of a number of
suitable
materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal,
plastic, rubber,
ceramic, and nylon. The union body 356 can be made of the same or different
materials used
for the compound chamber 362 and/or the hub body 350. Also, the shape (e.g.,
cylindrical) of
the cavity 360 of the union body 356 can be the same or different than the
shape of the cavity
352 and/or the collar 353 of the compound chamber 362.
[0044] When the union body 356 is mechanically coupled to the compound
chamber
362 and the hub body 350, a gap is formed. The gap is sized such that the
damming device
100 fits snugly within the gap. The damming device 100 can snap into place or
merely fit
within the gap formed by the union body 356, the compound chamber 362, and the
hub body
350. In exemplary embodiments, the damming device 100 is not compressed when
positioned
in the gap between the union body 356, the compound chamber 362, and the hub
body 350.
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Patent Application
In other words, no compressive force is applied to the damming device 100 by
the union body
356, the compound chamber 362, and/or the hub body 350. In certain exemplary
embodiments, the damming device 100 is held in the gap under tension and
without being
compressed.
[0045] The damming mechanism 100 can be positioned within the gap between
the
union body 356, the compound chamber 362, and the hub body 350 in one or more
of a
number of ways. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the damming device 100 can
be
positioned in the gap with the bottom surface 112 facing down toward the
compound chamber
362. As another example, the damming device 100 can be positioned in the gap
with the
bottom surface 112 facing up away from the compound chamber 362.
[0046] In certain exemplary embodiments, the union body nut 358 is used
to
mechanically couple the union body 356, the compound chamber 362, and/or the
hub body
350. The union body nut 358 can be coupled to the union body 356 and/or the
hub body 350
in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to threadably,
removably,
clampably, and slidably. In other words, the union body nut 358 can be a nut,
a clamp, a
brace, or any other suitable fastening device that mechanically couples the
union body 356,
the compound chamber 362, and/or the hub body 350. The union body nut 358 can
be made
of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials
include, but are
not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The union body nut
358 can be
made of the same or different materials used for the union body 356, the
compound chamber
362, and/or the hub body 350.
[0047] Figures 4A-C show various views of another exemplary damming
device 400
in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device 400 is
similar to
the damming device 100 of Figures 1A-D and the damming device 200 of Figure 2,
with a
few modified and added features. For example, rather than the side wall 408
joining the outer
portion 470 and the inner portion 472 being vertical (i.e., substantially
perpendicular to the
top surface 402 of the outer portion 470 and the top surface 404 of the inner
portion 472), the
= side wall 408 is tapered inward. In other words, the side wall 408 forms
a conical shape, as
the outer radius 426 of the inner portion 472 is less than the inner radius
424 of the outer
portion 470.
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[0048] With respect to the damming device 200 of Figure 2, the recessed
portions 474
of the damming device 400 also have tapered side walls 414, creating a conical
shape where
the inner radius 427 of the bottom end of the recessed portion 474 is less
than the outer radius=
429 of the top end of the recessed portion 474. The bottom end of the recessed
portion 474
has a thickness 434 between the surface 409 at the bottom end of the recessed
portion 474 and
the bottom surface 412 of the damming device 400.
[0049] The surface 409 at the bottom end of each recessed portion 474 is
shown in
Figures 4A-C to have a hole 406. One or more of the holes 406 can be
fabricated during the
manufacturing process of the damming device 400. Alternatively, one or more of
the holes
406 can be made by puncturing the thickness 434 between the surface 409 at the
bottom end
of the recessed portion 474 and the bottom surface 412 of the damming device
400 with an
object. Examples of such an object can include, but are not limited to, a
conductor, a nail, and
a pin.
[0050] An added feature of the damming device 400 relative to damming
device 100
and damming device 200 is a vertically extending portion 476 that extends
downward from
the outer end of the outer portion 470. The vertically extending portion 476
has a width 421
(thickness) defined between the outer radius 420 of the damming device 400
(which coincides
with the outer wall 410 of the vertically extending portion 476) and the inner
radius 422 of the
vertically extending portion 476 (which coincides with the inner wall 411 of
the vertically
extending portion 476). The width 421 of the vertically extending portion 476
can be
substantially similar to the thickness 432 of the outer portion 470.
[0051] In addition, the vertically extending portion 476 has a height 433
that is less
than the height 435 of the entire damming device 400, but greater than the
thickness 434 of
the recessed portion 474, the thickness 430 of the inner portion 472, and the
thickness 432 of
the outer portion 470. In certain exemplary embodiments, the vertically
extending portion
476 is part of the outer portion 470, forming a single= piece. Alternatively,
the vertically
extending portion 476 is a separate piece that is mechanically coupled to the
outer portion
470.
