Providing A Restricted Or Insulated Environment (i.e., Sealable) For Internal Elements Patents (Class 16/2.2)
  • Patent number: 8042225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grommet for sealing a conduit to be passed through an opening against said opening. The grommet comprises a sealing body defining an opening therethrough for receiving the conduit as well as at least one sealing collar radially surrounding said sealing body in an unfolded state. The grommet further comprises a retaining means, which is configured for fixing said sealing collar in a folded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Bringhenti
  • Patent number: 8037573
    Abstract: An elastomeric bushing assembly has an inner component, an outer component and an elastomeric bushing disposed between the inner and outer components. A bearing engages the inner component and is disposed between the elastomeric bushing and the inner component. The bearing allows pivoting of the inner component with respect to the bearing. A low friction coating is disposed between the inner component and the bearing to provide a low friction interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Bost, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8022304
    Abstract: A grommet providing triple sealing feature when mounted in an opening of a panel is disclosed. When the panel into which the grommet is mounted is between a compartment exposed to ambient conditions and a passenger compartment, a seal minimizes water, fumes, dust, and noise from entering into the passenger compartment. The triple seal, according to an embodiment, provides higher sealing forces than shown previously. The disclosed grommet can be engaged with a flat, non-flanged panel as well as a panel having a flange near the opening. The disclosed grommet has multiple longitudinal slits sawed through a tubular portion of the grommet through which the wiring harness is threaded. The cuts allow a subset of wires to be splayed out from the grommet at a different routing than the remainder of the wires in the wiring harness bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Michael Baydoun, Anthony Dowling DeWitt
  • Patent number: 8017870
    Abstract: A fastening device for a line, in particular for an electric cable (12) in a motor vehicle, is proposed, the fastening device having a bush (10) which can be locked in a holder (18), at least partially surrounds the line, is made of elastically deformable material and is fastened releaseably in a cutout (16) of the holder (18) by means of a contour (14). According to the invention, the surface of a bush (10), which is injection-moulded from plastic, is of segmented design in order to obtain easier deformability of the bush when fitting it into an associated holder (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Keiji Kawakami, Alexander Nickel
  • Patent number: 8003891
    Abstract: An exemplary high-voltage outdoor bushing is disclosed which includes a conductor extended along an axis, a condenser core and an electrically insulating polymeric weather protection housing molded on the condenser core. The condenser core can contain an electrically insulating tape which is wound in spiral form around the conductor. Capacitance grading insertions can be arranged between successive windings of the tape. A cured polymeric insulating matrix embeds the wound tape and the capacitive grading insertions. A moisture diffusion barrier can be incorporated inside the condenser core prior to molding the weather protection housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Jens Rocks, Vincent Tilliette, Walter Odermatt, Willi Gerig
  • Patent number: 7964799
    Abstract: A bushing for an electrical device including an insulating core, where at least a part of the insulating core includes a continuous diffusion barrier with firm adhesion to the insulating core. The bushing is manufactured by coating at least a part of the insulating core with the continuous diffusion barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Isberg, Carina Önneby, Erik Johansson, Thomas Liljenberg, Douglas Getson
  • Patent number: 7952031
    Abstract: A barrier system for a line leadthrough in an electric installation has mutually adjacent wall elements forming barriers that extend in an axial longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from each other, forming channels. The wall elements lie partially on a support, at least at their lower ends. The wall elements are joined by a plug element to the leadthrough. Slots having a width which corresponds to the wall thickness of the wall elements are arranged in the plug element. The wall elements can be inserted into the slots, thus permitting a barrier system to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Hammer, Peter Heinzig, Jens Hoppe, Dietmar Jahnel, Johann Schlager, Lambert Schummer
  • Patent number: 7943854
    Abstract: A grommet for routing wires between a relatively stationary body and a hinged panel can include a first sealing end and a second sealing end. Two bellows segments can extend between the first and second sealing ends. The bellows segments can be linked by an intermediate portion. A retainer can include a first element having a means for attachment to the intermediate portion and a second element having a means for attachment to the second sealing end of the grommet. The first and second elements can have complementary latch features opposite the attachment means, such that the first and second elements directly connect to each other in a connected position. One of the two bellows segments can be bent between the intermediate portion and the second sealing end of the grommet bringing the intermediate portion into close proximity with the second sealing end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki North America
