Underground Patents (Class 174/37)
  • Patent number: 11777284
    Abstract: Proposed is a pull-out type buried underground field monitoring control panel with a flood double safety structure, in which it allows to control in a pull-out type manner by burying a control panel for controlling traffic lights, street lights, or water supply pipes in the ground, protect various types of electronic devices from moisture or water in the ground using a double sealing structure based on an air pocket principle, and have a double safety structure against flooding by generating internal pressure at a dangerous time point and applying the pressure to the water flowing into the inner box to push it out of the inner box although the air pocket function is degraded as an abnormal condition occurs in the structure of a “?” shape due to long-time flooding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: DAESAN ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 11769993
    Abstract: An electrical junction box housing includes: a case having an opening portion; a cover closes the opening portion; and a gasket fitted to a groove portion of the opening portion. The groove portion includes a case-side seal face in contact with the gasket, an inner wall is located on the inner side of the case-side seal face and protrudes upward, and an outer wall is located on the outer side of the case-side seal face and protrudes upward. The cover includes a cover-side seal face in contact with the gasket, and a water stop wall protruding downward from the outer side of the cover-side seal face. A first clearance is formed in the vertical direction between the water stop wall and an outer surface of the case, and a second clearance is formed in the radial direction between the water stop wall and the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 11677223
    Abstract: Grounding assemblies for cables entering telecommunications enclosures. The grounding assemblies include a cable fixation subassembly and a grounding subassembly that are electrically coupled together to ground strength members and a conductive shield of a cable. The cable fixation subassembly can fixate the cable such that the strength members lie in a plane that is at a non-zero angle relative to each of a horizontal reference plane and a vertical reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Dirk Kempeneers, William J. Curry, Mark A. Harvell, Philippe Coenegracht, Peterson V. Moreira
  • Patent number: 11619763
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for identifying non-metallic subterranean structures using amorphous metal markers associated with the structures. Some examples will include the amorphous metal in the form of one or more sections of an amorphous metal foil within a protective enclosure sufficient to physically isolate the amorphous metal foil from the surrounding Earth. The amorphous metal foil and enclosure may be in the form of a tape which either will be secured to, or placed proximate the subterranean structure, which may be, for example, a pipe or conduit, or other non-metallic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Energy and Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventor: Christopher Lee Martin
  • Patent number: 11428886
    Abstract: A fiber optic system includes an enclosure and a mounting bracket that cooperate to define a mechanical coupling interface including a slide interface and a snap-fit interface. The slide interface allows the enclosure to mount to the bracket along a first dimension and retains the enclosure at the bracket along second and third dimensions that are transverse to the first dimension and transverse to each other. The snap-fit interface, once triggered, retains the enclosure at the bracket alone the first dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Eddy Luc Cams, Erik David Bishop, Alan Armando Garcia Gonzalez, Roel Modest Willy Bryon
  • Patent number: 11009228
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a candleholder that may be manipulated by a user to advance a candle within a candleholder to facilitate optimal burning. Embodiments describe a candleholder having a platform to move a candle within a holder. Embodiments disclose a prepackaged semi-soft candle, which is readily movable against a candleholder's inner surface. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a handle permitting a user to manipulate platform height, allowing a candle to be raised or lowered within a candleholder. Embodiments disclose a disc, sized larger than the platform, preferably formed of a soft rubber sponge which stabilizes the candle and prevents candle wax from moving below the platform's surface. An alternative embodiment omits the disc, the platform being sealed by a seal around the platform's perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Suzetta D. Von Zell
  • Patent number: 10547168
    Abstract: A utility enclosure includes a box, a bracket connected to the box, and a lid placed over the box. The box includes a plurality of walls and a central opening. The bracket has a center portion and a first opening in the center portion for receiving a fastener to connect the bracket to one of the walls. The removable lid covers the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Wiley Rick Tipton, John Thomas Polk, Greg Glenn Isaacson, Michael Edward Fisher, Paul Steven Tramm
  • Patent number: 10492332
