EP0349344A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Connecting device
Assignee: Balfour Beatty PLC
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Filing: 1989-06-30
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2009-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A connecting device is provided for connecting a first plurality of tubes (10a) to a second plurality of tubes (10b). This comprises a housing (30) in which is mounted a plate (20, 20a, 20b) having a plurality of parallel slots (21). The first and second pluralities of tubes are connected by a plurality of tube connectors (1, 1a, 1b) which are held in clips (23, 25) each slidably received in a respective one of the slots (21). The device is particularly intended for use with tubes in which optical fibres are to be installed by blowing.
Inventors
- 👤 Graham Robert Handley
- 👤 Ian Pilkington
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:35
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16L; F16L37/00; F16L37/08; F16L37/084; F16L37/092; F16L37/0925; F16L37/0927; F16L37/56; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/46; G02B6/50; G02B6/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A connecting device for connecting a first plurality of tubes (6a) to a second plurality of tubes (6b) which comprises means (31) defining a first location for the first plurality of tubes (6a) to enter the device, means (31) defining a second location for the second plurality of tubes (6b) to enter the device, and means (23, 25) for receiving a plurality of tube connectors (1) in such a manner that they are individually adjustable to alter their distances from the first and second locations.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A connecting device for connecting a first plurality of tubes (6a) to a second plurality of tubes (6b) which comprises means (31) defining a first location for the first plurality of tubes (6a) to enter the device, means (31) defining a second location for the second plurality of tubes (6b) to enter the device, and means (23, 25) for receiving a plurality of tube connectors (1) in such a manner that they are individually adjustable to alter their distances from the first and second locations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device according to claim 1, which comprises a plate (20) having a plurality of parallel slots (21), and the said receiving means (23, 25) are each slidably received in a respective one of the slots (21).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
160 words
A device according to claim 1, which comprises a first plate (20a) having a first plurality of parallel slots; a first plurality of receiving means each slidably received in a respective one of the first plurality of slots, each of the first plurality of tubes (10a) terminating, in use, in a tube connector (1a) received in one of the first plurality of receiving means; a second plate (20b) having a second plurality of slots; a second plurality of receiving means each slidably received in a respective one of the second plurality of slots, each of the second plurality of tubes (6b) terminating, in use, in a tube connector (1b) received in one of the second plurality of receiving means; and at least one connecting tube (33), the or each connecting tube (33) interconnecting a tube connector (1a) received in one of the first plurality of receiving means with a tube connector (1b) received in the second plurality of receiving means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein each of the said receiving means comprises means (23) for holding a tube connector (1, 1a, 1b); and a base (25) which carries the said holding means (23) and which has a groove (26) or grooves in which the edges of the said slot (21) are received.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 4, wherein the said groove (26) is an annular groove.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 5, wherein there are a pair of parallel grooves, each for receiving one slot edge.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
35 words
A device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each slot (21) is a keyhole slot having an enlarged portion (22) into which the said base (25) is at least partly insertable.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
35 words
A device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the said holding means (23) of each receiving means comprises a clip (23) which can releasably retain a tube connector (1, 1a, 1b).
Claim 10
Independent Claim
22 words
A device according to any preceding claim, comprising a housing (30), the said first and second locations being at opposite ends thereof.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
32 words
A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a housing (30), the said first and second locations being in housing walls (32, 34) running transversely to one another.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein a third plurality of tubes (10c) enter the device transversely to the direction in which the first and second plurality of tubes (10a, 10b) enter.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
31 words
A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the said receiving means (23, 25) is mounted in a rack which defines the said first and second locations.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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