Patents by Inventor Alan D. Borgstrom

Alan D. Borgstrom has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20100022111
    Abstract: A loadbreak connector formed by a power cable elbow and a bushing insert with increased flashover distance is disclosed. The power cable elbow includes a conductive member having an energized portion and a non-energized portion, a cable receiving end, a loadbreak bushing insert receiving end with an elbow cuff that extends beyond the energized portion. The bushing insert includes an insulative outer housing and an insulative interface sleeve. The insulative outer housing has an axial bore with a conductive socket, a first, second end mid-section, and a transition shoulder portion between the second end section and the mid-section. The insulative interface sleeve extends over the outer housing from the mid-section to the second end section. When the power cable elbow is installed on the second end section, the flashover distance from the top of the second end section to the bottom of the elbow cuff is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 7648376
    Abstract: A loadbreak connector formed by a power cable elbow and a bushing insert with increased flashover distance is disclosed. The power cable elbow includes a conductive member having an energized portion and a non-energized portion, a cable receiving end, a loadbreak bushing insert receiving end with an elbow cuff that extends beyond the energized portion. The bushing insert includes an insulative outer housing and an insulative interface sleeve. The insulative outer housing has an axial bore with a conductive socket, a first, second end mid-section, and a transition shoulder portion between the second end section and the mid-section. The insulative interface sleeve extends over the outer housing from the mid-section to the second end section. When the power cable elbow is installed on the second end section, the flashover distance from the top of the second end section to the bottom of the elbow cuff is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 7524202
    Abstract: A high voltage loadbreak bushing insert includes an insulative housing having a first end section, a second end section opposite the first end section, a mid-section disposed between the first and second end sections and a transition shoulder portion disposed between the second end section and the mid-section. The second end section is dimensioned for insertion into a power cable elbow connector and the mid-section is dimensioned to be sealed against an elbow cuff of the power cable elbow connector. The transition shoulder portion includes at least one raised portion protruding radially outwardly from the transition shoulder portion. The raised portion is adapted to force the elbow cuff of the power cable elbow connector to expand in a radially outward direction upon withdrawal of the second end section from the power cable elbow connector, thereby venting a cavity formed between the bushing insert and the power cable elbow connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Alan D. Borgstrom, Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 7216426
    Abstract: A method for forming a separable electrical connector having an electrical interface surface includes the steps of molding an interface shell from a thermoplastic, placing the interface shell against an electrical interface portion of a mold cavity and molding a housing within the mold cavity. When placed in the mold cavity, the interface shell provides a barrier to the mold cavity interface portion, wherein the housing is isolated from the electrical interface potion of the mold cavity by the interface shell. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface and the housing is bonded to one of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the other of the inner and outer surfaces of the shell defines the electrical interface surface of the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
  • Patent number: 7044760
    Abstract: A method for forming a separable electrical connector having an electrical interface surface includes the steps of molding an interface shell from a thermoplastic, placing the interface shell against an electrical interface portion of a mold cavity and molding a housing within the mold cavity. When placed in the mold cavity, the interface shell provides a barrier to the mold cavity interface portion, wherein the housing is isolated from the electrical interface potion of the mold cavity by the interface shell. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface and the housing is bonded to one of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the other of the inner and outer surfaces of the shell defines the electrical interface surface of the electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
  • Patent number: 6939151
    Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. The vents can be provided directly on the transition shoulder portion of the insert, an elbow seating indicator band or on a bushing insert interface shell. Additionally, the band and the shell may be formed of a bright contrasting color which serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled. The shell further reduces friction upon assembly of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 6817910
    Abstract: A set screw connector includes an elongate generally rectangular conductive bus bar. The bus bar includes a first face having a plurality of spaced cable receiving apertures and a second face which is generally orthogonal to the first face having a plurality of spaced set screw apertures. The cable receiving apertures and the set screw apertures are in communication with one another. A cover formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is molded over the bus bar. The molded cover further includes integrally formed auxiliary components insertable into at least one of the cable receiving apertures and the set screw receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Kieran Higgins
  • Publication number: 20040192093
    Abstract: A method for forming a separable electrical connector having an electrical interface surface includes the steps of molding an interface shell from a thermoplastic, placing the interface shell against an electrical interface portion of a mold cavity and molding a housing within the mold cavity. When placed in the mold cavity, the interface shell provides a barrier to the mold cavity interface portion, wherein the housing is isolated from the electrical interface potion of the mold cavity by the interface shell. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface and the housing is bonded to one of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the other of the inner and outer surfaces of the shell defines the electrical interface surface of the electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
  • Publication number: 20040142588
    Abstract: A set screw connector includes an elongate generally rectangular conductive bus bar. The bus bar includes a first face having a plurality of spaced cable receiving apertures and a second face which is generally orthogonal to the first face having a plurality of spaced set screw apertures. The cable receiving apertures and the set screw apertures are in communication with one another. A cover formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is molded over the bus bar. The molded cover further includes integrally formed auxiliary components insertable into at least one of the cable receiving apertures and the set screw receiving apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts Corporation.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Kieran Higgins
  • Patent number: 6688921
    Abstract: A set screw connector includes an elongate generally rectangular conductive bus bar. The bus bar includes a first face having a plurality of spaced cable receiving apertures and a second face which is generally orthogonal to the first face having a plurality of spaced set screw apertures. The cable receiving apertures and the set screw apertures are in communication with one another. A cover formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is molded over the bus bar. The molded cover further includes integrally formed auxiliary components insertable into at least one of the cable receiving apertures and the set screw receiving apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Kieran Higgins
  • Publication number: 20030087552
