Patents Represented by Attorney Mark S. Bicks
  • Patent number: 6852939
    Abstract: A recloser for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter including a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a movable shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement therewith and without insulation being disposed between the movable contact and the movable shaft. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Rhein, Bradley W. Davis, Michael R. Qualls
  • Patent number: 6838618
    Abstract: A fire assembly that can be used for installing recessed electrical fixtures into various structures such as wall assemblies is provided. The fire assembly includes an electrical fixture contained within a generally fire-resistant housing. The housing can enclose the electrical fixture in such a manner that the resulting fire assembly has an integral structure. In some instances, a support structure can be utilized to attach the housing to the electrical fixture. Furthermore, the housing can be a cube-shaped box have a variety of generally fire-resistant walls. These walls can be made from materials such as sheet rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald Newbold, Thomas T. White
  • Patent number: 6828895
    Abstract: A disconnector assembly is provided for an arrester. A non-conductive housing has first and second opposite ends separated by an internal chamber. A first electrical terminal is connected at the first end. A second electrical terminal is connected at the second end. A capacitor assembly engages and extends between the first and second terminals in the internal chamber. The capacitor assembly includes a capacitor and a resistor electrically connected in series. A sparkgap is electrically parallel the capacitor assembly between the first and second terminals. A cartridge with an explosive charge is positioned in the internal chamber, and the cartridge is electrically parallel to the capacitor assembly and electrically in series with the spark gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbel Incorporated
    Inventors: Xingniu Huo, Dennis W. Lenk, John A. Krause, Craig S. Hunsicker, Zhuo-hua Ma, Hong-sheng Guo
  • Patent number: 6821142
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric body that has an input end, an opposite output end, and first and second non-insulated conductive members supported by the dielectric body. The first non-insulated conductive member has a first contact end and an opposite first wire connection end. The second non-insulated conductive member has a second contact end and an opposite second wire connection end. Each of the first and second contact ends are proximate the output end of the dielectric body and form a first pair of electrical contacts. Each of the second wire connection ends are proximate the input end of the dielectric body. First and second insulated conductive members are supported by the dielectric body. Each of the first and second insulated conductive members are connected to one of a second pair of electrical contacts, respectively. The first and second pairs of electrical contacts form an array of electrical contacts at the output end of the dielectric body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Alexander B. Rayev, Shadi AbuGhazaleh
  • Patent number: 6818846
    Abstract: A group operated overhead switch for high voltage power lines includes a rotatable overtoggle mechanism linked to a control shaft and a plurality of switch phases secured to a crossarm support. The overtoggle mechanism may be rotated to and from a closed position and an open position, either or both of which may be overtoggled, that provides the operator with an affirmative snap when the switch is moved into an overtoggled position. The use of switch assemblies made of rotatable switch phases and a corresponding immobile electrical connector mounted on the same assembly support allows factory manufacture of modular switch assembly components for high quality control, consistent performance, and accurate component alignment. The supported switch assemblies are then mounted under factory controlled conditions on a dimensionally stable support crossarm and linked by group operated linkages with a switch overtoggle mechanism for actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald Bernard Roberts
  • Patent number: 6796676
    Abstract: An end cap for a lighting fixture including an end wall that has a periphery, an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface that is adapted to engage the lighting fixture. A tongue element extends from the outer surface in a first direction along the periphery of the end wall. A groove element is disposed along the periphery of the end wall and is open at the outer surface of the end wall. A suspension element extends from the inner surface of the periphery of the end wall. The suspension element extends in a second direction opposite the first direction of the tongue element. The tongue and groove elements of the end cap are adapted to engage tongue and groove elements of another substantially identical end cap of another lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael C. Severtson, Wilton L. Fowler, Raymond A. Brown
  • Patent number: 6796847
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical connector for telecommunications applications, including a circuit board and first and second electrical contacts, extending from the circuit board along first and second paths, respectively, the second path crossing the first path. A third electrical contact extends from the circuit board along a third path, and a fourth electrical contact extends from the circuit board along a fourth path, the fourth path crossing the third path. At least four electrical terminals extend from the circuit board and at least four electrically conductive traces on the circuit board electrically couple each of the first, second, third and fourth electrical contacts to a respective electrical terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Shadi A. AbuGhazaleh, Nathaniel L. Herring, John J. Milner, Randolph Ruetsch, Naved Habib