[0052] In certain exemplary embodiments, the existence of the vertically
extending
portion 476 (including the width 421 and height 433 of the vertically
extending portion 476),
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the degree to which the side wall 408 connecting the outer portion 470 to the
inner portion
472 is tapered, and/or the thickness between the side wall 408 and the side
wall 416 are based
on the shape and size of the gap formed by the components of the cable gland
connector 500
when such components are assembled. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view
of a cable
gland assembly 500 using the exemplary damming device 400 of Figures 4A-C in
accordance
with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to Figures 4A-5, the upper
portion of the
compound chamber 562 is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of
the
underside of the damming device 400. Likewise, the bottom portion of the union
body 556 is
shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side and top of the
damming device
400. Otherwise, the cable gland assembly 500 of Figure 5 is substantially
similar to the cable
gland assembly 300 of Figure 3 described above.
[0053] Figures 6A and 6B show various views of another exemplary damming
device
600 in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device 600
is similar
to the damming device 100 of Figures 1A-D and the damming device 200 of Figure
2, with a
few modified and added features. For example, rather than the outer portion
670 extending
above the inner portion 672, the outer portion 670 extends below the inner
portion 672. As
with the damming device 400 of Figures 4A-C, the recessed portions 674 of
Figures 6A and
6B have tapered side walls 614, creating a conical shape where the inner
radius 627 of the
bottom end of the recessed portion 674 is less than the outer radius 629 of
the top end of the
recessed portion 674. The bottom end of the recessed portion 674 has a
thickness 634
between the surface 609 at the bottom end of the recessed portion 674 and the
bottom surface
612 of the inner portion 672.
[0054] In certain exemplary embodiments, the downward extension of the
outer
portion 470, the degree to which the inner side wall 611 of the outer portion
670 is angled (in
this case, perpendicular) relative to the inner portion 672, and/or the
thickness 621 of the outer
portion 670 are based on the shape and size of the gap formed by the
components of the cable
gland connector 700 when such components are assembled. Figure 7 shows a cross-
sectional
side view of a cable gland assembly 700 using the exemplary damming device 600
of Figures
6A and 6B in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to
Figures 6A-7,
the upper portion of the compound chamber 762 is shaped in a way that is
complementary to
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Patent Application
the shape of the underside of the damming device 600. Likewise, the bottom
portion of the
union body 756 is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the
side and top of
the damming device 600. Otherwise, the cable gland assembly 700 of Figure 7 is
substantially similar to the cable gland assembly 300 of Figure 3 described
above.
[0055] Figures 8A and 8B show various views of another exemplary damming
device
800 in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device 800
is similar
to the damming device 100 of Figures IA-D and the damming device 200 of Figure
2, with a
few modified and added features. For example, as with the damming device 400
of Figures
4A-C, the recessed portions 874 of Figures 8A and 8B have tapered side walls
814, creating a
conical shape where the inner radius 827 of the bottom end of the recessed
portion 874 is less
than the outer radius 829 of the top end of the recessed portion 874. The
bottom end of the
recessed portion 874 has a thickness 834 between the surface 809 at the bottom
end of the
recessed portion 874 and the bottom surface 812 of the damming device 800.
[0056] In certain exemplary embodiments, the width 821 of the outer portion
870, the
degree to which the outer side wall 810 of the outer portion 870 is angled (in
this case,
perpendicular) relative to the inner portion 872, and/or the thickness 830 of
the outer portion
870 are based on the shape and size of the gap formed by the components of the
cable gland
connector 900 when such components are assembled. Figure 9 shows a cross-
sectional side
view of a cable gland assembly 900 using the exemplary damming device 800 of
Figures 8A
and 8B in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to Figures
8A-9, the
upper portion of the compound chamber 962 is shaped in a way that is
complementary to the
shape of the underside of the damming device 800. Likewise, the bottom portion
of the union
body 956 is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side and
top of the
damming device 800. Otherwise, the cable gland assembly 900 of Figure 9 is
substantially
similar to the cable gland assembly 300 of Figure 3 described above.
[0057] Figures 10A and 10B show various views of another exemplary damming
device 1000 in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming
device 1000
is similar to the damming device 100 of Figures 1A-D and the damming device
200 of Figure
2, with a few modified and added features. For example, rather than the outer
portion 1070
extending above the inner portion 1072, the outer portion 1070 extends away
from the inner
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Patent Application
portion 1072. The outwardly extending portion 1076 has a width 1023 defined
between the
outer radius 1020 of the damming device 1000 (which coincides with the outer
wall 1010 of
the outwardly extending portion 1076) and the inner radius 1022 of the
outwardly extending
portion 1076 (which coincides with the outer wall 1016 of the outer portion
470).
