MXPA06004447A - A collet-type splice and dead end fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to collet-type fittings (201) for use in collet-typesplices and collet-type dead ends and methods for splicing together two aluminum conductor composite core reinforced cables (ACCC) or terminating one ACCC cable. The collet-type fittings (201) comprise a collet (202) coincident with a collet housing (204) to hold the composite cores. The composite cores can be stripped of the aluminum conductor to provide a bond between the collet (202) and the composite core. After inserting the composite core into the collet (202), a compression element (206) compresses the collet (202). The collet (202) holds the composite core with frictional forces and the collet (202) further compresses and strengthens the hold on the composite core if the composite core pulls the collet (202) further into the collet housing (204).

Description

METAL RING TYPE AND CLOSED END ADAPTERS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for splicing and terminating electrical cables. More particularly, the invention relates to several adapters capable of joining two composite core cables through the composite load bearing cores and to several adapters that can terminate or close ends of the composite core cables.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE TECHNIQUE The blackouts in 2003 that affected the United States, Britain and France have shown an urgent need to update the world's energy grids. An elegant and immediate solution is the replacement of existing conductors with reinforced composite core cables. An example of a composite core reinforced cable, the ACCC cable, is described in PCT Application No. PCT / US03 / 12520, which is incorporated herein by reference. Later, the ACCC cable will be used to represent all the composite core cables. These ACCC cables provide a largely increasing ampacity. In some solutions, the ACCC cable can provide a 100% increase in ampacity.

The replacement of outdated cables with ACCC cables is an obvious and effective method to increase the capabilities of the world's electrical transmission and distribution systems. To replace old cables, line installers will be needed to install ACCC cables or other composite core cables in existing structures. Unfortunately, the current methods and devices to install these cables do not exist. To install the ACCC cables, the line installers must be able to splice the cables and join the cables to poles or structures using dead ends. Unfortunately, existing devices and methods will not be effective. While the cable lengths for an individual ACCC cable chain can cover several hundred meters, the power grid requires hundreds or thousands of cables. To separate these distances, line installers must couple or adapt two smaller cable lapses. The splice functions both as a mechanical connection that holds the two ends of the cables together and an electrical connection that allows electric current to flow over or through the splice. With the traditional aluminum conductor steel reinforced cable (ACSR), the cable is formed from a group of twisted aluminum conductors wrapped around a core of steel cables. The aluminum conductor mostly functions as the electrical conductor, while the steel core provides the resistance member. The aluminum conductor does not carry any load, and the steel core helps to conduct some electrical current. To join the two lapses of ACSR, the line installers use a device ta! as a full tension compression splice. Hubbell / Fargo Manufacturing of Poughkeepsie, New York, offers these types of splices. For this device, a lineman removes the aluminum away from the steel core. A sleeve or die is placed over the exposed core end. The line installer leaves a small part of the steel core exposed beyond the end of the sleeve. A compression screw press is used to secure the sleeve to the steel core. The sleeve and the steel core of both cables are then inserted into a second tube. The tube is long enough to cover the sleeve and part of the aluminum conductor that was not dismantled. This tube is also limited with a compression screw braid. These elements create compression adapters that hold both the aluminum conductor and the steel core.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem The described method works well with ACSR cables, but being effective with ACCC cables. First, the aluminum conductor is not a load bearing member in the ACCC cable.

In this way, limiting a tube to the aluminum conductor does not hold together the load bearing members of the composite core of the two cables. In addition, the exceptional limiting force used, around 60 tons psi, can compress the composite core. In that way, the methods used for ACSR cables are cracked because the methods do not provide a good mechanical coupling between the load bearing members of the ACCC cables. In the compounding industry, compound members often adhere together. A special glue, epoxy, or adhesive is applied to the compound and the member being fixed to the compound. Unfortunately, several problems occur with these adhesive bonds. First, the adhesives do not spread the forces applied to the joint across the entire area of the joint. More than that, the forces tend to be located along a 2.54 or 5.08 centimeters of the union. With incredible tensile forces in the cables (up to 60,000 pounds or more), the adhesive bonds tend to fail in successive 2.54-centimeter regions until the full bond is compromised. Also, binding to a composite member tends to apply forces to the outer fibers in the composite. In that way, like the construction forces, the fibers on the outside of the composite fail, and then the joint also fails. To compensate for that, some composite manufacturers splice the compounds in their length along a precise angle. Then, the two spliced compounds are joined along the splice. This union distributes the forces along the fibers not only those on the outside of the compound. Unfortunately, the composite core of an ACCC cable is small. Making the joints in these cores would be extremely difficult. In addition, joining the compounds would require special tools, materials, and training beyond those currently enjoyed by a lineman. The use of adhesives in the field is also difficult due to environmental contaminants, such as moisture, dust, and other materials in the air, which can affect proper mixing and configuration of the adhesives. To terminate a cable, a line installer usually installs a dead end. Similar devices and methods are used for splicing in the industry to install dead ends. In that way, there are the same problems mentioned above also for the dead ends. Thus, there is a need for a cable splice for reinforced ACCC cables and other composite core cables, there is a need for a cable dead end for these composite core cables.

