Signal conductor installation tool and method

Abstract

A signal conductor installation tool includes a chassis; a tracking system in operable communication with the chassis; a spool rotatingly supported on the chassis; and a through hole in the chassis sized to pass a conductor from the spool to a target tubular member and method thereof

1 . A signal conductor installation tool comprising:
 a chassis;   a tracking system in operable communication with the chassis;   a spool rotatingly supported on the chassis; and   a through hole in the chassis sized to pass a conductor from the spool to a target tubular member.   
   
   
       2 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a feeder tube disposed between the spool and the chassis. 
   
   
       3 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tracking system is a pin. 
   
   
       4 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the tracking system is a track segment. 
   
   
       5 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the spool is axially restrained. 
   
   
       6 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the spool further comprises a bearing between the spool and the chassis. 
   
   
       7 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the spool contains an optic fiber. 
   
   
       8 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the through hole extends in a direction substantially tangential to an outside surface of the chassis. 
   
   
       9 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the through hole exits the chassis at an angle substantially tangential to an inside surface of the chassis. 
   
   
       10 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the through hole extends at an angle closely approximating a groove angle of a conductor groove in the tubular member. 
   
   
       11 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the conductor is an optic fiber. 
   
   
       12 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the chassis is a two-piece structure. 
   
   
       13 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the chassis includes a braking system to provide drag on the spool. 
   
   
       14 . The tool as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the braking system is adjustable. 
   
   
       15 . The tool as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the braking system includes a braking material and a split drum having a tightening mechanism. 
   
   
       16 . The tool as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the chassis includes a tension adjustable latch. 
   
   
       17 . A method for installing a conductor at a target tubular member comprising:
 setting the tracking system of the tool as claimed in  claim 1 ;   rotating at least one of the tool and the target tubular member relative to the other of the tool and the target tubular member; and   automatically dispensing a conductor from the spool through the chassis to the target tubular member.   
   
   
       18 . The method as claimed in  claim 17  wherein setting includes engaging a pin with a groove in the target tubular member. 
   
   
       19 . The method as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the rotating is by hand. 
   
   
       20 . The method as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the rotating is mechanized. 
   
   
       21 . The method as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the automatic dispensing of the conductor is passive. 
   
   
       22 . The method as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the rotating comprises rotating the chassis in one direction and the spool in the opposite direction.