    Inventor: Douglas C. Lipp
  • Patent number: 7930800
    Abstract: The flange apparatus provides a positive seal for an appliance tube which enters a junction box of a travel trailer, motor home, or the like. The union of the apparatus is fitted coplanarly to the exterior wall of the junction box. The first and second segment overlap the opening in the junction box, further ensuring a complete seal. The second flat bottom of the second segment abuts the frame of the box exterior wall, further ensuring a complete seal. The orifice of the apparatus is provided in more than one size. Each size of the apparatus orifice conforms to a particular appliance tube size, further ensuring a complete seal per application. The slot of the apparatus aids in insertion of the apparatus into the exterior wall and in the insertion of the tube into the apparatus, then collapses upon itself to fully seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventors: Samual P. Castrale, Patricia Castrale
  • Patent number: 7906729
    Abstract: A repositionable insulator housing for an angle connector formed from first and second housing sections that are joined together. Each housing section has an exterior surface and a base portion that includes an end wall, a pair of opposing side walls and a back wall. Each of the end walls and pairs of opposing side walls extend from the back walls to form open sides and open ends of the housing sections. When the two housing sections are joined together, the base sections form an enclosure with a pair of apertures in opposing walls. The two housing sections enclose an angle connector so that the open sides correspond and the first open ends form an opening in the housing. The pair of apertures are aligned and adapted to receive an elongated metal rod and the opening in the housing is adapted to receive a conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: George B. Robertson, Richard Von Rotz, Michael Pratt
  • Publication number: 20110042123
    Abstract: A sealing grommet, particularly for data centers and the like, formed of one or a pair of U-shaped frame sections, each co-molded with a thermoplastic elastomeric seal of corrugated wave form, with corrugated edges of the seals exposed at the open sides of the U-shaped frames. A pair of such grommet sections joined together, with the corrugated edges arranged to be in contact and in phase, provides a uniquely efficient seal to hold back air under pressure while allowing various pass-through elements, such as cables, hoses, etc., to be extended through the grommet and while enabling the pass-through elements to be easily added, removed, or rearranged as may be necessary to accommodate the dynamic changes experienced in the operation of a data center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Arthur T. Sempliner, Jonathan Pettingill
  • Publication number: 20110031713
    Abstract: A rod end mounting bushing for use in a connection assembly is disclosed. The rod end mounting bushing has a generally cylindrical body with a longitudinal axis line extending through the body and opposite end faces wherein each end face has a defining geometric plane. Each geometric plane is constructed and arranged at an angle of incline relative to the longitudinal axis line of the generally cylindrical body. The body defines a through aperture which extends from one end face to the opposite end face. This through aperture has a longitudinal axis line which is substantially perpendicular to at least one of the end faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Michael W. Ekbundit
  • Patent number: 7825331
    Abstract: An electrical bushing (1) for connecting a superconducting device to a device located at ambient temperature, the bushing (1) having an electrical conductor (9) and an insulating layer (10) surrounding the electrical conductor (9). An interlayer (15) is provided between the electrical conductor (9) and the insulating layer (10) and makes it possible for the electrical conductor (9) to slide in the insulating layer (10) within a temperature range of from 70 kelvin to the ambient temperature. A field control layer (11) is also applied to the insulating layer (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Arnaud Allais, Pierre Mirebeau
  • Patent number: 7812266
    Abstract: A bushing is disclosed with a duct for accommodating a conductor which is surrounded by an electrical field grading insulation. The bushing includes a core with a shell encapsulating the grading insulation and a flange surrounding the shell and carrying through holes distributed over its circumference for allowing the bushing to be attached to a wall. The shell and the flange can be in one piece and include an insulating matrix material. The through holes can be surrounded by metal inserts each forming an annular surface flush with a surface of the flange. A test tap can include a contact pin which is electrically conductively connected to an outermost layer of the grading insulation and surrounded by a contact ring connected to every second metal insert by connection wires for grounding the contact pin via the contact ring when the test tap is not in use and covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Jens Rocks, Vincent Tilliette, Gerd Chalikia, Roger Hedlund, Michael Gabriel
  • Patent number: 7795541
