Patents Assigned to Woodhead Industries, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7395984
    Abstract: A safety device for hand tools includes a casing having a first clasp secured to the casing for mounting to the tool. A second clasp is mounted to a retractable cable connected to a constant tension cable reel mounted within the casing: The cable is payed out of and retracted into the bottom of the housing in its normal use position, and the second clasp is attached to a fixed support or “lock point” located below the normal working height of the tool. In use, when the tool is held by a worker and the housing is upright, a lock plate is disengaged from a ratchet plate fixed to the retractable reel so the tool is freely moveable relative to the lock point and easily maneuvered. If the tool is dropped, the reel retracts the cable as the tool begins to fall. The device is inverted as it falls below the lock point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadeusz C. Szarkowski, Donald J. Zito, Michael P. Mackin
  • Patent number: 7144129
    Abstract: A light fixture includes an extruded metal housing having open ends, and a wall defining an elongated opening extending between opposing wall edges. First and second slots extend along opposing edges of the wall to receive at least one panel. A pair of end plates is attached to the open ends of the housing. A lamp assembly is mounted within the housing for transmitting light through the elongated opening. More than one lamp assembly may be slid into the extruded housing, with spacer plates inserted between lamp assemblies to present a closed, finished look. The extruded housing may by cut to size and end caps inserted with screws to finish the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Mackin
  • Patent number: 7137876
    Abstract: The head assembly of a floor burnisher is suspended by a main lift assembly and a fine adjustment assembly. The main lift moves the head assembly between a raised position in which the pad assembly is raised and tilted for access, and a lowered position in which the pad driver is suspended slightly above the floor, ready for use. The fine adjustment assembly permits the operator to control very accurately and conveniently the final operating pressure of the pad when the burnisher is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Immordino, Jr., Gary E. Palmer
  • Patent number: 7134894
    Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a coaxial electrical connector designed for use in hazardous locations. Mating connectors are connected coaxially, and coupled together by means of a threaded connection. When the mating connectors are connected, they cannot be disconnected manually. Rather, a tool is necessary to disconnect the connectors. In one embodiment, each connector includes a generally cylindrical coupler member having integral, axial fingers or tines spaced circumferentially. The couplers are rotatably mounted to inserts in which the connecting elements are embedded. A ratchet assembly permits the couplers to be threaded together to make a connection but is overridden in the unconnecting direction, requiring a tool to be placed in the space between adjacent tines to connect the coupler to an associated outer housing which may then be turned to disconnect the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Murphy, Brandon Janowiak
  • Patent number: 7086900
    Abstract: A connector suitable for mounting to a solenoid or the like includes a contact holder adapted to receive and hold a plurality of contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes a band of closed configuration and having a central opening for receiving the stripped end of a wire, and a contact adapted to couple to an associated contact of the solenoid. A screw is threadedly received in each band and adapted to force the contact into electrical engagement with the wire held within the opening of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Comini
  • Publication number: 20060172579
    Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a coaxial electrical connector designed for use in hazardous locations. Mating connectors are connected coaxially, and coupled together by means of a threaded connection. When the mating connectors are connected, they cannot be disconnected manually. Rather, a tool is necessary to disconnect the connectors. In one embodiment, each connector includes a generally cylindrical coupler member having integral, axial fingers or tines spaced circumferentially. The couplers are rotatably mounted to inserts in which the connecting elements are embedded. A ratchet assembly permits the couplers to be threaded together to make a connection but is overridden in the unconnecting direction, requiring a tool to be placed in the space between adjacent tines to connect the coupler to an associated outer housing which may then be turned to disconnect the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Applicant: WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Murphy, Brandon Janowiak
  • Publication number: 20060163412
    Abstract: A safety device for hand tools includes a casing having a first clasp secured to the casing for mounting to the tool. A second clasp is mounted to a retractable cable connected to a constant tension cable reel mounted within the casing: The cable is payed out of and retracted into the bottom of the housing in its normal use position, and the second clasp is attached to a fixed support or “lock point” located below the normal working height of the tool. In use, when the tool is held by a worker and the housing is upright, a lock plate is disengaged from a ratchet plate fixed to the retractable reel so the tool is freely moveable relative to the lock point and easily maneuvered. If the tool is dropped, the reel retracts the cable as the tool begins to fall. The device is inverted as it falls below the lock point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tadeusz Szarkowski, Donald Zito, Michael MacKin