Technical Solution Reinforced ACCC cables provide a utility or energy provider with superior properties. Increased ampacity can be achieved by using an ACCC cable. With the benefits provided by ACCC cables, utilities are becoming reinforced ACCC cables to update and improve old transmission and distribution cables. Unfortunately, the methods and systems to install these cables have yet to be created. The present invention provides metal ring type adapters both for coupling two ACCC cables together to terminate the ACCC cables. In addition, the present invention provides methods for coupling and terminating ACCC cables. In one embodiment, the invention describes a metal ring-type adapter for a reinforced core cable of aluminum conductor composite, the cable having a composite core surrounded by a conductor. The metal ring type adapter comprises: A metal ring having at least one lumen for receiving the composite core of the cable; a metal ring housing coinciding with the metal ring, wherein the metal ring housing comprises a substantially mirror configuration for the metal ring to allow compression of the metal ring and wherein, the metal ring housing has an opening to expose at least a lumen to allow the metal ring to receive the core of cable compound; and a compression element that engages with the metal ring housing, wherein the compression member compresses the metal ring into the metal ring housing, and where the metallic ring compresses a compressive and frictional force on the composite core of the cable .

In accordance with the invention, the metal ring-type adapter uses a metal ring within a metal ring housing, or collectively, the metal ring assembly, to hold the composite cores. The composite core cables can be removed from the aluminum conductor to provide the best connection between the metal ring and the composite core, which is the load-bearing member of the cable. After inserting the composite core into the metal ring assembly, a compression element can be used to compress the metal ring (s) against the composite core. This "pre-establishment" of the metal ring (s) against the core allows the metal ring assembly to establish an initial grip. In the preferred embodiment, the threaded section of the eye screw or other transmission component can be inserted deep into the metal ring housing, allowing contact with the upper part of the metal ring (s). While the coiled section of the eye screw or other device makes initial contact, the continued twisting force of the threaded components allows a satisfactory initial grip to be established. The range of torsion values required may be 50 to 250 pounds of centimeter and more preferably between 75 to 100 pounds of centimeter. The shape of the metal ring housing forces the metal ring to increase the compressive force while moving further away from the metal ring housing. These compressive forces create a huge friction joint between the metal ring and the composite core. The friction joint holds the composite core to the metal ring. The compression adapter can be covered by an aluminum housing to transfer the electrical current over the splice. This compression adapter allows a good electrical metallic connection. The invention further discloses a method for splicing together a first reinforced core cable composed of an aluminum conductor and a second core reinforced cable composed of an aluminum conductor, each cable having a composite core surrounded by a conductor. The method comprises the weights of exposing a composite core of a first cable; exposing a core composed of a second cable; inserting the composite cores of the cables into separate metallic ring type adapters, wherein the insertion process further comprises inserting the composite core into a metal ring; compress the metal ring to hold the composite core frictionally; and coupling a connecting device to each of the separate metallic ring-type adapters to hold together the metal ring-type adapters. In another embodiment, the invention further discloses a method for terminating a reinforced core cable composed of an aluminum conductor, the cable having a composite core surrounded by a conductor. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of exposing a composite core of the cable; inserting the composite core of the cable into a metallic ring type dead end adapter, wherein the insertion process further comprises inserting the composite core into a metal ring; compress the metal ring to hold the composite core frictionally; attach a connector to the metal ring-type dead end adapter; and joining the connector to a structure to physically end the dead end. The dead ends apply the same device and type method. The dead ends and splices and other features of the invention are better understood by reference to the detailed description of the invention, by lightly reading the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of the mode of a reinforced cable of a composite core. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a modality of a metallic ring-type splice and its corresponding elements according to the present invention. Figure 2B is an expanded cross-sectional view of a portion of the metal ring type adapter and its corresponding elements as shown in Figure 2A. Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of a metal ring and a metal ring housing according to the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a dead end modality of a metal ring type and some of its corresponding elements according to the present invention. To clarify, each drawing includes reference numbers. These reference numbers follow a common nomenclature. The reference number will have 3 or 4 digits. The first or first two digits represent the number of the drawing where the reference number was used first. For example, a reference number first used in drawing one will have a number like 1XX, while a first used number from drawing 5 will have a number like 5XX. Two seconds two numbers represent a specific article within a drawing. An item in drawing one will be 101 while another item will be 102. Similar reference numbers used in other drawings represent the same item. For example, reference number 102 in Figure 3 is the same article as that shown in Figure 1.

