Patents Assigned to Preformed Line Products Company
  • Patent number: 7376325
    Abstract: The specification discloses a cable (e.g., fiber optic) housing assembly that facilitates securing cables and splices within its interior while providing a convenient work tray to assist a technician when splicing cables above ground level. The housing assembly can be equipped with a grommet and bobbin assembly that secures cables within the interior of the housing. Additionally, modular splice blocks can be configured within the interior of the housing in order to secure cable splices. In aspects, these modular splice blocks can be added as needed in a variety of configurations, including but not limited to, vertical stacking, horizontal back-to-back, or the like. The modular characteristics of the splice blocks enhance the as-needed extensibility of the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Randy Cloud, Chris Grubish, Dan Levac, Mark Stransky
  • Patent number: 7323636
    Abstract: An aerial cable spacer is provided with a cable retainer and vertically disposed strengthening tabs or ribs. The cable retainer includes a cable retaining arm. A mid portion of the cable retaining arm has a non-rectangular plus “+” shaped cross section. The plus “+” shaped cross section engages and exerts a force on the cable as the cable retaining arm bends to a closed position. The arm is flexible so as to create a resilient force in conjunction with the plus “+” shaped cross section to securely hold the cable on a cable seat of a main body portion of the aerial cable spacer. A pawl is carried on the arm at a predetermined orientation to engage a corresponding set of teeth on the spacer body for enhanced cable clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Paulo Sergio Pinto Borges, Carlos Alberto Fernandes
  • Patent number: 7263265
    Abstract: An optical fiber splice case particularly adapted for providing fiber optic links directly to a home, business, et al. is provided wherein at least one enclosure base has at least one cover member selectively sealingly engaged with at least one side of the at least one enclosure base. The at least one enclosure base includes at least one bulkhead having a selective plurality of optical fiber ports therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Grubish, Randy G. Cloud, Keith A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7239789
    Abstract: An optical fiber splice case particularly adapted for providing fiber optic links directly to a home, business, et al. is provided wherein an enclosure base has a dividing wall defining a drop chamber on a first side of the wall and a splicing chamber on a second side of the wall. A first and a second cover member is selectively sealingly engaged with opposing sides of the enclosure base. The enclosure base includes a bulkhead member having a plurality of optical fiber ports therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher Grubish, Keith A. Miller, Robert Whapham, Luke Witgen, John Hofstetter
  • Patent number: 7191496
    Abstract: An appliance is provided for terminating high temperature conductors. The appliance includes a clevis member, a first set of aluminum elongate helically formed reinforcement members, and first and second U-shaped dead-end members having leg portions formed of an aluminum material and an aluminum-coated metal material, respectively. The reinforcement members and first and second dead end members are applied to the associated conductor in a layered relationship in a manner to establish a phase ordering of aluminum alloy and aluminum covered steel wire materials over the circumference of the conductor. The combination of aluminum alloy and aluminum coated steel wire materials provides desired strength while maintaining an operating temperature of the appliance lower than an operating temperature of the associated conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: John J. Olenik, David C. Sunkle, Robert Whapham
  • Patent number: 7130519
    Abstract: An optical fiber splice case particularly adapted for providing fiber optic links directly to a home, business, et al. is provided wherein at least one enclosure base has at least one cover member selectively sealingly engaged with at least one side of the at least one enclosure base. The at least one enclosure base includes at least one bulkhead having a selective plurality of optical fiber ports therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Grubish, Randy G. Cloud, Keith A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7054535
    Abstract: An optical fiber management assembly comprises a support module (12) carrying two or more pivotable optical fiber storage trays (13). The support module has channels in its outer surface for guiding fibers to an entry zone in a first region of its surface to a tray selection zone from which fibers are guided to respective trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Martin Jeremy Spayes, Christopher James Dyer
  • Patent number: 7038137
    Abstract: A cable splice enclosure assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices includes a housing member having a closed end and an open end which defines a storage chamber therebetween. An end plate is received in the open end. The end plate is axially spaced from the closed end. The end plate includes an end plate body and a plurality of selectively removable cable caps for accessing individual cables passing through openings defined by the end plate. A plurality of sealing walls are selectively positionable in the openings for blocking the openings when not being used to receive the cables in the openings. A piercable grommet is disposed in a further opening found in the end plate for selectively receiving a ground or other electrical wire therethrough to seal the wire with the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Grubish, Brett Allen Latimer, Keith Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 6892990