    Abstract: A modular enclosure includes a plurality of enclosure modules, each of the enclosure modules comprising a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, and two opposed side walls that span the front and rear walls; the front, rear and side walls forming an cavity; an equipment rack within the interior cavity with electronic equipment mounted thereon; and an air containment barrier that extends between the side walls to limit air flow between a front portion of the interior cavity and a rear portion of the interior cavity. At least one of the side walls of each of the enclosure modules includes a removable side panel, the side panel including first and second air flow openings, wherein the first air flow opening is forward of the air containment barrier and the second air flow opening is rearward of the air containment opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Walter Mark Hendrix, Willis Frank James, Charles John Mann
  • Patent number: 10132052
    Abstract: A vault system is provided that secures a brace to the underside of a vault lid to improve the performance of the lid when the lid is subject to external loads. The vault has guiding features to receive a brace and place the brace in a particular position. Then, a vault lid is pressed into the vault, and tabs on the vault lid deflect into receiving portions on the ends of the brace to secure the brace to the vault lid. The resulting vault lid is reinforced with a brace. In some embodiments, the guiding feature comprises a rib in a recess in the brace, and in various embodiments, the tabs have an arm and a hook disposed on a distal end of the arm. The tab arms deflect to fit around the end of the brace, then an undercut on the hook secures the brace to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: OLDCASTLE PRECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Nguyen Thai Dang, Eric Long
  • Patent number: 9779378
    Abstract: A method that includes allowing an installer to install a system at a location, using a biometric reader to collect the installer's biometric identifier upon installation, and using a communications device to notify a central station of the system's installation and transmit the installer's biometric identifier and time of installation to the central station. A method that includes providing a mobile postage system at a location, fixing the mobile postage system to a structure at the location, allowing a service user to secure a secure access panel on the mobile postage system, and allowing users to use the mobile postage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Isaac S. Daniel
  • Patent number: 9650795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power plant having a tower that has at least one bottom tower segment and a pre-manufactured fire protection module for fireproof receiving of a transformer. The fire protection module is placed within the bottom tower segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Holscher, Mischa Braske
  • Patent number: 9512611
    Abstract: An Expandable Modular Information Technology (IT) Building Infrastructure (EMITBI) supports a large-scale modularly-constructed information handling system (LMIHS). The EMITBI includes: a base pad providing a fixed area of usable space on which one or more modular sub-components of the LMIHS can be placed; and a plurality of exterior walls extending vertically from an outer perimeter of the base pad and connected to a roof structure, the plurality of exterior walls and roof structure collectively providing an initial outer enclosure of the EMITBI, within which a first maximum number of modular IT components can be housed. The plurality of exterior walls includes at least one exterior wall that is constructed as a removable expansion wall (REW) that enables later expansion of the EMITBI to occur. The REW remains physically in place to shield the IT modules located within the first section of the EMITBI during construction of an adjoining expansion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Ty Schmitt, Mark Bailey
  • Patent number: 9464451
    Abstract: A concrete holding tank and related systems and methods, including a monolithic concrete sewage holding tank created with two separate pours of concrete where an encased-in-place seal (water stop) is positioned at a pour joint between a tub of the tank and a cover of the tank, and where in some aspects the second pour also forms a structural column contacting a bottom of the tank and supporting the cover. The structural column and resulting larger cover presents a tank having a low profile while still providing desired capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Skaw
  • Patent number: 9355772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry distribution transformer comprising a housing (1?), a coil (200), a sealed compartment (100) and a taps panel (110) associated to the coil (200). The taps panel (110) has an electrostatic shield (107) and is positioned inside the sealed compartment (100), the sealed compartment (100) being filled with a solid dielectric material and protected by a cover (120). One also describes an electric insulation method for a taps panel of a dry distribution transformer and taps panel for a dry distribution transformer filled with removable insulating resin. The coil (200) has a grounded (115) electrostatic shield (107).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS LTDA.
