Abstract: A generally annular retaining ring assembly having a retaining ring and a backing ring, the backing ring having an upper portion, an inner portion, an outer portion and a lower portion, wherein the inner portion, outer portion and the lower portion form a receiving channel configured to receive a plurality of inserts. The backing ring may be made of a polymeric material and the inserts may be made of a material such as, for example, stainless steel, that provides additional rigidity and heat dissipation to the polymeric backing ring. The inserts absorb the deforming forces exerted when the retaining ring assembly is fastened to the carrier head of a polishing device. However, the inserts are secured within the retaining channel in the underside of the backing ring so that the inserts are isolated from the chemicals present during polishing.

Abstract: Retaining rings are presented with specially designed inserts that increase rigidity and improve heat dissipation. Inserts that are more rigid, and that have better ability to conduct heat, are inserted into pockets positioned along the outer portion of the rings. The pockets do not compromise the upper, lower or inner portion of the rings. Because the inserts are more rigid than the material used in the body of the ring, they absorb the deforming forces resulting from fastening the ring to the carrier head. Because they are better conductors than the material used in the body of the ring, the ring is better able to dissipate heat generated during polishing. Moreover, because the inserts are positioned in the outer portion of the ring, the inserts are not exposed to the polishing surface during polishing and therefore are less likely to react undesirably with the chemicals used during polishing.

Abstract: Retaining rings are presented with specially designed inserts that increase rigidity and improve heat dissipation. Inserts that are more rigid, and that have better ability to conduct heat, are inserted into pockets positioned along the outer portion of the rings. The pockets do not compromise the upper, lower or inner portion of the rings. Because the inserts are more rigid than the material used in the body of the ring, they absorb the deforming forces resulting from fastening the ring to the carrier head. Because they are better conductors than the material used in the body of the ring, the ring is better able to dissipate heat generated during polishing. Moreover, because the inserts are positioned in the outer portion of the ring, the inserts are not exposed to the polishing surface during polishing and therefore are less likely to react undesirably with the chemicals used during polishing.

Abstract: An electrical connection is provided for connecting electrically transmitting cables and/or wires to one another or any other component in a manner that provides an environmentally sealed connection. The electrical connection includes an electrical connector for connecting electrical cables or wires that includes seals which are disposed in grooves in the threaded portions of the electrical connector. The electrical connector may also include a second set of grooves separated from the first set of grooves, in order to cause moisture and other debris to migrate away from the seals. When the end connectors of electrical cables or wires are connected to the electrical connector, the interior threads of end connectors cover and deform the surface of the seals to create an enhanced seal between the connector and the end connectors.

Abstract: An electrical connection is provided for connecting electrically transmitting cables and/or wires to one another or any other component in a manner that provides an environmentally sealed connection. The electrical connection includes an electrical connector for connecting electrical cables or wires that includes seals which are disposed in grooves in the threaded portions of the electrical connector. The electrical connector may also include a second set of grooves separated from the first set of grooves, in order to cause moisture and other debris to migrate away from the seals. When the end connectors of electrical cables or wires are connected to the electrical connector, the interior threads of end connectors cover and deform the surface of the seals to create an enhanced seal between the connector and the end connectors.

Abstract: A compression-type drop wire clamp that avoids damaging a signal carrying portion of a cable by applying a compressive force primarily to a support portion of a cable is disclosed herein. A plurality of holes may be included in a compression portion of the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. An abrasive coating, such as an enamel and crushed glass mixture, may be added to the clamp to increase the frictional force between the cable and the clamp. Tines or other aligning mechanisms may also be used to center the cable in the clamp and/or to align other portions of the clamp (e.g. a shim).

Abstract: A compression-type drop wire clamp assembly for use in suspending and directing cables and wires relative to supporting structures, such as a poles or buildings, is provided. More specifically, the improved drop wire clamp assembly is designed for use in suspending and directing sensitive cables and wires, such as fiber optic cables and wires. The drop wire clamp assembly includes a tapered housing, a mating tapered slide assembly, a hanger portion for securing the assembly to the supporting structure, and a shim. The housing and the shim each include a longitudinal groove, as well as gripping surfaces. The fiber optic cable, or other electrical cable, is sandwiched between the housing and the shim within the longitudinal grooves of the housing and shim.

Abstract: A universal ground strap assembly including a strap having a series of uniformly sized and spaced apertures to facilitate the installation of the ground strap assembly onto a wide range of structures of various shaped and sized cross-sections is provided. A stud, through which the strap is secured, includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a ground wire. The stud includes a curved surface to engage the elongated strap with smooth transition. The stud may be captivated on the strap by at least one projection extending into the hole in the strap within which the stud is held. A curved sliding nut supported upon the strap and a curved surface of the stud are used to form a tight clamping action of the strap about the structure to be grounded, without subjecting the strap to localized stresses or tearing, but permitting the strap to tightly encircle the structure. The curved sliding nut is also captivated on the strap with stops and defines a hole to receive the stud.

Abstract: A grounding connector having at least a first layer and a second layer. A conductor, such as a grounding wire, is secured between the first layer and the second layer. The first and second layers are made of a material with the same or similar galvanic potentials as the conductor such that galvanic corrosion between the conductor and the first and second layers is minimized.

Abstract: A grounding connector with an improved ground terminal that facilitates easy ground wire attachment. The grounding connector includes a base that locates the ground terminal so that the ground terminal can operate between a wire receiving position and a wire engaging position without interference from the structure to which the connector is attached. The ground terminal includes a bracket having at least one guide and an actuator to move the bracket between the wire receiving and wire engaging positions. The guide of the bracket is received by a guide aperture in the base to guide the movement of the bracket. The bracket also defines relatively large ground wire receiving apertures that are exposed for receiving a ground wire when the bracket is in the wire receiving position. Once a grounding wire is inserted into the apertures, the bracket is actuated to its wire engaging position, and the wire is clamped against the connector.