    Abstract: A cable support system includes a plurality of first components (12) and a plurality of second components (14). Each first component (12) has a hinge edge (16), a tightening region (18) disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge (16), a cable channel (20) arranged between the hinge edge (16) and the tightening region (18), and an interconnecting structure (22). Each second component (14) has a hinge edge (24), a tightening region (26) disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge (24), and a cable channel (28) arranged between the hinge edge (24) and the tightening region (26). A first cable support device (10) is constructable by hingeably combining selected first and second components (12, 14) via the hinge edges (16, 24). A second cable support device (100) is constructable by hingeably combining selected two second components (14) via the hinge edges (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 6856747
    Abstract: A cable closure assembly includes a rotatable collar secured to an end plate for rotating the end plate with respect to the closure. Drop ports and express ports are provided within the end plate to accommodate either cut or uncut cables within the closure. Grommet and cap tools are provided which consist of two pieces to be installed over cables after the cables are inserted into the closure. A modular closure system is provided including a dome closure and extender or expander closures to increase storage and splicing area within the dome closure. A sliding and locking bracket allows for movement and pivoting of splice trays to access splice trays below other stacked trays. An extender for a strength member bracket accommodates various lengths of strength members on the cable fiber cable. A bracket on an end of a rigid bar member permits wrapping of the cable within the closure and positions the cable within the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Randy G. Cloud, Keith A. Miller, Marcel G. Mures, Jose Antonio Rivero Garcia
  • Publication number: 20040256138
    Abstract: A cable splice enclosure assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices comprising a housing member having a closed end and an open end which defines a storage chamber therebetween. An end plate is received in the open end. The end plate is axially spaced from the closed end. The end plate includes an end plate body and a plurality of selectively removable cable caps for accessing individual cables passing through the end plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Preformed Line Products Company, an Ohio corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Grubish, Brett Allen Latimer, Keith Alan Miller
  • Publication number: 20040245008
    Abstract: A cable closure is provided which adapted to accommodate different size cables and different splices. The closure includes end plates designed to receive various size cables without requiring modification during field use. The end plates are interchangeable with stainless steel and injection molded closure shells. A sealant is provided which allows multiple re-entries into closure shell. Bolts are assembled on the exterior of the closure shell to eliminate potential misalignments between the bolts and closure shell holes. Washers are used within the end plates to seal holes not used for storing cables. A cutter is provided which cuts the washers in one 360° rotation thus eliminating weak points in the washer due to multiple cuts. Alternately a plug is provided for the end plate holes which are adaptable to several size holes to reduce the number of plugs required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Grubish, Randy G. Cloud, Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 6721483
    Abstract: A cable closure is provided which adapted to accommodate different size cables and different splices. The closure includes end plates designed to receive various size cables without requiring modification during field use. The end plates are interchangeable with stainless steel and injection molded closure shells. A sealant is provided which allows multiple re-entries into closure shell. Bolts are assembled on the exterior of the closure shell to eliminate potential misalignments between the bolts and closure shell holes. Washers are used within the end plates to seal holes not used for storing cables. A cutter is provided which cuts the washers in one 360° rotation thus eliminating weak points in the washer due to multiple cuts. Alternately a plug is provided for the end plate holes which are adaptable to several size holes to reduce the number of plugs required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Grubish, Randy G. Cloud, Philip J. Pisczak
  • Publication number: 20030183733
    Abstract: A cable support system includes a plurality of first components (12) and a plurality of second components (14). Each first component (12) has a hinge edge (16), a tightening region (18) disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge (16), a cable channel (20) arranged between the hinge edge (16) and the tightening region (18), and an interconnecting structure (22). Each second component (14) has a hinge edge (24), a tightening region (26) disposed on an opposite side from the hinge edge (24), and a cable channel (28) arranged between the hinge edge (24) and the tightening region (26). A first cable support device (10) is constructable by hingeably combining selected first and second components (12, 14) via the hinge edges (16, 24). A second cable support device (100) is constructable by hingeably combining selected two second components (14) via the hinge edges (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 6595472