    Inventor: Martin Alsina Navarro
  • Patent number: 9127430
    Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus and a process in which the stack of concrete or hard rubber spacer rings used in raising manholes is eliminated. It is replaced with a sleeve which is taller than the required distance between the top of the manhole and the level at which the casting and manhole cover are to be finally located, but which is sufficiently flexible in a vertical direction that when a casting is located in the top of the sleeve, the sleeve compresses downwardly. The height of the casting is fixed by a casting support resting on the pavement base coat or other base surface to which the final pavement will be applied around the casting. The sleeve is sufficiently stiff in a lateral direction that it does not collapse inwardly when backfill is packed in and around the exterior of the sleeve. The casting support is removed and the final layer of pavement is applied over the base surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew C. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20150030480
    Abstract: A power cable assembly supplies power to and suspends in a well an electrical well pump. The assembly includes metal tubing having a longitudinal tubing center line and a cylindrical side wall. Power cable has an exterior delta shape when viewed in a cross-section. The delta shape defines three exterior side surfaces that face radially outward and join each other at corners. Power cable has three insulated power conductors wrapped helically with a metal strip. The power cable is located in the tubing with the corners deformed against an inner diameter of the tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Larry V. Dalrymple, David H. Neuroth
  • Patent number: 8847070
    Abstract: A grade level enclosure conversion assembly adapted for converting a pedestal housing between a flush-to-grade and an above-ground pedestal installation. The base of the pedestal housing carries a plug removably mounted to a swing-arm in the grade level enclosure. The swing-arm holds the pedestal assembly in a stored position in the flush-to-grade installation, containing wiring for service connections. To convert to the above-ground installation, a solid grade level cover plate lid is removed, and the pedestal assembly is rotated on the swing arm to a raised position from which it can be removed from the swing-arm (along with the wiring) and fed through an access opening in a separate cover plate lid. The plug on the pedestal housing is then positioned in the access opening to hold the pedestal assembly in the above-ground position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Channell Commercial Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Burke
  • Patent number: 8835757
    Abstract: A subgrade vault system and method of forming the same is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Freeman
  • Patent number: 8813916
    Abstract: A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Clear View Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schilling
  • Patent number: 8796552
    Abstract: High capacity (10 GW, for example) passively cooled non-superconducting underground high voltage direct current electric power transmission lines (100) of very low loss (1% per 1,000 km, for example) and competitive cost. The transmission lines (100) include segment modules (101) linked together with compliant splice modules (102) between the segments (101), typically installed in a protective conduit (103). The segment modules (101) include relatively rigid pipe-shaped conductors (117) insulated by pipe-like solid insulating layers (131) to form segment modules (101) that resemble pipe. The segment modules (101) are linked together through radially and axially compliant splice modules (102) to form the transmission line (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventors: Roger W. Faulkner, Ronald G. Todd
  • Patent number: 8748742
    Abstract: A kit and method for preventing theft of wires interconnected within a pull box includes a steel cover plate having a downwardly protruding cup which has a central perforation in its base that receives the upstanding shank of a J-bolt anchored in concrete poured into a bore made in the floor of a pit holding the pull box. A template plate inserted into the open upper end of the pullbox has a central hole which receives the shank of the J-bolt while the concrete is hardening to maintain the pull box centered on the J-bolt, removed after the concrete has hardened, and replaced by the cover plate which is secured in place by tightening an oval external cross-section security nut onto the upper surface of the cup base plate using a novel socket wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Corbas Marketing Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos J. Cordova, Sammy Vargas
  • Publication number: 20140152528
    Abstract: A ruggedized electronic enclosure for in-ground installation is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ruggedized electronic enclosure comprises a top cover which is exposed above a top surface of the ground and a cylindrical base portion which is embedded within the ground. The top cover and the cylindrical base portion are configured to create a channel conveying an adhesive toward the center of the ruggedized enclosure when the top cover and the cylindrical base portion are coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: TRIMBLE NAVIGATION LIMITED
    Inventors: John F. Cameron, Larry Collins, Daniel Shane Fitzgibbons
  • Publication number: 20140076597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable comprising a first conductor and a first insulator layer, wherein the first conductor and the first insulator extend along a longitudinal axis of the cable, wherein the first insulator layer is axially external to the conductor, and wherein the first insulator layer comprises a first fluoropolymer, as well as a method of manufacturing said cable, and a method for transmitting electricity using the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Darren Lindsay Patel
  • Publication number: 20140014388
    Abstract: An offshore power generation plant includes: a power transducer driven by fluid movement; an electric generator, which is at least indirectly driven by the power transducer; an electrical connection cable for the power transmission; and a pile foundation, including a foundation pile, which extends below the ocean bed. The invention is characterized in that a cable passage is arranged on the foundation pile below the ocean bed, which extends through an outer wall of the foundation pile and through which the electrical connection cable is guided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Wolfgang Maier