    Abstract: Supports for high or medium voltage electrical conductors (6, 7) at potentials different from the potential of an enclosure (1) are supported by disc-shaped parts (4, 5) made from thermoplastic polyester, for example terephthalate polyethylene. The discs (4 and 5) provide good insulation without largely disturbing the electrical field around the conductors due to their fairly low dielectric constant. They are also compatible with use under SF6 gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Areva T&D AG
    Inventors: Hugo Hiltbrunner, Gerardo Palmieri, Karsten Pohlink, Christian Tschannen, Jean-Luc Bessede, Yannick Kieffel
  • Patent number: 7781684
    Abstract: A compressible sealing gasket for supporting a cable in a wall opening contained in a housing wall includes a pair of gasket sections each having a planar surface that contains a recess, and at least one integral compressible sealing projection extending from the planar surface adjacent the recess. When the gasket sections are placed in an assembled condition with their planar surfaces in contiguous engagement, the recesses cooperate to define a cable opening for receiving a cable, and the projection is compressed between the gasket sections to seal the space between the gasket sections adjacent the cable opening. Preferably two laterally spaced integral sealing ribs are provided in each recess, which sealing ribs extend transversely completely across the recess and terminate at each end in a sealing projection that extends upwardly from the associated planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Stuckmann, Uwe Arlitt, Paulo Russo, John Witt, Günter Lucht, Joachim Bury, Thomas Salomon, Torsten Diekmann, Andreas Wedler, Thomas Pieper
  • Patent number: 7781678
    Abstract: A grommet is inserted into a notch in a channel and partially supports a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet includes a main segment and first and second end segments. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second side surface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. The main segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment together define a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cable harness including a grommet and a vehicle including a grommet are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Camas Reed, Darin King, Mark Hegemann
  • Publication number: 20100205771
    Abstract: A grommet assembly includes a retainer including a sleeve, and a boot secured to the retainer, including a first and a second series of pleats aligned with the sleeve, each pleat of the second series decreasing in size as distance from the retainer increases, each pleat of the first series having a substantially uniform size and spaced from a consecutive pleat of the first series by a distance that is less than a space between consecutive pleats of the second series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brad L. Pietryga, Douglas P. Gonsler
  • Patent number: 7723622
    Abstract: A sealing assembly having a flexible sleeve and a means for sealing a top portion of the sleeve around a plurality of cables, such as by a hook and loop type fastener attached at the top portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is configured to receive at least one cable therethrough and a bottom portion of the sleeve is configured to be secured to a surface. The sleeve can also be electrically conductive such that the sleeve dissipates static electricity from the cable to the surface. The sealing assembly call also have a grommet positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the sleeve. The grommet has a first wall having a plurality of apertures for connecting the grommet to a surface and a second wall that extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall and is configured to extend through an aperture in the surface. The second wall is flexible to protect the cable from sharp edges associated with the aperture in the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Allen Dukes, Kevin Larry Nelson, Rhonda Johnson
  • Patent number: 7674978
    Abstract: A wire harness includes a conductive member configured to connect electric members to each other for electric conduction; a covering member configured to enclose and cover the conductive member, the covering member being formed of a first insulating material; and a retaining member configured to enclose the covering member so as to define a space between the covering member and the retaining member, the retaining member being formed of a second insulating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Tsunoda, Hiroshi Atsumi
  • Publication number: 20100018002
    Abstract: A high voltage bushing and flange with an interior seal. The high voltage bushing includes an outer insulating material. The high voltage bushing includes a flange with an interior seal comprised of at least two flange O-ring channels; at least two O-rings; a sealant channel; and a quantity of sealant filling the sealant channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Bresney, Shawn Byrnes, Charles Marino
  • Publication number: 20100000436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a primer element, in particular for ammunition or similar, comprising at least one primer composition that has at least one sleeve acting as the housing for the primer element, at least one contact pin and a mass contact. Multiple wires, (at least two) are used, one end of said wires being connected to the contact pin and the other end of said wires to the mass contact. The multiple wires are embedded in the primer composition(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicants: RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION GMBH, PL ELEKTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Torsten Niemeyer, Joseph Adrianus Maria Van Dongen