Best Mode The present invention relates to metal ring-type adapters used to couple and terminate reinforced ACCC 100 cables. Metal ring-type adapters can be coupled together to composite cores 101 of ACCC 100 cables. Composite cores 101, the splice must provide an electrical connection between two or more reinforced ACCC 100 cables. Alteively, metallic ring type adapters may terminate an ACCC cable. The metal ring type adapter may comprise a metal ring 202, a metal ring housing 204, at least one compression implementation 206. In other embodiments, the metal ring type adapter 201 may also include an aluminum fill sleeve 208 and the metal ring splice 200 may include an aluminum housing 210, which can cover the two metal ring-type adapters 201 and the connecting device 214. In one embodiment, the compression element 206 and the connecting device 214 are formed in a single piece. However, one skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments wherein these elements are formed of separate parts. The metallic ring-type adapter elements 201 function to mate with the composite core 101 of the ACCC cable 100 and compress the metal ring 202 so that the friction supports the composite core 101. Each element will be explained later. Alteively, the elements of the metal ring type adapter 201 work to terminate the end of the ACCC cable. In accordance with the invention, a metal ring type adapter 201 utilizes a metal ring 202 within a metal ring housing 204, or collectively, the metal ring assembly, to hold the core or composite cores. The composite core wires 100 can be removed from the aluminum conductor to provide the best connection between the metal ring 202 and the composite core 101, which is the load bearing member of the cable 100. After inserting the composite core 101 into the metal ring assembly, a compression element 206 can be used to compress the metal ring (s) 202 against the composite core 101. This "pre-establishment" of the metal ring (s) ( s) 202 against the core 101 allows the metal ring assembly 202 to establish an initial grip. In the preferred embodiment, the threaded section of the eye screw or other termination component can be inserted deep into the metal ring housing 204, allowing contact with the top of the metal ring (s) 202 While the threaded section of the eye screw or other devices makes initial contact, the continued torque of the threaded components allows a satisfactory initial grip to be established. The range of torque values required may vary from 50 to 250 pounds of meters and more preferably between 75 to 100 pounds of meters. The shape of the metal ring housing 204 forces the metal ring 202 to increase the compressive force while moving further away from the metal ring housing 204. These compressive forces create enormous friction junction between the metal ring 202 and the composite ring 101. The friction joint holds the composite core 101 to the metal ring 202. The compression fitting 201 can be covered by an aluminum housing 210 for transferring electrical current over the splice. This compression adapter allows a good mechanical and electrical connection.

Mode For The Invention The present invention will now be described more fully than with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention, however, can be represented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the modalities mentioned here. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that the description is fully transported within the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale but are configured to clearly illustrate the invention. Through this description, the term "couple", "couple" or "coupled" means any type of physical connection or connection of two parts. The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for splicing together two composite core reinforced cables 101. Figure 1 illustrates one embodiment of an ACCC 100 reinforced cable. Figure 1 illustrates an ACCC reinforced cable 100 having an internal core of resin composite / reinforced carbon epoxy 104 and an outer core of reinforced glass fiber / epoxy resin composite 102, surrounded by a first aluminum conductor layer 106A wherein a plurality of trapezoidal aluminum threads are covered around the core Composite 101, are surrounded by a second aluminum conductor layer 106B wherein a plurality of trapezoidal shaped aluminum threads are wrapped around the first aluminum layer 106A.

For this description, the coupling and dead end adapters will be explained using this embodiment of composite core cable 100 as an example. However, the splice and dead end adapters can be used with any form of reinforced composite core 100 cables. To determine how to make the splice or dead end, an understanding of the forces affecting the 100 cable is needed. The explanations that follow apply to an ACCC cable that is Drake style ACSR equivalent. For this type of cable 100, the required tensile force that a splice must maintain a minimum of 95% of the measured resistance of the cable. In the case of an ACCC cable fitted to Drake, which has a resistance measurement of 18,160 kg, the minimum 95% is approximately 17,683.3 kg. In this way, the splice must be able to maintain a tension force of around 18,160 kg. In a friction adapter explained below, the splice or dead end against attacks the tension force by making a frictional coupling between the adapters and the composite core 101. In order to keep the composite core 101 from sliding off the splice or dead end, the force frictional must be the same or greater than the tension force. To maintain a tension force of 18,160 kg, the splice or dead end must apply a frictional force of 18,160 kg or more. A frictional force is a function of the area under contact, the compressive force of the contact, and the coefficient of friction. The frictional force is calculated according to the equation below: Frictional Force: (Friction Coefficient) x (Compressive Force) x (Area). As mentioned above, the friction force must be equal to or greater than the tension load in the cable 100. In this way, the friction force must be at least 18,160 kg. For the purposes of this modality, the Friction Coefficient must be assumed to be one. The composite core 101 of the ACCC cable '100. may be capable of withstanding a compressive force of up to 4,540 kg. For safety purposes, a compressive force of less than 1816 kg can be used. The area under contact is the product of the composite core length 101 established at the splice or dead end times of the outer circumference of the composite core 101. The circumference of a composite core 101, with an external diameter .371 is about 4,304 centimeters. The amount of friction force can be adjusted by placing more or less than one length of the composite core 101 under compression. In this example, the length under compression could be 30.48 centimeters. As an example, 30.48 centimeters of composite core 101, with a circumference of 4.34, would need to compress 1293.9 kg to achieve 18,160 kg of friction force. One skilled in the art will recognize how to apply these formulas to determine how to modify dead ends and splices in accordance with the present invention. In preliminary tests, the splice of the present invention, with similar dimensions, was able to withstand a tension force of over 19,068 kg.