  • Publication number: 20130284481
    Abstract: It is disclosed a high voltage electric cable having a longitudinal axis and comprising a conductive core having a first cross section area. The conductive core comprises a solid, central conductor. It further comprises at least three solid, sector conductors stranded around the central conductor. The central conductor has a second cross section area and the ratio between the second and first cross section areas is of from 1/130 to 1/20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN S.P.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Miramonti, Sergio Montagner
  • Publication number: 20130220660
    Abstract: An umbilical for use in the offshore production of hydrocarbons, the umbilical comprising at least one electric cable, the electric cable comprising at least one electric conductor (18), and at least one electric conductor (18) comprising plurality of electric strands having interstices (15), wherein the interstices are filled with a metal-based material. In this way, there is provided an umbilical with a ‘void-free1 or completely gap-filled conductor construction which therefore prevents water or gas migration or transport along such a conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Siu Kit Joe Wong, Alan Deighton
  • Patent number: 8519263
    Abstract: A below ground component management system includes a base plate disposed below a ground surface, a sleeve connected to the base plate and extending substantially perpendicular thereto toward the ground surface, and a cover sealably connected to an upper opening of the sleeve to form a substantially fluid-tight compartment with the base plate and the sleeve. The system also includes a component rack disposed within the compartment, and an actuator assembly configured to pass at least a portion of the rack through the opening. The actuator assembly includes a bracket, and first and second cylinders connected to the bracket. The first cylinder has a piston extending toward the base plate and the second cylinder has a piston extending toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Clear View Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schilling
  • Publication number: 20120285716
    Abstract: A continuous communications conduit for use in a well is disclosed. A first 101 and second 102 conduit section are threadably engaged and a weldment is formed 200. A heat shield conduit 220 can be disposed within a bore (111, 112) of a conduit section (101, 102) between a first conduit section shoulder 151 and a second conduit section shoulder 152. A first 301, second 302, and third 303 conduit section can be threadably engaged and a weldment 400 formed. An electrical conductor 300 can be disposed in a bore of the conduit sections (301, 302, 303). A heat shield conduit 320 can be disposed between a first conduit section shoulder 351 and a second conduit section shoulder 352. Optionally, an elastomeric stabilizer (410, 420) may be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Daniel Lu Mei
  • Patent number: 8245452
    Abstract: A riser formed from a plurality of curved cylindrical segments with vertical side edges having mating vertically tapered projections and slots brought into interlocking engagement to pull confronting surfaces together as the tapered elements become increasingly mechanically engaged. The segments are assembled by a sliding engagement of the protruding mating element of one segment into the vertically tapered slot of an adjacent segment. When sufficient segments are joined together horizontally to complete a ring except for a last adjacent pair of vertical side edges, the ring is warped to align the protruding mating element of the last adjacent pair of vertical side edges with an opposite end of the adjacent tapered slot. Thus aligned, the final protruding mating element and tapered slot are then slipped together while un-warping the joined segments forming the remainder of the ring until the top and bottom ends of all the segments are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sim-Tech Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Publication number: 20120073850
    Abstract: An handwell or handhole assembly comprises (a) a longitudinally extending tube constructed from an electrical insulating material and comprising an upper end, a lower end and a wire inlet; (b) an inner cover constructed from an electrical insulating material and securable to the upper end of the tube; and, (c) an outer cover constructed from an electrical insulating material and comprising an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter and releaseably securable to the inner cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: TIERCON CORP.
    Inventors: Scott Penson Hickey, Siegfried Niedermair
  • Patent number: 8138417
    Abstract: The underground storage of operational electronic equipment utilizes a hermetically sealable container adapted for receiving electronic equipment, such as a computer hard drive. The electronic equipment is placed in the container and electrically connected via a seal maintaining feedthrough to a facility proximate the container. The hermetically sealable container is sealed up and then buried underground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Dana N. Leach
  • Patent number: 8122680
    Abstract: An end connector for use in forming a conduit in a poured concrete member is provided. The end connector is adapted to be secured to a wall of a concrete member pouring form, the end connector having a surface feature to achieve a substantially fluid tight seal upon receiving an end of a tube that extends between opposite walls of the pouring form to form a conduit in the poured structural member. The end connector has a geometry capable of nesting with at least one other end connector to minimize a container size required to transport the end connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: High Concrete Group LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Baur, Alicia Allamena, Gary C. Graziano
  • Patent number: 7975515