  • Patent number: 7635816
    Abstract: A connector/bushing assembly for electrical junction boxes includes a nut which may receive a male conduit/connector which extends through the wall of a junction box, and a liner situated within the nut. The nut receives the male connector within a nut junction end situated opposite from a nut entry end. The liner is received within the nut entry end to extend toward the nut junction end, and includes a floating portion near the nut junction end, with the floating portion defining a cylinder spaced from the inner diameter of the nut junction end so that the (cylindrical) male connector can be received within the nut junction end between the floating portion and the nut junction end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Sami Shemtov
  • Patent number: 7615713
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a wire harness for use in a movable structure, such as a door of a passenger vehicle, is disclosed. The mounting structure may include a mounting frame and a bracket for use in a recess of the movable structure. The mounting structure may be installed on a movable structure such that water may contact the mounting frame. The mounting frame may include water management features that generally direct water away from a dry region. Such water management features may include one or more cut-aways formed in an outer periphery of the mounting frame, and may also include one or more dams and/or sub-dams. The cut-aways, dams, and sub-dams may be used to re-direct water away from the dry region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Bardella, Joseph A. Wilson, Ronald A. Puhl, Theodore J. Borowicz
  • Publication number: 20090235484
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grommet for sealing a conduit to be passed through an opening against said opening. The grommet comprises a sealing body defining an opening therethrough for receiving the conduit as well as at least one sealing collar radially surrounding said sealing body in an unfolded state. The grommet further comprises a retaining means, which is configured for fixing said sealing collar in a folded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: GIANFRANCO BRINGHENTI
  • Patent number: 7582836
    Abstract: A core (110, 150) for supporting a covering (200, 510, 620) of a cable entry device (100, 500, 600). The core comprises at least one intermediate portion (111, 151a, 151b) connected to locking means (112, 113a, 113b, 152, 153a, 153b). The locking means are connected to the intermediate portion for instantly locking the core to a surrounding material when it is inserted into a hole thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Tapper
  • Publication number: 20090211053
    Abstract: Tap mounting assemblies for reducing loads on the threaded end portions of a tap. Some exemplary embodiments employ a spring such as Belleville washers to bias apart the tap and a mounting plate, and some embodiments provide visual indication of proper tightening. Some exemplary embodiments allow angular adjustment of a portion of the tap assembly without disturbing the tapered thread engagement of the tap on the mounting surface. Exemplary embodiments may employ a base plate between a jack screw and a mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: John Anthony George, Stephen Phillip Frank
  • Patent number: 7579557
    Abstract: A cable entry device (500, 600) for providing sealing in a space between a cable (1) and a surrounding material. The device comprises a covering (400, 510, 620) having sealing members (420, 430) for receiving said material therebetween. The sealing members are formed by a recess (410) in the covering. The covering comprises a recess for temporarily receiving the second sealing member when the covering is inserted into a hole in the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Tapper
  • Patent number: 7579556
    Abstract: A cable entry device for providing sealing in a space between a cable and a surrounding material. The cable entry comprises a covering, and a first and a second sealing member for receiving said material therebetween. The first sealing member provides a biasing force on the covering when inserted into a hole of the material, wherein the second sealing member is urged towards a surface of said material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Tapper
  • Patent number: 7534965
    Abstract: A cable grommet with ball and socket is used in connection with an elongated member passing through a hole in a panel. The ball has a pair of opposed hemispherical members juxtaposed along a ball central axis and horizontal plane. The ball has a hole through it aligned with the central axis, to receive the elongated member. A socket supports and retains the ball securely, while allowing the ball to pivot in any direction. The socket has a pair of opposed cup members, each with a hemispherical cavity therein centered on a socket central axis and vertical plane. A pilot aligns the socket with the panel hole. The cup members each have two tabs projecting transversely from a semicircular flange. The tabs of the opposed cup members overlap. Each cup member has an upper and lower thickened brow portion on the cavity adjacent the flange ends to strengthen the cavity. An adapter allows mounting the grommet in an oversized panel hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7507912