  • Patent number: 7033195
    Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a coaxial electrical connector designed for use in hazardous locations. Mating connectors are connected coaxially, and coupled together by means of a threaded connection. When the mating connectors are connected, they cannot be disconnected manually. Rather, a tool is necessary to disconnect the connectors. In one embodiment, each connector includes a generally cylindrical coupler member having integral, axial fingers or tines spaced circumferentially. The couplers are rotatably mounted to inserts in which the connecting elements are embedded. A ratchet assembly permits the couplers to be threaded together to make a connection but is overridden in the unconnecting direction, requiring a tool to be placed in the space between adjacent tines to connect the coupler to an associated outer housing which may then be turned to disconnect the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Murphy, Brandon Janowiak
  • Patent number: 7000746
    Abstract: An electrical cord reel includes a metal housing of rectangular shape which is adapted to be mounted set in a wall or on the surface of the wall. The electric cord is mounted on a retractable reel mounted within the housing and may be connected to a source of electricity. An outlet receptacle is mounted to the cord for supplying power to remote locations in the room or work area as the cord is unwound from the reel. A series of guide rollers permit the cord to be paid out in a direction generally perpendicular to the wall, but over a large space for flexible application. The receptacle may be reeled in for storage and used as a wall outlet in the storage position. The receptacle is secured in a recess in the front wall of the housing; and the receptacle may be moved from the storage position to a release position where it is readily removed from the housing for remote use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Mackin, Scott A. Hagen, Timothy A. Hill, Don Zito, Gregory J. Maley
  • Publication number: 20060003629
    Abstract: Disclosed are two embodiments of a coaxial electrical connector designed for use in hazardous locations. Mating connectors are connected coaxially, and coupled together by means of a threaded connection. When the mating connectors are connected, they cannot be disconnected manually. Rather, a tool is necessary to disconnect the connectors. In one embodiment, each connector includes a generally cylindrical coupler member having integral, axial fingers or tines spaced circumferentially. The couplers are rotatably mounted to inserts in which the connecting elements are embedded. A ratchet assembly permits the couplers to be threaded together to make a connection but is overridden in the unconnecting direction, requiring a tool to be placed in the space between adjacent tines to connect the coupler to an associated outer housing which may then be turned to disconnect the connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Applicant: WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Murphy, Brandon Janowiak
  • Patent number: 6979222
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes first and second mating sections (17, 18). The first section (17) forms a plurality of channels (25–28) for receiving wires (12–15). The second section (18) has receptacles (24A–24D) for receiving contact elements (20–23) having IDC contacts for connecting respectively to the wires. The contact elements are constructed so that they may be placed in any one of four quadrature positions while providing a dual IDC connection with its associated wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Comini
  • Patent number: 6923553
    Abstract: An electrical handlamp includes a casing molded in two sections which are secured together and cooperate to define a handle for housing a lamp socket and wire connections from a supply cord to the socket. One handle section is integrally molded to provide a closed half shell for partially surrounding and housing a lamp. A protective cage is mounted for rotation about an axis between a closed position protecting the lamp and an open position for replacing the lamp. A hook at the top of the half shell rotatably mounts the top of the protective cage, and the bottom of the cage is rotatably received on the socket. A clasp releaseably latches the cage to the half shell in the closed position of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Mackin
  • Publication number: 20050041417
    Abstract: A shop light fixture of industrial quality includes an extruded metal housing having a cross section with a generally “C” shape when turned on its side. The spaced ends of the “C” shape provide continuous slots for receiving and mounting lamp assemblies which include a lamp and socket as well as a reflective backer, if desired, and a ballast, if required. Additional mounting slots may be extruded in the interior of the housing, if desired, for mounting a reflector or other elements within the housing, thus allowing the housing to be used interchangeably for fluorescent or halogen lighting applications. More than one lamp assembly may be slid into the mounting slots of the extruded housing, with spacer plates inserted between lamp assemblies to present a closed, finished look to the light fixture. The extruded housing may be cut to size and end caps inserted with screws to finish the fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Mackin