[0058] As with the damming device 400 of Figures 4A-C, the recessed
portions 1074
of Figures 10A and 10B have tapered side walls 1014, creating a conical shape
where the
inner radius 1027 of the bottom end of the recessed portion 1074 is less than
the outer radius
1029 of the top end of the recessed portion 1074. The bottom end of the
recessed portion
1074 has a thickness 1034 between the surface 1009 at the bottom end of the
recessed portion
1074 and the bottom surface 1012 of the inner portion 1072.
[0059] In addition, the outwardly extending portion 1076 has a thickness
1031
(height) that is less than the thickness 1030 of the outer portion 1070, but
greater than the
thickness 1036 of the recessed portion 1074 and the thickness 1034 of the
inner portion 1072.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the outwardly extending portion 1076 is part
of the outer
portion 1070, forming a single piece. Alternatively, the outwardly extending
portion 1076 is a
separate piece that is mechanically coupled to the outer portion 1070.
[0060] In certain exemplary embodiments, the existence of the outwardly
extending
portion 1076 (including the width 1023 and thickness 1031 of the outwardly
extending
portion 1076), the degree to which the outer side wall 1016 of the outer
portion 1070 is angled
(in this case, perpendicular) relative to the outwardly extending portion
1076, and/or the
thickness between the side wall 1008 and the side wall 1016 are based on the
shape and size
of the gap formed by the components of the cable gland connector 1100 when
such
components are assembled. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a
cable gland
assembly 1100 using the exemplary damming device 1000 of Figures 10A and 10B
in
accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to Figures 10A-11,
the upper
portion of the compound chamber 1162 is shaped in a way that is complementary
to the shape
of the underside of the damming device 1000. Likewise, the bottom portion of
the union
body 1156 is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side
and top of the
damming device 1000. Otherwise, the cable gland assembly 1100 of Figure 11 is
substantially similar to the cable gland assembly 300 of Figure 3 described
above.
CA 02875463 2014-12-19
Patent Application
[0061] Figures 12-14 show various alternative embodiments of the cable
gland
assembly shown in Figure 3 in accordance with certain example embodiments.
Specifically,
Figures 12-14 show various other locations within the cable gland assembly
that an example
damming device can be disposed. In one or more example embodiments, one or
more of the
components shown in Figures 12-14 may be omitted, repeated, and/or
substituted.
Accordingly, example embodiments of cable gland assemblies (or portions
thereof) should
not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in
Figures 12-14.
[0062] Referring now to Figures 1A-14, the cable gland assembly 1200 of
Figure 12,
the cable gland assembly 1300 of Figure 13, and the cable gland assembly of
Figure 14
(including its various components) are substantially the same as the cable
gland assembly 300
(and its various components) of Figure 3, except as described below. The
description for any
component (e.g., union body nut 1258, hub body 1450) of Figures 12-14 not
provided below
can be considered substantially the same as the corresponding component (e.g.,
union body
nut 358, hub body 350) described above with respect to Figure 3. The numbering
scheme for
the components of Figures 12-14 parallel the numbering scheme for the
components of Figure
3 in that each component is a three digit number, where similar components
between the cable
gland assemblies of Figures 12-14 and the cable gland assembly 300 of Figure 3
have the
identical last two digits.
[0063] Further, while the damming device 100 of Figure 1 is shown in each
cable
gland assembly of Figures 12-14, any damming device shown and/or described
herein can be
used in one or more of the example cable gland assemblies of Figures 12-.14.
Similarly, while
the cable gland assemblies of Figures 12-14 are based substantially on the
cable gland
assembly 300 of Figure 3, one or more of the cable gland assemblies of Figures
12-14 can
have any of a number of other configurations and/or components.
[0064] The principal difference between the cable gland assemblies shown in
Figures
12-14 and the cable gland assembly 300 of Figure 3 is the location at which
the damming
device 100 is disposed within the cable gland assembly. The damming device 100
can be
disposed at one or more of a number of locations within a cable gland
assembly. In any case,
the damming device 100 can be disposed within a receiving area, which can also
be called, for
example, a gap or a slot. In the examples shown in the previous figures
herein, the damming
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Patent Application
device is disposed in a receiving area formed between the top portion of the
compound
chamber and the bottom portion of the union body. Figures 12-14 show other
locations
within the cable gland assembly that a receiving area (and, thus, a damming
device) can be
disposed.