    Abstract: A cable grommet system for installation in data centers, offices and the like, for sealing cable openings in raised flooring, wall or ceiling panels, server cabinets, etc. to facilitate the installation and revision of wiring and cabling to server installations while minimizing losses of any provided conditioned air. A wide variety of grommet configurations is possible with a limited number of component parts. An advantageous acute angle mounting of sealing brushes enhances the sealing effectiveness thereof, particularly for smaller sizes of cable openings. In some embodiments, a novel arrangement of electrical conductors is incorporated into the grommet structures for dissipation of electrostatic charges, enabling the basic frame components to be formed of a flame retardant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Upsite Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur T. Sempliner, Berkeley T. Merchant
  • Patent number: 7442884
    Abstract: A seal includes a body having an exterior surface configured for sealing engagement with an entry port of an enclosure. A plurality of passages extend from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. Each of the plurality of passages is configured to receive at least one component therein. A body slit extends from the first end to the second end, and passes through the body from the exterior surface to an interior point in the body. A plurality of passage slits extend from the first end to the second end. Each of the plurality of passage slits pass through the body from the interior point in the body to a corresponding one of the plurality of passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Shirley E. Ball, Sidney J. Berglund, Dean C. Krenz, Ronald J. Ricks
  • Publication number: 20080250603
    Abstract: A dual bushing installation kit includes a first metal bushing and a second metal bushing. The first metal bushing can include a first body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a first outer surface having a first outer circumference and a first inner surface having a first inner circumference. The second metal bushing is defined by a second body having first and second ends. The first and second ends are connected by a second outer surface having a second outer circumference and a second inner surface having a second inner circumference. The second outer circumference is dimensioned to be substantially conforming with the first inner circumference such that the second bushing is closely receivable by a first opening of the first bushing. Both the second outer circumference and the first inner circumference can be expanded in an outwardly radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: William A. Skinner, Jude H. Restis, Mark R. Weiss
  • Patent number: 7434814
    Abstract: A waterproof grommet, includes an elastic grommet body which is provided with a flange portion to be mounted to a panel; an annular wall which is provided on a first face of the flange portion; a lip portion which is provided on a second face of the flange portion, the second face being opposed to the first face; an annular reinforcing portion which is provided on the second face of the flange portion, and disposed inwardly of the lip portion; and a plurality of wire-passage tubular portions which are provided on the reinforcing portion through respective flexible portions, and are disposed within the annular wall. Proximal ends of the tubular portions are interconnected at a thick wall through the flexible portions. The reinforcing portion is adapted to be inserted into a panel hole of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kumakura, Yoshihiko Nakahama, Takanori Kawai
  • Patent number: 7432452
    Abstract: In a snap-in electrical connector for attaching helical metal cable and conduit to a junction box or the like, the connector having the locking ring with flexible tabs engageable with the cable/conduit, the improvement wherein the tabs have legs angled inwardly of the ring at specified angles, tips that form specified angles with the legs, and tip ends that are biased relative to the legs in the same direction. The specified angles of the legs, tips and tip ends provide improved pull-out strength, electrical conductivity and stability for a wide range of sizes and types of cable and conduit, including metal clad cable, armored cable, and flexible metal conduit, made of aluminum and steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Halex/Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7423216
    Abstract: A gasket is provided that includes a first sealing portion defining an angled profile and a second sealing portion. A plurality of beads are disposed along the angled profile of the first sealing portion, and a plurality of ribs are disposed along the second sealing portion, thus providing a dual action sealing gasket. The gasket is preferably employed in an electrical housing assembly for a power controller system, wherein the housing assembly comprises a case having an open end, a cover for closing the open end of the case, and a mounting collar disposed around the case for mounting the case to a panel. The gasket is secured to the case proximate the open end such that when the cover is mounted to the open end of the case, the plurality of beads are elastically deformed by the cover and the plurality of ribs are compressed against the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert Pape, Larry E. Tiedemann, Theodore T. Von Arx
  • Patent number: 7423223