    Abstract: A locking device is adapted for receipt within the main cavity of an underground enclosure. The locking device includes a container having a main body and a container top which define an interior compartment for holding the items of the underground enclosure. The main body is adapted to be assembled in the main cavity of the underground enclosure and is sized to be retained within the underground enclosure. The container top has a selective open position to allow access to the interior compartment of the main body and a selective closed locked position to deter access thereto. An arm assembly coupled to the container top is moveable between an extended engaged position to retain the container top on the container and a collapsed disengaged position to allow release of the container top from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Gianni Ygnelzi, Emilio Ygnelzi
  • Publication number: 20100288523
    Abstract: A below ground component management system includes a base plate disposed below a ground surface, a sleeve connected to the base plate and extending substantially perpendicular thereto toward the ground surface, and a cover sealably connected to an upper opening of the sleeve to form a substantially fluid-tight compartment with the base plate and the sleeve. The system also includes a component rack disposed within the compartment, and an actuator assembly configured to pass at least a portion of the rack through the opening. The actuator assembly includes a bracket, and first and second cylinders connected to the bracket. The first cylinder has a piston extending toward the base plate and the second cylinder has a piston extending toward the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Clear View Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schilling
  • Patent number: 7807924
    Abstract: A power post includes of a vertically disposed post member having a lower end which is embedded in the ground and which has one or more of the following mounted in the front portion thereof: an electrical receptacle, a water-proof speaker, and/or an Ethernet receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: David T. Wurzer
  • Publication number: 20100175904
    Abstract: A grounding vault including a container with an open top. The container is formed from an electrically non-conductive material and is adapted for burial in the ground. The container is provided with an access port for the passage of grounding wires. The container is also provided with a pair of opposed slots adjacent the access port. A buss bar, formed of an electrically conductive material, is positioned so as to extend through the container. The buss bar has a pair of opposed ends for connecting to ground. The opposed ends extend respectively through the opposed slots in the container such that they project outwardly from the container. Between its opposed ends, the buss bar is provided with a number of bores for connecting the buss bar to grounding wires passing through the access port. A lid is removably positioned atop the container for closing the open top thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Hebert
  • Patent number: 7728224
    Abstract: A cable mounting structure for a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is provided. The structure has back to back compartments and a universal mounting plate. The structure also includes protection and organization features. The structure is field convertible, reconfigurable and upgradeable. A method for field converting a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is also given.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Maloney, Eduardo Leon, Simon Shen-Meng Chen, George Wakileh
  • Patent number: 7700874
    Abstract: A cable mounting structure for a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is provided. The structure has back to back compartments, may be used with fiber or wire and includes at least one door. The structure also includes protection and organization features. The structure is field convertible, reconfigurable and upgradeable. A snap fit door hinge for a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome A. Maloney, Eduardo Leon, Simon Shen-Meng Chen, George I. Wakileh
  • Patent number: 7696431
    Abstract: A spade or stake for hardware free mounting to a telecommunications data distribution terminal pedestal is disclosed. The spade may include one or more connectors of various types for engaging the pedestal to thereby couple the spade to the pedestal without hardware, and thus without tools. The pedestal may also include one or more connectors for mating with corresponding connectors on the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Shen-Meng Chen, Jerome A. Maloney, Eduardo Leon, George I. Wakileh
  • Patent number: 7693376
    Abstract: Apparatus for preventing unwanted exposure of one or more devices to one or more undesirable substances includes at least one barrier disposed between the device and the undesirable substance. At least one shield substance is provided between the barrier and the device. The shield substance is capable of permeating the barrier sufficient to preclude at least substantial permeation of the undesirable substance through the barrier from the exterior of the barrier, preventing unwanted exposure of the device to the undesirable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Rogerio T. Ramos, Barry Read
  • Patent number: 7633742
    Abstract: A fiber distribution terminal system includes a below ground vault, and a terminal enclosure within the vault. The system also includes a lift system in the vault, the lift system including a screw drive and a track system. Rotation of the screw drive lifts the terminal enclosure from a below ground to a lifted position, and the track system guides the terminal enclosure as the enclosure is lifted. The system also includes a tool such as a cordless drill to drive the screw drive. The screw drive can include a ball screw and a ball nut. The system can include a bracket to couple the terminal enclosure to the screw drive and the track system. The track system can include two sets of tracks, a first set of tracks that is fixed in the vault, and a second set of tracks that is coupled to the first set of tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Standish, Troy Land, Ajay Sharma
  • Patent number: 7614148
    Abstract: Cable connection unions are rapidly replaced in a universal seismic data acquisition-module without opening a main electronic circuitry protective chamber. Different connector types required for the many data transmission cable designs needed to service a wide range of survey conditions are more easily accommodated without exposing primary circuitry to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Geo-X Systems, Ltd
    Inventor: Donald G. Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20090151971