    Abstract: A set screw connector includes an elongate generally rectangular conductive bus bar. The bus bar includes a first face having a plurality of spaced cable receiving apertures and a second face which is generally orthogonal to the first face having a plurality of spaced set screw apertures. The cable receiving apertures and the set screw apertures are in communication with one another. A cover formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is molded over the bus bar. The molded cover further includes integrally formed auxiliary components insertable into at least one of the cable receiving apertures and the set screw receiving apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Kieran Higgins
  • Publication number: 20020164896
    Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. The vents can be provided directly on the transition shoulder portion of the insert, an elbow seating indicator band or on a bushing insert interface shell. Additionally, the band and the shell may be formed of a bright contrasting color which serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled. The shell further reduces friction upon assembly of the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 5280136
    Abstract: A terminator for a shielded high voltage cable comprising a thin-walled, flexible, elongate, insulating, elastomeric housing having a bore therethrough from a substantially closed first end providing a seal to an open second end having a skirt to protect the exposed neutral conductors of jacketed concentric neutral (JCN) cable and a plurality of rain sheds formed on the outer surface thereof. The bore has specified zones of different inner diameters to provide a seal about at least a portion of the exposed cable insulation and accept cable of various diameters while minimizing the installation forces encountered when installing the terminator. Various auxiliary devices can be employed to expand the terminator bore for installation and allow cold shrink of the terminator upon removal or repositioning of such devices after installation of the terminator on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Harry G. Yaworski, Alan D. Borgstrom, Timothy R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5128824
    Abstract: The invention is directed to the provision of an external shield about the periphery of the housing of a surge arrester containing one or more arrester devices to provide an expansion limiting device which permits the housing to expand to a degree necessary to permit the expulsion of arc-generated gases within the housing while serving to help to limit the total expansion to a level below the elastic limit of the housing to prevent its destruction and permit its recovery after the gases have been dissipated. The shield may be made of metal, elastomeric materials, reinforced elastomeric materials or plastic, and the shield may be supported about the housing by an external strap of metal, plastic or elastomeric materials or may be supported by a plurality of fins arranged along the periphery of the housing and engaging an edge of the shield on its internal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Harry G. Yaworski, Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 5082449
    Abstract: A media injection fitting for the insertion or removal of a media from the interior of a high voltage separable connector component having an access to the interior of the component. The fitting is comprised of a central body portion having a passage from an exterior side surface to the bore of a pin extending beyond the fitting for insertion into the bore of the access. A skirt extends from one end of the body portion so proportioned and configured as to be positionable upon the outer surface of the component access with a locking means on the interior surface of the skirt to fix the fitting upon the access. A pulling eye extends from the second end of the body portion to permit installation and removal of the fitting from the surface of the access. A coupling on the exterior side surface connected to the passage permits the insertion or removal of a media from the component or the venting of gases contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignees: Amerace Corporation, Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Glen J. Bertini, Daniel F. Meyer
  • Patent number: 4946393
    Abstract: The invention is the provision of an access to the interior of a high voltage separable connector component by providing a projection of insulating elastomeric material integral with the insulating material of the body of the component and in engagement with the conductive elastomeric material shield of such component. A bore extends through the projection from a free, remote face to the component interior. The bore can be straight walled and if desired can be fitted at its remote end with appropriate fittings to permit external devices or internals to interact with the elements within said component body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, David R. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4863392
    Abstract: A simplified electrical high voltage loadbreak bushing insert connector is disclosed which provides an improved electrical current path between a bushing well and a male probe contact during fault and activated closure while eliminating the usual prior art internal conductive sleeve contact. A solid contact, directly coupled to a bushing well stud, electrically engages a tubular extension of the movable female contact assembly during movement of the assembly over its entire range. In a first group of embodiments, contact is made with the interior of the tubular extension while in others with the exterior. Various stop member arrangements are disclosed to limit movement of the female contact assembly and of joining the solid contact to the insert body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak, Andrew A. Kominiak
  • Patent number: 4799895
    Abstract: A high-voltage cable is fixed to the single leg of a 600-amp "T" connector, which in turn is coupled for non-removable engagement with an insulating bushing fixed to a wall of the apparatus housing it is to serve. A removable screw-applied link member selectively couples the remaining leg to the apparatus bushing whereby power is supplied to the apparatus only when the link is present and isolates the cable when it is absent. A bushing extender and novel contact extenders fix the positions of components and serve to align the two arms of the link. Each of the arms includes an externally threaded stud for engagement with the contact extenders which are positioned in the "T" leg and bushing extender such as to engage the studs before interface interference to assist and guide the screw assembly of such parts. By this system, the apparatus and cable can be tested, grounded and a visible break performed without moving the high-voltage cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventor: Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 4773872
    Abstract: In a high-voltage bushing insert having a moving, piston-operated, female contact assembly electrically coupled to an interior metallic sleeve by means of a louvered contact ring, the improvement comprising a static metallic contact member providing an alternative electrical path from said female contact assembly to said metallic sleeve. The static contact member is generally circular and substantially closed at a first end and is multiply slotted adjacent its second end to provide a series of bulbous, spring fingers thereat. The spring fingers making intimate electrical contact with the interior of the female contact assembly in its static position and for a portion of its travel away from the closed end of the metallic sleeve. An exterior ring at the contact's first end assures good electrical contact with the metallic sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
  • Patent number: 4762501
    Abstract: This invention is directed to electrical connectors for joining components of high voltage electrical systems, such as splices and elbows for joining high voltage cables and high voltage cables to transformers and the like. Each connector has at least one extendable conductor to which a high voltage cable may be coupled outside of the housing and then returned to the protection of the housing. Typically the elbow has one while the splice has two extendable conductors. Removable fasteners may be used to hold the extendable conductors out of or adjacent the housing ends and lockable fasteners hold the completed joints within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Larry N. Siebens