    Abstract: A construction is provided having an expanded diameter tube on at least one end of a small diameter tube through which an electrical wire group of a wire harness passes. In addition, a washer tube is secured to a grommet formed from an elastic body, and a vehicle latching groove is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the expanded diameter tube. A tube securing material is provided that includes a large diameter ring and a small diameter ring protruding from one part of the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter ring. The large diameter ring of the tube securing material is placed and secured on the outer surface of the small diameter tube, and the washer tube is passed through the small diameter ring, securing the washer tube along the outer surface of the small diameter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshinobu Taira
  • Patent number: 7423217
    Abstract: A housing assembly is provided that has a case including an open end and a flange extending around at least a portion of the open end. The flange defines at least one reduced area extending into a portion of the flange, and a gasket is disposed around the flange. Preferably, the gasket includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, an internal groove for receiving the flange, and at least one member extending into the internal groove and into the at least one reduced area of the flange. In one form, the reduced area is an aperture, and the member of the gasket is a support that extends all the way through the flanges, thereby providing a secure engagement between the gasket and the case during operation. Methods of manufacturing the housing assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert Pape, Larry E. Tiedemann, Theodore T. Von Arx
  • Patent number: 7420125
    Abstract: Provided is a grommet assembly including an elastic grommet main body and hard inner members to be fitted into the collar part of the grommet main body where openings for inserting electric wires are notched in part of the peripheral wall of the inner member. A lid wall is closed on an opening by way of a locking unit. A cover for protecting electric wires is integrally arranged on the inner member. The outer peripheral surface of the collar part is clamped between a door panel and a door trim. The cover is locked to the door trim by way of the locking unit. An elastic pressing member is arranged on the door trim in order to engage the pressing member with the inside of the collar part of the grommet main body thus clamping the collar part between itself and the door trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Tsukamoto, Koji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7418765
    Abstract: A grommet includes a first grommet, having a first insertion hole through which a wire harness passes, an inner cover, having a second insertion hole communicated to the first insertion hole, the inner cover being mounted into the first grommet and a second grommet, mounted on the inner cover, and having a harness containing portion between the second grommet and the inner cover. A rib is provided on one of the inner cover and the second grommet. A rib bearing portion is provided on the another of the inner cover and the second grommet so as to be disposed to face to the rib. The wire harness disposed on the rib is pushed out from the rib by the rib bearing portion when the second grommet is mounted on the inner cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kameyama
  • Patent number: 7390969
    Abstract: A wire harness grommet assembly includes a sheet metal panel having a speaker hole and a grommet for supporting a wire harness from an audio speaker disposed in the speaker hole. The sheet metal panel has an emboss formed along a peripheral edge of the speaker hole. The grommet has an extension portion and an attachment portion. The extension portion has a tube for supporting the wire harness therein. The attachment portion is disposed within the emboss so that an outer surface of the attachment portion is substantially continuous with an outer surface of the sheet metal panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Josh D. Fraley, Scott L. Frederick, Mark A. Zeilinger
  • Patent number: 7388165
    Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a cable restraint adapted to provide strain relief to a cable and a radial guide adapted to provide a desired bend radius to a cable. The apparatus may have a compressible body provided with a receiving channel adapted to receive a cable in a receiving condition and to restrict movement of the cable in a restrictive condition. The radial guide may be in the form of a shoulder provided at a closed end of the channel and having a surface of predetermined bend radius. The receiving channel may be converted between a receiving condition and a restrictive condition by compression of the body when the apparatus is inserted into an opening of a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 7288730
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for covering and sealing a hole (10) through a wall provided for leading cables therethrough, said hole being provided in, for example, a switchgear cabinet. The device comprises a retaining frame (16), which can be fastened to the edge (66) of the hole through the wall (12), and comprises a number of bushes (30, 31), which are made of elastomeric material, can be removeably inserted inside frame openings (28), and which can be fixed therein. A least one part of the bushes (30, 31) is provided with at least one through opening for a cable. In order to equip the cable leadthrough with cables in a particularly easy manner and to be able to mount it on the switchgear cabinet, the invention provides that the frame openings (28) are open on one side for inserting the bushes (30, 31). In addition, one of the bushes (31), which can be inserted into the frame openings, can be arrested in a direction of insertion in the area of the sidewalls (36) that delimit the frame openings (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Murrplastik Systemtechnick GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Habel, Wolfgang Sohn, Lutz Scharf-Martini, Rainer Funk