Metal ring type splicing. The present invention relates to various adapters used for splicing reinforced cables of ACCC 100. The main load bearing element of ACCC cable 100 is composite core 101. Therefore, it is advantageous to have a splicing apparatus that can maintain together the composite cores 101 of the ACCC 100 cables. In addition to keeping composite cores 101 together, the splice must provide an electrical connection between two or more reinforced ACCC 100 cables.

Metallic Ring Type Adapters One embodiment of a metallic ring type splice is shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B. Referring to Figure 2A, the metal ring type splice mode 200 includes two metal ring type adapters 201 coupled through a connecting device 218. In this embodiment, the metal ring type adapter 201 may include, but is not limited to, a metal ring 202, a metal ring housing 204 at least one compression implementation 206. In other embodiments, the metal ring type adapter 201 may also include an aluminum filler cap 208 and the metal ring type splice. 200 can include an aluminum housing 210, which can cover the two metal ring type adapters 201 and the connecting device 218. In the embodiment presented in the drawings, the compression element 206 and the connecting device 218 are formed of a individual piece. However, one skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments wherein these elements are formed of separate parts. The metal ring-type adapter elements 201 function to mate with the composite core 101 of the ACCC cable 100 and compress the metal ring 202 so that the friction retains the composite core 101. Each element will be explained later. Figure 2B is an expanded view of Figure 2A illustrating one embodiment of a portion of the metal ring type adapter 201 comprising a metal ring 202, a metal ring housing 204, a lumen 214 for receiving the core 101 and an element of compression 206. In Figure 2B the core 101 is inserted into the lumen 214. As it was termed herein, the metal ring 202 is a structure that may be compressed under high pressure. In one embodiment, the metal ring 202 can be a conical piece with a lumen 214 concentrically oriented along the length of the metal ring 202. The lumen 214 accepts the composite core 101. The outer diameter of the metal ring 202 increases from a first end 220 of metal ring 202 to a second end 222, but the inner radius of lumen 214 remains constant. While the metal ring 202 is preferably formed of two or more sections, it is contemplated that the metal ring 202 may be formed by one or more sections. The inclination or external change in the diameter of the first end 220 to the second end 222 of the metal ring 202 must be neither too shallow nor too steep. If the inclination is too shallow, the metal ring 202 may be forcedly pulled through the end of the metal ring housing 204. Similarly, if the inclination is too steep, the metal ring 202 will not slide into the metal ring housing. 204 and will apply increasing compressive forces in the composite core 101. In an illustrative embodiment, the metal ring 202 has an outer radius at the first end 220 of 0.828 centimeters and an external radius at the second end 222 of 1333 centimeters. A metal ring 202 may be made of any material that may be formed into an appropriate shape and may be used to put compressive forces on the composite core 101. Examples of such materials may include, but are not limited to, semi-malleable metals. or polymers that can be compressed. One embodiment of the metal ring 202 is that it is made of aluminum. The aluminum provides sufficient workability to form around the composite core 101 during compression but maintain its overall shape with the metal ring housing 204. The metal ring 202 provides a lumen 214 for receiving and engaging the composite core 101. The lumen 214 provides the female end of the male with the composite core 101. In one embodiment, the lumen 214 fits perfectly to the composite core 101. In summary, the internal shape and size of the lumen 214 is substantially the same as the external shape and size of the composite core. exposed 101. Figure 2 shows the metal ring 202, its corresponding lumen 214, and the composite core 101 having a generally circular cross section. However, the composite core 101, the metal ring 202 and the lumen 214 may have other shapes for the transverse profiles. In the illustrative embodiment show in Figure 2A to Figure 2B, the lumen 214 extends within the metal ring 202 concentrically along the length of the metal ring 202. In the embodiment shown, there are two separate and different metal rings 214, with a connecting device 218 that separates and connects the two rings metallic 202. Another element of the metal ring type adapter 201 is the metal ring housing 204 coincident with the metal ring. The metal ring housing 204 may comprise a substantially mirror configuration for that of the metal ring 202 to allow the metal ring 202 to fit within the metal ring housing 204 and further, to allow compression of the metal ring 202. Generally, a mirror configuration provides that the metal ring housing 204 has substantially the same general internal shape as the external shape of the metal ring 202. In an exemplary embodiment, the metal ring housing 204 is a tubular piece with a funnel-shaped interior as shown in FIG. Figure 2B. However, the invention is not limited to that embodiment but any shape that can be encapsulated by the metal ring 202 can be assumed. The metal ring housing 204 causes the metal ring 202 to further compress around and in the composite core 101 while the ring metallic 202 slides further into the metal ring housing 204, as will be explained in more detail here below. In that way, the metal ring housing 204 must maintain its shape when the metal ring 202 is being compressed and pressed into the inner walls of the metal ring housing 204. The metal ring housing 204 may be made of several rigid materials. The materials may include, but are not limited to, compounds, graphites, hardened materials, or other materials that are sufficiently rigid and strong. In an illustrative embodiment, the metal ring housing 204 is formed of steel. The metal ring 202 and the metal ring housing 204 must be made of materials that allow the metal ring 202 to slide into the metal ring housing 204 without bonding. The metal ring housing 204 provides openings to allow the metal ring 202 to receive and engage with the composite cores 101. The embodiment shown has a first opening end 226 and a second opening end 224. In addition, the metal ring housing 204 it may also provide a coupling for the compression element 206. The engagement with compression member 206 allows initial compression of the metal ring 202 against the composite core 101 by directing the metal ring 202 downwardly within the metal ring housing 204. The element The