Cable connector having fluid reservoir
Embodiments of a cable connector are provided that include an inner connector assembly and an outer connector housing. In use, the cable connector securely fastens or splices together at least two cables or cable sections and in electrical communication while also providing fluid communication therebetween. The cable connector further protects, and preferably seals off, the connection interface between the cables or cable sections and from the environment.
1 . An apparatus for interconnecting a first cable and a second cable, wherein said first and second cables each comprise an exposed electrically conductive core and an outer insulating layer, the apparatus comprising:
a coupling that electrically interconnects the first and second cables, wherein the coupling defines a first fluid pathway that connects the core of the first cable in fluid communication with the core of the second cable; and
at least one internal fluid reservoir disposed in fluid communication with the core of the first or second cable.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the internal fluid reservoir is sealed from the environment.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a bladder, wherein the bladder defines the internal fluid reservoir.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein pressurized fluid occupies the bladder.
5 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the bladder is rigid or expandable.
6 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the bladder is constructed of a semi-conductive material.
7 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the bladder is connected in electrical communication with the coupling or the first or second core.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a housing that encases the coupling, wherein the housing defines the fluid reservoir.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the housing electrically contacts the coupling and/or the core.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir is disposed in fluid communication with the first and second cables.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising means for forcing fluid into the first or second cable.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an actuator chamber, wherein the actuator chamber is fluidly isolated from the fluid reservoir.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the actuator chamber contains fluid under pressure.
14 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the pressurized fluid exerts pressure against fluid contained in the fluid reservoir.
15 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the actuator chamber is defined by a bladder.
16 . The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a housing that encases the coupling, wherein the housing defines the actuator chamber.
17 . The apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a piston separating the fluid reservoir and the actuator chamber, wherein the piston is movable in the direction of the fluid reservoir upon application of pressure from the actuator chamber.
18 . The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the pressure is supplied by a biasing device or pressurized fluid.
19 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir is exposed to externally applied pressure for driving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the first or second cable.
20 . The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the pressure is supplied by a biasing device or pressurized fluid.
21 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir is exposed to internally applied pressure for driving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the first or second cable.
22 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising means for applying pressure against fluid disposed in the internal fluid reservoir.
23 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir has an adjustable volume.
24 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a second interior fluid reservoir disposed in fluid communication with the core of the other of the first or second cable.
25 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve having an inner bore, the coupling being concentrically disposed within the inner bore, wherein the coupling extends along at least a portion of the sleeve.
26 . The apparatus of claim 25 , wherein the sleeve is configured such that a second fluid pathway is formed between the inner surface of the inner bore and the exterior surface of the coupling, the second fluid pathway extending from one end of the sleeve to the other.
27 . An apparatus for interconnecting a first cable and a second cable, wherein said first and second cables each comprise an exposed electrically conductive core and an outer insulating layer, the apparatus comprising:
a coupling that electrically interconnects the first and second cables, wherein the coupling defines a first fluid pathway that connects the core of the first cable in fluid communication with the core of the second cable;
at least one internal fluid reservoir disposed in fluid communication with either core of the first and/or second cable; and
an actuator chamber fluidly isolated from the at least one internal fluid reservoir.
28 . The apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the contents of the actuator chamber generates a force that is imparted against fluid disposed in the at least one internal fluid reservoir.
29 . The apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising first and second internal fluid reservoirs disposed in fluid communication with the cores of the first and second cables, respectively, and first and second pistons that exert at least one force generated by the actuator chamber against fluid disposed in the first and/or second internal fluid reservoirs.
30 . An apparatus for interconnecting a first cable and a second cable, wherein said first and second cables each comprise an exposed electrically conductive core and an outer insulating layer, the apparatus comprising:
a housing that defines a sealable interior cavity;
a coupling disposed in the interior cavity, the coupling electrically and mechanically interconnecting the first and second cables, wherein the coupling defines a first fluid pathway that connects the core of the first cable in fluid communication with the core of the second cable;
a fluid reservoir disposed in the interior cavity; and
means for forcing the contents of the fluid reservoir into the core of the first and/or second cable.