  • Publication number: 20050039997
    Abstract: An electrical cord reel includes a metal housing of rectangular shape which is adapted to be mounted set in a wall or on the surface of the wall. The electric cord is mounted on a retractable reel mounted within the housing and may be connected to a source of electricity. An outlet receptacle is mounted to the cord for supplying power to remote locations in the room or work area as the cord is unwound from the reel. A series of guide rollers permit the cord to be paid out in a direction generally perpendicular to the wall, but over a large space for flexible application. The receptacle may be reeled in for storage and used as a wall outlet in the storage position. The receptacle is secured in a recess in the front wall of the housing; and the receptacle may be moved from the storage position to a release position where it is readily removed from the housing for remote use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: WOODHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Mackin, Scott Hagen, Timothy Hill, Don Zito, Gregory Maley
  • Patent number: 6853316
    Abstract: An industrial Ethernet switching hub includes a casing in which a plurality of industrial Ethernet connector assemblies are mounted. Each Connector assembly includes a rigid connector receptacle sealed to the casing and receiving an Ethernet connector. The casing of each connector assembly has an externally threaded extension for receiving a mating Ethernet connector. A quick disconnect power connector is also mounted to the casing and a switch IC controller is embedded in the casing for data signal routing among the Ethernet connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Payson, Mark E. Fillion, Robert Neagle, Brad Woodman
  • Patent number: 6817733
    Abstract: A light for an industrial stringlight includes a cap having wire channels receiving insulated conductors. Non-interchangeable contact elements are placed in a screw-shell adapted to hold a lamp, and the cap and screw-shell are forced together. The cap is secured to the screw-shell, and insulation-piercing points on the contact elements establish electrical continuity with their associated conductors. The assembly is then overmolded for protection and sealing. A lamp guard is assembled to the overmold and has a bottom section hinged about a horizontal axis to permit replacing the lamp from beneath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob A. Frei, Scott A. Hagen, Michael P. Mackin, Sheena Kantharia, Yih-Chyuan Chiou, Servando Cedillo
  • Patent number: 6805578
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device designed to be attachable to a cable in the field includes a housing which receives a core. Electrical contact elements (male or female) are carried by the core. At the rear of the housing, in an extension which receives the cable. The extension includes a series of spaced, truncated walls are formed in opposing relation to similar truncated walls formed in the clamp member. When the clamp is assembled to the housing extension, each pair of opposing truncated walls defines a cable-receiving aperture which is sized to clamp to a given range of cable sizes for strain relief. By reversing the clamp, the clamp-receiving apertures clamp to a different range of cable sizes while providing strain relief for the connections. The clamp also secures the core to the housing in either position of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yih-Chyuan Chiou, Michael P. Mackin
  • Publication number: 20040180569
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device designed to be attachable to a cable in the field includes a housing which receives a core. Electrical contact elements (male or female) are carried by the core. At the rear of the housing, in an extension which receives the cable. The extension includes a series of spaced, truncated walls are formed in opposing relation to similar truncated walls formed in the clamp member. When the clamp is assembled to the housing extension, each pair of opposing truncated walls defines a cable-receiving aperture which is sized to clamp to a given range of cable sizes for strain relief. By reversing the clamp, the clamp-receiving apertures clamp to a different range of cable sizes while providing strain relief for the connections. The clamp also secures the core to the housing in either position of attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Woodhead Industries, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Yih-Chyuan Chiou, Michael P. Mackin
  • Publication number: 20040166733
    Abstract: A connector suitable for mounting to a solenoid or the like includes a contact holder adapted to receive and hold a plurality of contact assemblies. Each contact assembly includes a band of closed configuration and having a central opening for receiving the stripped end of a wire, and a contact adapted to couple to an associated contact of the solenoid. A screw is threadedly received in each band and adapted to force the contact into electrical engagement with the wire held within the opening of the band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Comini
  • Patent number: D505612
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Woodhead Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice C. Evans, Michael J. Peterson