compression member 206 is the metal ring compression device or means 202. Thus, the compression element 206 is any mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, or other device that can compress the metal ring 202. In an illustrative embodiment, the compression element 206 is a compression screw 206. In this embodiment, the metal ring housing 204 comprises a series of slots 203 for receiving the screw screw compression 206. However, in other embodiments the compression element 206 may use other devices and openings to compress the metal ring 202. Here below, the element compression 206 will be described as a compression screw 206, but the invention does not mean that it is limited to that embodiment. Referring to Figure 2A, the compression screw 206 is the threaded element that can connect the slot 203 in the metal ring housing 204. While a screw 206 is shown, the compression element 206 may also be a nut, which it is an independent element of the connecting device 218. The compression screw 206 or compression nut 206 may have a center or a hollow cavity. This center or rounded cavity may allow the composite core 101 to pass through the compression nut 206 or the compression screw 206. The compression screw 206 may have a series of threads along the external surface of the screw 206. These threads may be attached to the screw 206 for the metal ring housing 204, which has related grooves 203 along the inner surface of the housing 204. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, the threads on one side of the connecting device 218 can rotate in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise). clock) of the threads on the other side of the connecting device 218. This configuration of the threads allows the connecting device 218 to be screwed into both metal ring type adapters 201 simultaneously. By tightening the compression screw 206, a compressive force is applied to the metal ring 202. This compressive force causes a compressive and frictional contact area between the metal ring 202 and the composite core 101. The frictional contact extends along the length of the lumen 214 and the composite core 101 that is positioned within the lumen 214. The compressive and frictional forces are those that support the composite core 101 in the metal ring 202. The edge of the lumen at the first end 220 may have a chamfer or bevel to prevent any concentration of force at the end of the metal ring 202. As shown in Figure 3, the tension in the cable 100 pulls the composite core 101 in the direction of the arrow 302. A friction area develops as length of the lumen 214 between the composite core 101 and the metal ring 202. As long as the tension pulls the composite core 101 in the direction of the arrow 302, the nucleus com station 101, connected to the metal ring 202 through the contact friction area, pulls the metal ring 202 further down into the metal ring housing 204, as represented by the arrow 304. The conical shape of the metal ring 202 and the funnel shape of the metal ring housing 204 create increased compression on the composite core 101 due to the decreasing volume within the metal ring housing 204 in the direction of the arrow 304. Thus, the force frictionally increases proportionally with the increase in compressive forces, which increase proportionally with the increase in tension forces. The increased frictional force ensures that the composite core 101 does not slide out of the metal ring 202 when the tension increases. Another component of the metallic ring type adapter 201 is an aluminum filler cap 208. The aluminum filler cap 208 can be inserted between the aluminum housing and the aluminum conductor 106 of the ACCC 100 cable. Aluminum 208 is required if the metal ring housing 204 and the metal ring 202 need an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the ACCC 100 wire. A larger external diameter of the metal ring housing 204 allows the metal ring to tilt 202 so that it is more inclined and less likely to be forced out of the metal ring housing 204 when it is pulled into the end of the metal ring housing 204. The aluminum filler sleeve 208 may have any shape for engaging within the aluminum housing 210 and the ACCC cable 100. In the illustrative embodiment, the aluminum filler cap 208 is a tube. This aluminum filler sleeve 208 can be made of any conductive material. In the illustrative embodiment, the aluminum filler cap 208 is made of aluminum to conform to the conductor chains 106 covering the ACCC cable 100 and the aluminum housing 210. The aluminum filler cap 208 allows the electrical current pass through the aluminum filler sleeve 208, into the aluminum housing 210, and into the next cable 100. The aluminum filler sleeve 208 may be limited to the cable 100 using standard limiting techniques with forces that will not damage the composite core 101. Metallic ring type adapter 300 may also include an aluminum housing 210. Aluminum housing 210 refers to any structure that functions as an electric jumper between the first cable 100a and the second cable 100b. An aluminum housing 210 conducts and passes the electrical current from one cable 100 to another. In a modality, the aluminum housing 210 can be a cable 100 which is limited to the conductors 106 of the first cable 100a and the second cable 100b. In an illustrative embodiment, the aluminum housing 210 is another hollow cylinder or tube that can be slid over the entire splice and contact the conductors 106 on both the first cable 100a and the second cable 100b. The aluminum housing 210 can be any electrically conductive material that can transport the electrical current from the first cable 100a, over the junction 200, to the second cable 100b. In the illustrative embodiment, the aluminum housing 210 is made of aluminum similar to that of the conductor chains 106 in the ACCC 100 cable. The aluminum housing 210 may be limited to both the first cable 100a and the second cable 100b using techniques of standard limitation with forces that will not damage the composite core 101. This embodiment of the aluminum housing 210 is shown in Figure 2 and is illustrative only. The aluminum housing 210 may have several transverse areas. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the aluminum housing 210, at some point along the length of the aluminum housing 210, exceeds the cross-sectional area of the conductors 106 in the cables 100. For example, the cross-sectional area of the housing aluminum 210 can be twice the cross-sectional area of the cable conductors 106. By increasing the cross-sectional area of the aluminum housing 210, the operating temperature of the aluminum housing 210 can be maintained lower than the cable conductors 106. This temperature lower protects the metal ring 202 and other parts of the metal ring type adapter 201 from being damaged due to the high operating temperatures.