  • Patent number: 7262372
    Abstract: Leadthrough elements for waterproof or airtight leading through of one or several lines are often associated with a disadvantage in that the led-through lines are routed largely without protection, and in that the tight seal between the leadthrough element and the line deteriorates in the course of mechanical loads being exerted on the lines. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a leadthrough element is provided in which each line exits in such a way from the top of the leadthrough element that the line after exiting runs flat along the top of the leadthrough element. By integrating this leadthrough element in a floor panel of an aircraft, in particular an Airbus A380, an advantageous seal of the line leadthrough is ensured, wherein the leadthrough element protects the line against increased mechanical loads, and thus ensures a permanent seal of the line leadthrough, with said seal meeting the quality requirements of the aircraft industry even in the case of increased mechanical loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Ickert
  • Patent number: 7261306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to grommets. In particular, the present invention relates to grommets used within vehicle suspension systems. In preferred embodiments, the dome end of the grommet comprises an anular extension that engages a fastener or bolt extending through the grommet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventor: Jason K. Trotter
  • Patent number: 7250573
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive cable holding system for securing a vehicle body to a cable which is connected at one end to a locking mechanism for a rear seat backrest and at the other end to a releasing mechanism. The automotive cable holding system includes a bracket for holding an end of the cable and an insertion opening in the vehicle body into which the bracket is inserted, wherein the bracket has provided thereon abutment surfaces which abut the inner circumferential surfaces of the insertion opening, an engagement portion extending further outwards than the abutment surfaces at a position lying further inwards than the insertion opening inside the vehicle body and a clip portion disposed on the opposite side to the engagement portion inside the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Shimadu
  • Patent number: 7244894
    Abstract: A grommet routes a wire harness from an inner side of a vehicle door into a vehicle body. A depression wraps around an edge of the door with a first part on a hinge surface of the door and a second part on the inner side. The grommet has an elastic member for fitting within the first part and a rigid retainer member extending around the edge into the second part. The members are secured together. The elastic member has a grooved periphery for receiving a flange surrounding an opening linked to the first part of the depression. The retainer member is secured in the second part of the depression by a fastener inserted into an aperture in the second part. The members have passageways to route the harness around the edge of the door. Fins on an underside of the elastic member seal against the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Christian Lipp
  • Patent number: 7186929
    Abstract: A sealing member includes an elastomeric interior portion and a rigid exterior portion. At least one passage extends through the elastomeric interior portion from a first end to a second end of the sealing member. The passage is configured to receive at least one longitudinal member therein. The elastomeric interior portion is configured for sealing engagement with the longitudinal member extending therethrough, and the rigid exterior portion is configured for sealing engagement with an entry port of an enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Dean C. Krenz
  • Patent number: 7141744
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wire grommet intended to be positioned in a hole made into a surface of a panel or plate. The grommet is made of two identical elements having adjacent edges provided with tongues and grooves allowing them to be assembled to form an open container with a size and shape adapted to allow it to be inserted into the hole and be maintained within the same. The elements also have recesses in their edges which altogether form at least one opening through which one or more wires may pass when the elements are assembled. Advantageously, the wire grommet also comprises a closing cap fittable into both elements when the elements are assembled, in order to close the container formed by the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nicolet Plastique Ltee
    Inventor: Michel Cloutier
  • Patent number: 7122749
    Abstract: A device for locking a plurality of threads includes a first and a second element each of which is provided with a central opening. The first and second elements cooperate to delimit a labyrinth passage for the threads to be locked. The second element is provided with two surfaces which are on opposite sides with respect to the respective central opening and is provided with two external wings which are united to the surface. The surfaces are united, on one side, with a bottom wall of the same second element from which they emerge, and, on the opposite side, with a corresponding external wing of the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Verda S.r.l
    Inventor: Belisario Pini