  • Patent number: 6794596
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system including a circuit interrupter having a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position preventing current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is electrically and mechanically coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator moves the circuit interrupter between the closed and open positions upon occurrence of a fault current. First and second terminals are electrically connected to the circuit interrupter and are adapted for electrical connection to the power distribution system, defining a current path between the first terminal, the circuit interrupter, and the second terminal, allowing current of the power distribution system to pass through the current path so that the potential of the circuit interrupter is the same as the potential of the power distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Rhein, Bradley W. Davis, Michael R. Qualls
  • Patent number: 6791458
    Abstract: A dual technology motion or occupancy sensor, and a method for using the same, to control a lighting circuit to activate and deactivate lights in a monitored area. The sensor employs an infrared energy sensor, a microwave energy sensor, and a controller. The infrared energy sensor outputs an infrared energy detection signal indicative of detection or non-detection of infrared energy, and the microwave energy sensor outputs a microwave energy detection signal indicative of detection or non-detection of microwave energy. The controller outputs a control signal to control activation and deactivation of the lighting circuit in response to a condition of the infrared energy detection signal and a condition of the microwave energy detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: John R. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 6789914
    Abstract: A luminaire having a frame that includes opposite first and second ends with a connecting member extending therebetween. The frame has an opening remote from the connecting member. First and second lamps are supported by the frame adjacent the first and second ends, respectively. A main reflector extends between the first and second ends of the frame and has a reflecting surface directed towards the opening of the frame. First and second reflecting members are disposed adjacent the first and second ends, respectively, of the frame and between the first and second lamps, respectively, and the opening of the frame. Each of the first and second reflecting members includes first and second curved reflectors and a plurality of baffles extending between the first and second curved reflectors. The first and second reflecting members direct light from the first and second lamps, respectively, through the opening in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Ray A. Brown, Martin C. Werr
  • Patent number: 6778374
    Abstract: An arrester includes a housing having an inner bore, and a substantially cylindrical varistor body is received in the inner bore of the housing. The varistor body is formed of at least one varistor element having a lateral outer surface and a length defined between first and second ends of the varistor body, and a first mating element extending outwardly from the outer surface and along substantially the entire length of the body. A substantially rigid first support member is received in the inner bore and is disposed on the outer surface of the body. The first support member has a first mating surface that corresponds to and engages the first mating element of the body, thereby coupling the body and the first support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Viorel Berlovan, Bryan R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6755559
    Abstract: A luminaire comprising an optical assembly that has a mounting interface. A socket holder has a mounting member that is adapted to mount the socket holder to the mounting interface of the optical assembly. First and second proximate surfaces are adapted to support a socket and a light source in first and second orientations, respectively. The socket holder defines a central axis. A longitudinal axis is defined by the socket and the light source in the first orientation is substantially parallel to the central axis of the socket holder and a longitudinal axis of the socket and the light source in the second orientation is angled with respect to the central axis of the socket holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: James P. Wang, Marc A. Schetselaar, Richard E. Simon
  • Patent number: 6753493
    Abstract: A circuit interrupting device for use with an electrical power distribution system, comprising a circuit interrupter that includes a primary contact and a movable contact movable relative to the primary contact between a closed position allowing current to pass through the circuit interrupter and an open position separating the contacts and preventing the current from passing through the circuit interrupter. An actuator is coupled to the circuit interrupter. The actuator includes a shaft coupled to the movable contact of the circuit interrupter for substantially simultaneous movement without insulation being disposed between the shaft and the movable contact. The shaft moves the movable contact from the closed position to the open position upon occurrence of a fault current. An electronic control is electrically connected to the actuator and communicating with the actuator to trigger the shaft to move the movable contact of the circuit interrupter from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Rhein, Bradley W. Davis, Michael R. Qualls
  • Patent number: 6749466
