Earth Grounds Patents (Class 174/6)
  • Patent number: 11508496
    Abstract: Disclosed is an opto-electric cable including one or more electrical conductors. Each conductor includes an electrically conductive core and an electrically insulating layer surrounding it. The cable also includes an optical unit embedded within one of the electrically conductive cores. The optical unit includes at least two optical fibers and a single buffer jointly surrounding all the optical fibers. Each optical fiber includes a core, a cladding and a coating. Since all the optical fibers of the optical unit are jointly surrounded—and protected—by a single buffer, an optical unit with a reduced size is obtained. This allows reducing the cross section of the electrical conductor in which the optical unit is arranged. In particular, electrical conductors with cross section lower than 10 mm2 are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Florin Chirita, Vili Popescu, Cristian Gheorghe, Baris Sönmez
  • Patent number: 11457520
    Abstract: Provided is a lightning suppression type arrester that can easily increase a quantity of negative charges required for lightning suppression while simplifying workability associated with installation as much as possible. A lightning suppression type arrester for suppressing lightning on a structure includes a charged body made of a conductive material provided in an electrically insulated state on a top of the structure, a first electrode body including a capacitor electrically connected to the charged body, the capacitor being installed on a ground and electrically connected to the ground, and a second electrode body opposed to the first electrode body via an electrical insulating layer to store an electric charge by a capacitance between the first electrode body and the second electrode body, in which the second electrode body is electrically connected to the charged body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: LIGHTNING SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshio Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11408194
    Abstract: A post support sleeve is shown and described. The post support sleeve includes a housing having a base and at least one sidewall. The housing has an interior volume and an open top end. The open top end is proportioned to fit various sized posts therein. The at least one sidewall has at least one aperture located therethrough. The at least one aperture is positioned to have a fastener placed therein. The base further has a plurality of drain apertures therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Herbert M. Landwehr, IV
  • Patent number: 11329406
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for an electrical earthing or grounding system to protect electrical systems and structures. Such systems and structures are efficient at dissipating broadband energy. An earthing mix system in contact with a grounding electrode is separated into functional components; a conductive earthing mix which is in contact with an electrical conductor and an impedance transitioning earthing composition which is in contact with the conductivity earthing mix. The conductive earthing mix absorbs, radiates, conducts, and dissipates electrical energy. The impedance transitioning earthing mix acts as a lossy impedance matching media to reduce reflections and improve energy transfer. A conductive slurry mix fills in voids and aids in contact between the other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: GLXT Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Evan LaBarge, Gordon J. Wysong, John Louis Broccoli, John H. Belk
  • Patent number: 10895090
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anchoring umbrella stand with a manually extendable drill bit. In certain exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the anchoring umbrella stand includes a drill bit that can be manually extendable from and manually retractable into an elongate housing body by use of a crank handle. Manual operation of the crank handle rotates and translates the drill bit between a retracted position within the elongate housing body and an extended position outside the elongate housing body. In certain embodiments, the anchoring umbrella stand further includes a gear train assembly and/or a stabilizing plate to further aid a user in anchoring the umbrella stand. The anchoring umbrella stand facilitates umbrella anchoring by providing a more stable anchoring mechanism that requires less strength, less coordination, and no electric power to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: JOSEPH WESTON CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Worm, William Bryan Carr, Ryan Joseph Hilton, Curry Weston Hilton
  • Patent number: 10490992
    Abstract: An installation device for installing an electrical ground rod into the earth. The electrical ground rod installation device of the present invention may comprise a shaft connecting an upper housing to a base. A user may utilize the installation device to install an electrical ground rod by first sliding the ground rod through the base and into the upper housing. In this arrangement, the base will be adjacent to approximately the middle of the ground rod and thus be at a height that can be engaged by the user from the ground, thereby avoiding the inherent risks associated with using ladders to install ground rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 10263348
    Abstract: A method for electrically grounding structures or equipment includes providing an open-topped enclosure having peripheral sidewalls defining an interior cavity, positioning the enclosure over an in situ soil mass, placing a selected soil material in the cavity, and installing a grounding device in the soil contained in the cavity, so as to establish electrically-conductive continuity between the grounding device and the soil material in the cavity, and between the soil material in the cavity and the underlying in situ soil mass. Electrical cables can then be run between the grounding device and a structure or equipment to effect electrical grounding thereof. The effectiveness of the resultant electrical grounding may be enhanced by moistening the soil material in the enclosure and/or the in situ soil mass. The enclosure may have an open bottom, or may have a floor element with apertures allowing passage of moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: RU GROUNDED ENERGY INC.