[0065] For the cable gland assembly 1200 in Figure 12, the receiving area
1299 is
formed within the cavity 1260 of the union body 1256. Specifically, the one or
more inner
walls 1257 of the union body 1256 that form the cavity 1260 can have one or
more features
that form the receiving area 1299 for receiving the damming device 100. Such
features can
include, but are not limited to, a slot, a detent, mating threads, a
stiffening device, a spring, a
clip, a tab, and a recess. The receiving area 1299 can be located at any point
along the length
of the cavity 1260. Thus, when the damming device 100 is positioned within the
receiving
area 1299, the damming device 100 can be located inside the cavity 1260 of the
union body
1256. In certain example embodiments, when the damming device 100 is
positioned within
the receiving area 1299, the damming device 100 can be under tension.
[0066] For the cable gland assembly 1300 in Figure 13, the receiving area
1399 is
formed within the cavity 1352 of the compound chamber 1362. Specifically, the
one or more
inner walls 1367 of the compound chamber 1362 that form the cavity 1352 can
have one or
more features that form the receiving area 1399 for receiving the damming
device 100. Such
features can be substantially the same as the features described above with
respect to the
features of the receiving area 1299 of Figure 12. The receiving area 1399 can
be located at
any point along the length of the cavity 1352. Thus, when the damming device
100 is
positioned within the receiving area 1399, the damming device 100 can be
located inside the
cavity 1352 of the compound chamber 1362. In certain example embodiments, when
the
damming device 100 is positioned within the receiving area 1399, the damming
device 100
can be under tension.
[0067] For the cable gland assembly 1400 in Figure 14, the receiving area
1499 is
formed within the collar 1453 of the compound chamber 1462. The collar 1453
can be part
of, or separate from, the cavity 1452 of the compound chamber 1462.
Specifically, the one or
more inner walls 1455 of the compound chamber 1362 that form the collar 1453
can have one
or more features that form the receiving area 1499 for receiving the damming
device 100.
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Patent Application
Such features can be substantially the same as the features described above
with respect to the
features of the receiving area 1299 of Figure 12. The receiving area 1499 can
be located at
any point along the length of the collar 1453. Thus, when the damming device
100 is
positioned within the receiving area 1499, the damming device 100 can be
located inside the
collar 1453 of the compound chamber 1462. In certain example embodiments, when
the
damming device 100 is positioned within the receiving area 1499, the damming
device 100
can be under tension.
[0068] In certain example embodiments, a cable gland assembly can include
multiple
receiving areas to receive multiple damming devices. In such a case, the
multiple receiving
areas can be disposed in one component (e.g., union body, compound chamber) or
a number
of components of the cable gland assembly. In addition, or in the alternative,
when multiple
example damming devices are used, one damming device can be the same as or
different than
the other damming devices used in the cable gland assembly. When the damming
device is
disposed in a receiving area, the one or more features of the receiving area
can put the
damming device under tension. In addition, or in the alternative, when the
damming device is
disposed in a receiving area, the assembly of one or more components of the
cable gland
assembly can put the damming device under tension.
[0069] Exemplary embodiments described herein provide for a damming device
for
cable sealing. Specifically, exemplary embodiments are directed to a damming
device that is
inserted into a gap formed within a cable gland connector. In such an
assembly, the
exemplary damming device fits within the gap under tension, as opposed to
under
compression. The exemplary damming device has a thicker perimeter (outer
portion). In
addition, certain exemplary damming devices have a curved collar (e.g., a
tapered section
joining the inner portion and the outer portion). Also, exemplary damming
devices described
herein have a thinner section (less thickness in the inner portion and/or the
recessed portion)
to make the damming device easily flexible and conforming around the cable.
[0070] One or more of these characteristics of the exemplary damming
device creates
a liquid-tight seal around the annulus of the one or more conductors that pass
through the
damming device while the damming device is positioned within the gap formed by
one or
more components of the cable gland connector. In such a case, portions of the
damming
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= Patent Application
device surrounding the hole through which the conductor traverses can be under
tension with
respect to the conductor. As a result, little to no sealing compound, injected
into the
compound chamber of the cable gland connector to seal the conductor, leaks
into the union
body of the cable gland connector.
[0071] Although
the embodiments herein are described with reference to preferred
and/or exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that
various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.
From the
foregoing, it will be appreciated that embodiments herein overcome the
limitations of the
prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary
embodiments are not
limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments
described herein
are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary
embodiments,
equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those
skilled in the art,
and ways of constructing other embodiments will suggest themselves to
practitioners of the
art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodiments is not limited herein.
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