    Abstract: A wire connecting unit for an electrical connector for communication and data transmission systems includes a circuit board with a free and a near end and having four pairs of contacts mounted in a cantilever manner. The wire connecting unit has specific contact configurations that reduce crosstalk, attenuation, propagation delay, and other electrical and magnetic properties that interfere with communication and data transmission. In one embodiment, a first row of contacts extends generally upwardly and backwardly from the free end of the printed circuit board toward the near end, and a second row of contacts placed further from the free end of the printed circuit board than the first row of contacts extends generally upwardly and backwardly from the free end toward the near end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John J. Milner, Raul G. Pereira, Alan C. Miller, Joseph E. Dupuis, Randolph R. Ruetsch
  • Patent number: 6739900
    Abstract: An electrical connector, comprising a housing, having a front face with first and second openings therein, the first and second openings receiving first and second electrical prongs, respectively. First and second box terminals are coupled to the housing using first and second fastening members. The first fastening member is inserted into the housing from substantially the same direction as the second fastening member. First and second electrical contacts are at least partially received in the first and second box terminals, respectively, and adapted to couple to the first and second electrical prongs, respectively. A cord grip is coupled to the housing and has an insert. The insert is capable of being adjusted to at least two different positions and thereby allowing electrical cords of differing diameters to be frictionally held by the cord grip. This configuration of electrical connector allows easy, secure assembly, while allowing multiple sized cords to be securely held therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Sorin I. Mortun, Thomas J. Vigorito
  • Patent number: 6726373
    Abstract: A strain relief connector, including an optical fiber, a cover enclosing the optical fiber. The cover has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the first end having a tapered portion that extends radially outwardly. A sleeve surrounds the cover and has a first inner volume and a first interior shoulder, a portion of the outer surface of the tapered portion abuts the first interior shoulder. The sleeve and the cover are simultaneously compressed forming a compressed portion. The cover and the sleeve are deformed such that the cover substantially fills the first inner volume of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Jon A. Lutzen, Rudolph A. Montgelas, Alan C. Miller
  • Patent number: 6722621
    Abstract: An assembly that receives an electrical fixture and secures the electrical fixture to a support. The assembly has an electrical box for attaching to the support. A cover is connected to the electrical box to prevent access to the electrical box. A portion of the cover is removable to provide access to the electrical box. A first opening in the electrical box receives a first fastener for securing the electrical box to the support. A second opening in the electrical box receives a second fastener for securing the electrical fixture to the electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6713679
    Abstract: An insulator assembly includes first and second terminal pads having angularly oriented first and second portions. First openings in the first portions facilitates connecting to the first and second switch assemblies. Second openings in the second portions receives fasteners. The first and second switch assemblies and a bypass switch assembly are mounted to a base. The bypass switch assembly is electrically parallel to the first and second switch assemblies. A support mounting bracket is attached to the base to secure the base to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald B. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6704992
    Abstract: A cable punch assembly has a rod with first and second ends, and a base with first and second faces. The second end of the rod is connected to the first face. First and second connectors extend from the second face. Each of the connectors includes two laterally spaced wire pusher members that extend axially from the base to receive an insulation displacement contact between the pusher members as the pusher members force a wire into a wire receiving slot of the contact. Each connector engages a single wire, so the cable punch assembly may connect a plurality of wires to a plurality of insulation displacement contacts of a wiring unit. A blade may be positioned proximal each connector to cut off excess wire at the same time that the wires are inserted into receiving slots of insulation displacement contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Randolph J. Minor
  • Patent number: 6667871
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a housing with first and second portions. Each of the first and second portions has a first insulative layer and a second conductive layer. The first and second layers define an inner cavity. The second portion has opposing first and second lateral sides with the first layer defining a first thickness at the first lateral side and a second thickness at the second lateral side. An electrically conductive member is received within the inner cavity in the first portion. At least one electrical component is received within the inner cavity at the second portion. A weak section is defined by the first thickness at the first lateral side being substantially less than the second thickness at the second lateral side diametrically opposite it at given points along a longitudinal axis of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Viorel Berlovan, Glen A. Weis