    Abstract: A cable clamp (10) includes two interchangeable half-portions (14, 16). Each half-portion (14, 16) includes an outer side, an inner side including a cable receiving region (18, 20), a hinge region (30, 32) arranged below the cable receiving region (18, 20), and a suspending region (70) arranged above the cable receiving region (18, 20). The suspending region (70) is adapted to receive an associated support element (72). The two half-portions (14, 16) are adapted to cooperatively form a unitary cable clamp body having a cable channel (22) defined by the two cable receiving regions (18, 20) and a hinge (36) including the two hinge regions (30, 32). A tightener (54) is arranged above the cable channel (22) for drawing the half-portions (14, 16) together about the hinge (36) to clamp an associated cable (12) within the cable channel (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Philip J. Pisczak
  • Publication number: 20030122040
    Abstract: A cable clamp (10) includes two interchangeable half-portions (14, 16). Each half-portion (14, 16) includes an outer side, an inner side including a cable receiving region (18, 20), a hinge region (30, 32) arranged below the cable receiving region (18, 20), and a suspending region (70) arranged above the cable receiving region (18, 20). The suspending region (70) is adapted to receive an associated support element (72). The two half-portions (14, 16) are adapted to cooperatively form a unitary cable clamp body having a cable channel (22) defined by the two cable receiving regions (18, 20) and a hinge (36) including the two hinge regions (30, 32). A tightener (54) is arranged above the cable channel (22) for drawing the half-portions (14, 16) together about the hinge (36) to clamp an associated cable (12) within the cable channel (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 6418266
    Abstract: A flip tray system and method for operating is provided for use with associated optical fiber splice cases enclosing and storing cable splices. A plurality of trays are pivotally connected to a rack member with resilient clip ears. Each of the trays includes a guide and locking area formed on a side of the tray opposite from the clip area. The guide and locking areas mechanically cooperate with each other in a manner to enable the trays to be self supported in an intermated raised position and further to be brought together into an aligned registration when the trays are brought into a collapsed orientation. In a range of intermediate positions between the opposite raised and collapsed orientations, the guide and locking areas each respectively slidably engage with trays above and beneath to ensure that the free tray ends opposite the clip area are maintained in an aligned registration. The rack member together with the trays and corresponding guide and locking areas form a set of parallel static linkages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Estro M. Vitantonio
  • Publication number: 20020064363
    Abstract: A cable closure is provided which adapted to accommodate different size cables and different splices. The closure includes end plates designed to receive various size cables without requiring modification during field use. The end plates are interchangeable with stainless steel and injection molded closure shells. A sealant is provided which allows multiple re-entries into closure shell. Bolts are assembled on the exterior of the closure shell to eliminate potential misalignments between the bolts and closure shell holes. Washers are used within the end plates to seal holes not used for storing cables. A cutter is provided which cuts the washers in one 360° rotation thus eliminating weak points in the washer due to multiple cuts. Alternately a plug is provided for the end plate holes which are adaptable to several size holes to reduce the number of plugs required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Christopher S. Grubish, Randy G. Cloud, Philip J. Pisczak
  • Patent number: 6215939
    Abstract: A water proof and air tight fiber cable splice enclosure assembly includes a pair of housing members that are selectively releasably and sealingly clamped to each other to define a first storage volume and at least one keyhole slot connection area cooperative with an associated tie-down strap for connecting an optical fiber bundle to one of the first or second housing members. A set of arcuate wall members are formed on one of the housing members for defining an oval-shaped buffer cable storage space within the housing and an annular auxiliary cable storage space for storing an auxiliary length of the optical fiber bundle. An air valve is provided on one of the housing members for directing a flow of air into the storage space of the optical fiber splice case. The air valve is adapted to meter the flow of air into the space to below a predetermined threshold air flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Randy G. Cloud
  • Patent number: 5884001
    Abstract: A housing assembly for enclosing and storing cable splices comprises axially spaced end plates defining a storage space and joined by a pair of rigid torque bars. A pair of opposed housing members contoured to enclose the end plates and the storage space are releasably and sealing clamped to each other and to the end plates. Carried by one of the bars at axially spaced locations are a pair of spaced rods which support a plurality of splice storage trays in stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Randy G. Cloud, Jeff M. Gioitta, Erwin H. Goetter, Christopher S. Grubish