A method for jointly splicing two ACCC cables. One embodiment the method for coupling two ACCC 100 cables is described below. First, the composite core 101 of the first cable 100a of the second cable 100b can be exposed by disassembling the conductors 106 covering the composite cores 101. Disassembling the conductors 106 can be done through a stripping tool. These tools and methods of stripping cable are well known in the art and will not be explained later. The metal ring 202 can be inserted into the metal ring housing 204 and an aluminum filler sleeve can be slid over the conductor of each wire 100. The aluminum housing 210 can also be slid over one of the wires 100. This step it should be contemplated before the metallic ring-type adapters 201 are engaged. Once the adapters 201 are engaged, the only method to put the aluminum housing 210 will be to slide over the entire length of one of the cables 100 until it reaches the splice However, other embodiments of the aluminum housing 210 may be placed on the splice afterwards in the process. The composite cores 101 can then be inserted into the lumen 214 of the metal ring 202. Inserting the composite cores 101 links the sliding of the cores 100 into their respective lumen 214. The core 100 may not reach the end of the metal ring 202 or may extend beyond the end of the metal ring 202. To create the compression fit and the frictional support in the composite core 101, the metal ring 202 is compressed. The compression element 206 is used to tighten the metal ring 202 in the metal ring housing 204. In the illustrative embodiment, the compression screw 206 is screwed into the receiving threads 203 of the metal ring housing 204 and then tightened 512. , which presses the metal ring 202 further into the metal ring housing 204. The metal ring 202 is tightened around the composite core 101 along the length of the composite core 101 inserted into the metal ring 202. Tighten the screw 206 in the metal ring housing 204 can be made before coupling the composite core 101 with the metal ring 202. The metal ring 202 in turn applies compressive forces in the composite core 101 of each wire 100. In one embodiment, the filling sleeve of aluminum 208 can be placed between the aluminum housing 210 and the cable conductors 106. The aluminum filler cap 208 and the housing The aluminum housing 210 can be limited to one or both cables 100. The boundary of the aluminum housing 210 ensures that they will not migrate from this position on the splice 200. In other embodiments, the aluminum filler cap 208 and the aluminum housing 210 they can be welded in one or both conductors 106 in the two cables 100. Even in another embodiment, the aluminum filler cap 208 and the aluminum housing 210 can be glued or bonded to a cable 100. Once they are joined, the aluminum housing 210 can convey electric current over the splice 200, with the help of the aluminum filler sleeve 208. An illustrative composite core 101 with a diameter of 0.942 centimeters can withstand compressive forces of about 703 kg / cm2. When the metal ring 202 is • compressed by the compression screw 206, the compressive forces must be below the compression limit of the composite core 101. Thus, the metal ring 202 should be compressed to less than about 703 kg / cm2. In an illustrative embodiment, the metal ring 202 is compressed at 281.2 kg / cm2 for a splice 200 in an ACCC 100 cable that replaces a Drake-style ACSR conductor. These calculations are only illustrative but generally follow the calculations presented above. An electrical cable 100 must be able to maintain adequate tension. The tension in the line prevents bending. As a standard, the tension in most ACSR-style ACCC cables is around 14.074 kg. However, the present invention allows higher stress loads along the splice 200. The splice 200 can control tensions of about 19,522 kg. The higher resulting values effectively increase the safety factor. In addition, the metal ring-type splice 200 increases tension if the composite core 101 begins sliding the splice 200 and pulls the metal ring 202 further into the metal ring housing 204. Other configurations of the above elements are contemplated and included in the invention. In addition other elements can be added to the splice 200 if they are included in the invention.

