Patents by Inventor Larry N. Siebens

Larry N. Siebens 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).

  • Patent number: 8282410
    Abstract: A deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter assembly may include a deadbreak-to-loadbreak bushing having a first end and a second end, and an annular shoulder portion located between the first end and the second end. The first end may include a loadbreak interface for connecting to a loadbreak device and the second end may include a deadbreak interface for connecting to a deadbreak bushing. A bailing element may be provided for securing the deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing to a housing in which the deadbreak bushing is installed via a securing force applied to the shoulder portion of the deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Publication number: 20120214336
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body for receiving a power cable and having at least one T-end having a bore therein. An adapter is configured to be received within the bore in the at least one T-end, wherein the adapter comprises a conductive core coupled to the power cable. A sacrificial cap is configured to engage a portion of the adapter extending from the at least one T-end. The sacrificial cap comprises a sacrificial conductor that is coupled to the conductive core of the adapter and configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical connector assembly has been de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Publication number: 20120202392
    Abstract: A high voltage link apparatus may include a link assembly that includes an insulated bushing portion; a first feed thru junction bushing portion; and a second feed thru junction bushing portion. The insulated bushing portion is electrically isolated from the first feed thru junction bushing portion and the second feed thru junction bushing portion. The first feed thru junction bushing portion is conductively coupled to the second feed thru junction bushing portion. First, second, and third bushing interfaces are provided for conductively coupling to first, second, and third power cables, respectively. Each of the first, second, and third bushing interfaces include link receiving portions configured to receive the link assembly therein. The link assembly is installable in the first, second, and third bushing interfaces in first and second, reversible orientations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 8172596
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a yoke that includes an outer housing and a central conductor provided within the outer housing. The central conductor may include at least three outwardly extending portions. A first outwardly extending portion and a second outwardly extending portion maybe operatively coupled to first and second power cables, respectively. A third outwardly extending portion may include a sacrificial appendage configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical connector is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Publication number: 20120088393
    Abstract: A connector may include a first member having a first bore therethrough. A second member having a second bore therethrough may be configured to align with the first bore in the first member. A cam clamp may be provided for securing the first member to the second member. The cam clamp may include a pin having a head and a shaft, wherein the shaft extends through the first bore and the second bore. A compression element may be positioned between the first bore and a head on the pin. A cam member may be rotatably mounted to an end of the shaft opposing the head and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cam clamp may be configured to secure the second member to the first member when the cam member is rotated from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Publication number: 20120018217
    Abstract: An electrical connector feedthru insert assembly may include a connector body having a first leg projecting from the body in a first direction and second and third legs projecting from the body in a second direction substantially opposing the first direction. The first leg may be configured for insertion into a bushing well in a transformer, the bushing well including a conductive stud therein. The first leg may include a longitudinal bore extending therethrough configured for alignment with the conductive stud in the bushing well upon insertion of the first leg into the bushing well, the longitudinal bore having a bolt passage portion and a first shoulder portion. The feedthru insert assembly may further include a bolt sized for insertion into the longitudinal bore and including a tool engagement shoulder portion to engage the first shoulder portion of the longitudinal bore. Application of rotational force to the tool engagement shoulder portion may cause the bolt to threadingly engage the conductive stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Publication number: 20110256746
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end and first and second connector ends formed substantially perpendicularly to an axial direction of the conductor receiving end. The connector body includes a first axial bore that communicates with each of a second axial bore and a third axial bore in the first and second connector ends, respectively. The electrical connector assembly may include a conductor spade assembly received in the first axial bore, wherein the conductor spade assembly includes a spade portion extending between the second axial bore and the third axial bore. A removeable contact may be received within the second axial bore to conductively engage the spade portion of the conductor spade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, James Cole, Larry N. Siebens
  • Publication number: 20110217876
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a yoke that includes an outer housing and a central conductor provided within the outer housing. The central conductor may include at least three outwardly extending portions. A first outwardly extending portion and a second outwardly extending portion maybe operatively coupled to first and second power cables, respectively. A third outwardly extending portion may include a sacrificial appendage configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical connector is de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Publication number: 20110092088
    Abstract: A deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter assembly may include a deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing having a first end and a second end, and an annular shoulder portion located between the first end and the second end. The first end may include a loadbreak interface for connecting to a loadbreak device and the second end may include a deadbreak interface for connecting to a deadbreak bushing. Bailing means may be provided for securing the deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing to a housing in which the deadbreak bushing is installed via a securing force applied to the shoulder portion of the deadbreak-to-loadbreak adapter bushing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Publication number: 20110025342
    Abstract: A voltage indicating assembly for medium and high voltage systems includes a semiconductive cap configured for mounting on a test point, the test point including a test point terminal element configured to capacitively receive a voltage associated with a electrical component, where the electrical component is mounted in a first location. The semiconductive cap includes a contact element mounted therein configured to electrically communicate with the test point terminal element when the semiconductive cap is mounted on the test point. A cable is electrically coupled to the contact element. A remote test point assembly is electrically coupled to the cable in a second location remote from the first location, and the remote test point assembly includes a remote test point terminal element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • 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: 7311563
    Abstract: A set screw electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a set screw drive plug. The connector includes at least one set screw portal sized to accommodate a set screw therein. The set screw drive plug is formed of electrically insulative material and is configured to engage and drive the set screw into the connector. The connector assembly may include an insulative housing formed about the connector for providing a water tight seal with a cable terminated to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 7288718
    Abstract: An electrical connector component for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line generally includes an internal conductor, an insulative housing surrounding the conductor and a signal filtering device having a medium-voltage end in electrical contact with the internal conductor and an opposite low-voltage terminal. The signal filtering device is adapted to substantially block passage of power signals yet substantially permit passage of communication signals between the medium-voltage end and the low-voltage terminal. In a method for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line, an access point on a power distribution line is provided without de-energizing the power distribution line, passage of power signals through the access point is blocked and passage of communication signals through the access point are permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
  • 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: 6585531
    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 loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. 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. Preferably, the vents are provided on an elbow seating indicator band formed of a bright contrasting color on the bushing insert which, in addition to venting the cavity, serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
  • 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: 6168447
    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 loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. 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. Preferably, the vents are provided on an elbow seating indicator band formed of a bright contrasting color on the bushing insert which, in addition to venting the cavity, serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 5795180
    Abstract: To provide durable elbow seating indicator for high voltage elbow on a high voltage bushing a band of highly contrasting color is formed on or added to an annular recess on the conductive jacket of the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Patent number: 5088001
    Abstract: To control the direction of movement and prevent random scattering of fragments of MOV blocks resulting from the catastrophic failure of such blocks during overvoltage incidents, a stack of such MOV blocks with end fittings attached is placed within a rigid filament-wound epoxy-impregnated tube formed as one continuous tube or a tube made up of aligned tube segments positioned so as to establish a preferred failure direction; the interstices between the interior of such tube and the exterior of said blocks and end fittings are filled with a dielectric insulative material which extends beyond and engulfs said tube and said end fittings to seal and further rigidify said component stack and provide an air-free non-electrically ionizable environment about said component stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Amerace Corporation
    Inventors: Harry G. Yaworski, Larry N. Siebens
  • 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