    Abstract: An embedded housing system storing cables below the surface in a protected environment, with a moveable surface lid lying flush with the existing surface and following the crown or slope across the travel path. The cables are readily raised out of the housing structure to obstruct traffic across the travel path, or lowered into the housing system to allow unobstructed traffic passage. Single cables, multiple cables, and utility lines can be enclosed and remain protected within the housing support structure. Once raised, the cables can be attached to an end support. The housing support structure is prefabricated in sections, selectively attached to match the existing crown or slope across the travel path, and then installed below the surface. The flush surface lid of the cable housing structure is only about 8 inches wide, and can be locked while in the closed position. Surface lid sections remain connected while opening simultaneously across the sloping travel path, using an interlocking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Michael John Lamore
  • Patent number: 7501573
    Abstract: A subgrade vault with a latching cover. The vault includes a peripheral wall with an open access port at the top. A peripheral ledge surrounds the access port. A cover to close the access port fits inside it, with a latch assembly inside it and a retractable latch pin disposed to fit in an aperture in the peripheral ledge. The latch pin is retractable by the stabbing motion of a tapered tool against a cam surface on the latch pin. The cover is locked in place merely by pressing down on it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Oldcastle Precast, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Balfour, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090020304
    Abstract: A subgrade vault with a latching cover. The vault includes a peripheral wall with an open access port at the top. A peripheral ledge surrounds the access port. A cover to close the access port fits inside it, with a latch assembly inside it and a retractable latch pin disposed to fit in an aperture in the peripheral ledge. The latch pin is retractable by the stabbing motion of a tapered tool against a cam surface on the latch pin. The cover is locked in place merely by pressing down on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: William J. Balfour, JR.
  • Patent number: 7455706
    Abstract: A filter system including a method for self cleaning the filter system of an electronic equipment enclosure where air flow is monitored either by monitoring fan performance of air flow velocity through the enclosure. The system includes two filters elements, an upstream ASHRAE or HEPA filter element to block particulate matter and a downstream PTFE filter element to block water vapor. The ASHRAE or HEPA filter element is relatively inexpensive and easy to clean. The PTFE filter element is more expensive and difficult to clean. Thus, the cheaper filter is used to protect the more expensive filter from contaminants and to increase its useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Latham, Marvin P. Garcia, Michael R. Cosley
  • Patent number: 7385137
    Abstract: An underground electrical utilities vault and distribution enclosure system comprises a grade level box, for storing underground cables, and a two-part lid comprising a pair of side-by-side cover plates that close the top of the box. One of the split cover plates has an access opening that interlocks with an above-ground pedestal housing. Connections to underground cables contained in the grade level box are made on a frame structure disposed in the pedestal housing. The split cover may contain a removable plug that normally rests at ground level before service is provided to the premises. When connections are provided to the premises, the plug is removed and the pedestal housing, having a base of the same configuration as the access opening, is snap-locked in the opening left by removing the plug. The interior of the pedestal housing contains connecting brackets such as mounting bars and/or a universal mounting plate for making the above-ground connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Channell Commercial Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Burke, Robert H. Gwillim, Paul Carper
  • Patent number: 7381888
    Abstract: A grade level box for use with underground utilities connections having vertical walls reinforced with exterior vertical and horizontal ribs integrally molded with the wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Channell Commercial Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Burke, Robert H. Gwillim
  • Patent number: 7370988
    Abstract: A hydrological barrier plate for in-grade light fixture housings and a housing for use with light fixtures to prevent water entry into the water sensitive compartments of the light fixture. The barrier plate has a plate body with an opening in which is sealably disposed an anti-syphon wire pass-through valve for electrically connecting the components on one side of the barrier plate with the wires in the junction box on the opposite side of the barrier plate. The barrier plate is sealed around its outer edge against the housing wall. The pass-through valve is configured to prevent water from wicking along the wires and to prevent water from passing around the valve. The barrier plate is installed without tools and an effective seal is easily obtained. Using the barrier plate, water is prevented from migrating between the junction box and the primary housing compartments of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: B-K Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas W. Hagen
  • Patent number: 7361832
    Abstract: A waterproof hinge-less door assembly is provided for an outdoor electrical enclosure, such as an electrical power pedestal. The electrical power pedestal includes a housing having an exterior and an opening, and an electrical component, such as a power receptacle, housed by the housing and accessible from the exterior of the housing through the opening. The hinge-less door assembly includes a mounting element coupled to the housing at or about the opening of the housing, a door operable among an open position in which access to the at least one electrical component is provided through the opening of the housing, and a closed position in which the door assembly provides a substantially weatherproof cover for the opening of the housing and the electrical component(s) housed by the housing, and a hinge-less coupling mechanism pivotably coupling the door to the mounting element. One or more weather shields provide further weather-resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. Dively