Dead End Adapters The present invention also relates to dead ends 400, as shown in Figure 4 used to terminate the reinforced ACCC 100 cables described herein. As explained, the main load bearing element of the ACCC 100 cable is the composite core 101. Therefore, it is advantageous to have a dead end 400 that can support the composite core 101 of the ACCC 100 cable. The dead ends 400 they are similar and function similarly to the splice adapters 200. One skilled in the art will recognize the similarities and how to modify a metallic ring type adapter 201 to operate at a dead end 400. Therefore, the metal ring type adapter 201 will will explain again while referring to dead ends 400. Instead, the differences between splice 200 and dead end 400 will be explained hereinafter. A dead end mode of metal ring type 400 is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the metal ring-type dead end 400 may include, but is not limited to, a metal ring 202, a metal ring housing 204, a metal connector 204 04, and at least one compression element 206. In the embodiment shown, the compression element 206 and the connector 404 are formed as a single piece. In other embodiments, the metallic ring-type dead end 400 may also include an aluminum filler cap 208 and an aluminum housing 210. Those metal ring-type dead end elements 400 function to engage with the composite cable core 101 of ACCC 100, compresses the metal ring 202 so that the friction supports the composition core 101 and anchors the dead end 400 to a structure. A dead end component of the metallic ring type 400 may be a connector 404. The connector 404 may be any mechanical device that is anchored to the dead end 400 and the cable 100 to a structure. In the embodiment shown, the connector 404 is an eye screw or clamp. In other embodiments, the connector 404 may include but is not limited to, hooks that can be set in a hole, plates that can be screwed to a group of screws, or screws that can be screwed to a female companion. One skilled in the art will recognize the various types of connectors 404 that can be used. All connectors 404 are incorporated in this invention. Hereinafter, the connector 404 will be described as an eye screw 402, but the description does not mean that it limits the invention to that embodiment. The eye screw 402 can be formed with the compression screw 206 and screwed into the metal ring 204. By screwing into the threads of the metal ring housing 204, the eye screw 402 can be incorporated in the mechanical coupling with the cable 100. In this way, when the eye screw 402 is anchored to a structure, the components supporting the cable 100 will also be anchored. The eye screw 402 can be anchored to any type of structure. The structure may include, but is not limited to, a pole, a building, a tower, or a sub-station. The wires 100 and the dead end of metallic ring type 400, once the coupling is completed, form a cable terminal 400. After the cable terminal 400 is made, an electric jumper 406 can be installed, and the circuit connected to the end user using the 406 jumper. A Method to Terminate an ACCC Cable. One method modality for terminating an ACCC cable 100, described later. First, the composite core 101 of the cable 100 can be exposed by limiting the conductor 106 covering the composite core 101. Limiting the conductor 106 can be done by a limiting tool. These limiting cable tools and methods are well known in the art and will be explained later. The metal ring 202 can be inserted into the metal ring housing 204. The aluminum housing 210 can also be slid over the cable 100. In a mode, the aluminum filler sleeve can also be placed on the cable 100. The connector 404 can be attached to the second end 222 of the metal ring housing 204. The connection can be made by screwing the connector 404 to the end 222 of the housing metallic ring 204. At this point, the metal ring 204 is prepared to receive the composite core 101. The composite core 101 can be inserted into the lumen 214 of the metal ring 202. Insert the composite core 101 to slide the core 100 into the lumen 214, possibly until the core 100 reaches the end of the metal ring 202. Creating the compression fit and the frictional support in the composite core 101, the metal ring 202 is compressed. The compression element 206 is used to tighten the metal ring 202. In one embodiment, the compression screw 206 is screwed into the metal ring housing 204 and then tightened 914, which presses the metal ring 202. The metal ring 202 a in turn applies compressive forces in the composite core 101 of the cable 100. In one embodiment, the aluminum filler cap 208 and the aluminum housing 210 can be slid over the dead end 400. The aluminum filler cap 208 and the housing 210 aluminum may be limited in the cable 100. The limitation of the aluminum filler cap 208 and the aluminum housing 210 ensure that they will not migrate from their position at the dead end 400. In other embodiments, the aluminum filler cap 208 and the aluminum housing 210 can be welded to a conductor 106. Even in another embodiment, the aluminum filler cap 208 and the aluminum housing 210 can be bonded or adhesively attaching the cable 100. Once they are joined, the aluminum housing 210 can carry an electric current over the dead end 400. In an illustrative embodiment, a jumper terminal 406 can be attached to the aluminum housing 210. In a In this embodiment, the jumper terminal 406 is screwed into the aluminum housing 210. The jumper terminal 406 may also be welded or adhesively attached to the aluminum housing 210. Even in another embodiment, the jumper terminal 406 and the aluminum housing 210 may be they form as an individual unitary part. One skilled in the art will recognize other methods of attaching the aluminum housing 210 to the jumper terminal 406. The jumper terminal 406 provides a connection means between the aluminum housing 210 and the end user. The dead end 400, after the connector 404 and the core 100 were joined, can be anchored to a structure. The dead end anchor 400 may include sliding the eye of the eye screw 404 or clamp onto some hook. The structure can be a pole or a building. In one embodiment, the eye slides on a hook; the jumper terminal 406 is connected to a cable that feeds the electric current in a nearby building. One skilled in the art will recognize other structures for anchoring and other methods of completing such attachments.

Industrial Applicability To replace the existing electrical transmission cable, line installers must be able to splice the cables and join the cables to poles or structures using dead ends. The embodiments of the invention allow splicing and termination of the cable.

Claims (27)

1. - A metallic ring-type adapter for a reinforced core cable composed of an aluminum conductor, the cable has a composite core surrounded by a conductor, comprising: a. a metal ring having at least one lumen for receiving the composite core of the cable; b. a metallic ring housing coinciding with the metal ring, wherein the metal ring housing comprises a substantially mirror configuration for the metal ring to allow compression of the metal ring and wherein, the metal ring housing has an opening for exposing the metal ring to the metal ring. minus one lumen to allow the metal ring to receive the composite core of the cable; and c. a compression element that engages with the metal ring housing, wherein the compression member compresses the metal ring within the metal ring housing, and wherein the compression of the metal ring exerts a compressive and frictional force on the composite core of the cable.

2. A metal ring-type adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting element that couples two or more metallic ring-type adapters together to form a metallic ring-type splice.

3. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, wherein the compression element further comprises a connector that couples the metal ring-type adapter to a structure to form a dead end of the metallic ring type.

4. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a connector that couples the metal ring-type adapter to a structure to form a dead end of the metallic ring type.

5. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, wherein the metal ring is an elongated conical body having a first end and a second end, wherein the outer radius of the metal ring is greater at the first end .

6. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, wherein a lumen extends concentrically along a length of the metal ring from the first end to the second end.

7. A metallic ring type adapter according to claim 6, wherein the lumen receives the core composed of the cable.

8. An adapter metal ring type according to claim 1, wherein the metal ring is made of two or more sections.

9. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, wherein the metal ring housing is a tube with a funnel-shaped interior that accepts the metal ring.

10. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, wherein the compression element compresses the metal ring by pressing the metal ring into the metal ring housing.

11. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, wherein the metal ring housing is made of steel.

12. A metal ring-type adapter according to claim 1, wherein the compression element is a compression screw that is screwed into the metal ring housing and where pressing the compression screw compresses the metal ring.

13. A metal ring type adapter according to claim 1, further comprising an aluminum housing that is coupled with one or more metal ring type adapters and electrically connects a conductor of a first cable with a conductor of a second cable.

14. A metal ring-type adapter according to claim 13, further comprising an aluminum filler magiite coupled to the conductor in the cable and coincident with the aluminum housing to ensure that electrical current is passed through the housing of aluminum.

15. A method for jointly splicing together a first reinforced core cable composed of an aluminum conductor and a second reinforced core cable composed of an aluminum conductor, each cable having a composite core surrounded by a conductor, comprising: a. Expose a core composed of a first cable; b. Expose a core composed of a second cable; c. Insert the composite cores of the cables into separate metal ring-type adapters, the insertion process comprising: i. Insert the composite core into a metal ring; ii. Compress the metallic core to frictionally support the composite core; d. Attach a connecting device to each of the separate metal ring type adapters to hold the metal ring type adapters together.

16. - A method for splicing according to claim 15, further comprising coupling the metal ring with a metal ring housing.

17. A method for splicing according to claim 15, wherein the compression of the metal ring includes: a. Screw a compression screw into the metal ring housing; b. Tighten the compression screw to compress the metal ring in the metal ring housing.

18. A method for splicing according to claim 15, further comprising sliding an aluminum housing over the splice to conduct electricity from the conductor of the first cable to the conductor of the second cable.

19. A method for splicing according to claim 18, wherein the aluminum housing is limited to a first cable, the second cable, or both the first cable and the second cable to hold the aluminum housing in place over the splice

20. A method for splicing according to claim 18, further comprising inserting an aluminum filler sleeve ben the conductor of any first cable or second cable and the aluminum housing. 21.- A method to finish a reinforced core cable composed of aluminum conductor, the cable has a composite core surrounded by a conductor, which comprises: a. Expose a core composed of the cable; b. Inserting the composite core of the cable into a dead end adapter of the metallic ring type, the insertion process comprises: i. Insert the composite core into a metal ring; ii. Compress the metal ring to frictionally support the composite core; c. Attach a connector to the metal ring type dead end adapter; d. Join the connector to a structure to physically end the dead end. 22. A method for finishing according to claim 21, further comprising coupling the metal ring with a metal ring housing. 23.- A method to finish according to the claim 21, wherein the compression of the metal ring comprises: a. Screw a compression screw into the metal ring housing; b. Tighten the compression screw to compress the metal ring in the metal ring housing. 24. A method for finishing according to claim 21, further comprising sliding an aluminum housing over the dead end to conduct electricity from the conductor and over the metal-ring type dead end adapter. 25.- A method to finish according to the claim 24, wherein a jumper terminal is attached to the aluminum housing to conduct electricity from the aluminum housing to the end user. 26. A method for finishing according to claim 24, wherein the aluminum housing is limited to the cable or connector to hold the aluminum housing in place over the splice. 27. A method for finishing according to claim 24, further comprising inserting an aluminum filler sleeve ben the cable conductor and the cable housing.