    Inventor: Terry D. Mundle
  • Patent number: 10069382
    Abstract: The invention relates to an earthing device for preventing rotor-induced bearing currents in an electric motor, comprising an electrically conductive annular element having retaining means arranged thereon, to which means fiber bundles are fastened, via which bundles electrical discharge of a static charge to at least one discharge element can be carried out, wherein the fiber bundles are fastened so as to be oriented in an oblique angular position with respect to a radial plane which is perpendicular to an axial center line of the annular element and/or with respect to an axial plane and have a length protruding from the retaining means of the annular element which is greater than that required to bridge a radial spacing between the annular element and the discharge element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: ebm-papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Sturm, Wolfang Ströbel
  • Patent number: 10056722
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described to provide electrical power. A device of the invention may comprise a particular arrangement of components including (A) a plug assembly including positive and negative prongs, outwardly facing, for interfacing with a female cord end; (B) a first outlet assembly including positive and negative apertures, outwardly facing, for interfacing with a male cord end; and with the plug assembly and first outlet assembly disposed in an interior space of the device at a back of a housing of the device; (C) a second outlet assembly including at least one receptacle for interfacing with a male cord end, the second outlet assembly disposed in the interior space of the device and supported by the at least one vertical wall at a front of a housing of the device, the second outlet having a negative connection and a positive connection; and (D) a circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Jamal A Ingram
  • Patent number: 9970213
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal protective net, including: multiple steel wires arranged in parallel; multiple metal connecting sheets arranged in parallel, where the metal connecting sheets and the steel wires are arranged to intersect with each other at multiple intersections without being connected; insulating members which are provided between the steel wires and the metal connecting sheets and located at the intersections, and fixedly connected therewith; and connecting terminals, where both ends of each steel wire each are connected with one connecting terminal, and both ends of each metal connecting sheet each are connected with one connecting terminal; and a monitoring device electrically connected with the connecting terminals. The steel wires and the metal sheets, which form the metal protective net, are not electrically conductive with each other, forming many individual loops. If the metal net is broken, an alarm can be sent by the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Beijing Long Fly Science and Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianqun Li, Jingguo Yao, Heshen Mao
  • Patent number: 9532512
    Abstract: The present invention provides a supporting pole. The supporting pole includes a metal inner pipe having an upper end and a lower end, with a reserved pipe portion on at least one of the upper end and the lower end. The supporting pole further includes an outer wrap layer wrapping the metal inner pipe except the reserved pipe portion, and a cone-shaped sleeve covering the reserved pipe portion. The reserved pipe portion has a plurality of axial grooves formed by a clamping and closing process that invigilates a wall of the reserved pipe portion, such that the reserved pipe portion has alternating protrusions and grooves. A maximum outer diameter of an open end of the reserved pipe portion is less than an outer diameter of the metal inner pipe. The cone-shaped sleeve is produced by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: CHANGZHOU TINGYUAN GARDEN PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yunlong Xie
  • Patent number: 9444232
    Abstract: A site grounding and bonding system provides for the grounding of a plurality of facilities at a field site using a ground box through which electrical connections are made between one or more ground devices and a distribution panel electrically connected to the facilities. The grounding devices may include one or more grounding plates and one or more ground rods buried beneath the earth. A bumper pole may be placed adjacent to the ground box and bonded to the grounding devices through the ground box. The system allows for the safe grounding of a number of facilities at a site without the necessity of placing separate grounding rods and connecting conductors for each facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Centech Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David Warren
  • Patent number: 9337639
    Abstract: A shield grounding device includes: a grounding angle steel (1); a flat iron (9) mounted on a top portion of the shield grounding device; and a laminated board (5) connected to overground wires; wherein two shield connection boards (2) vertical to each other are respectively connected to two external surfaces of an top end of the grounding angle steel, the shield connection boards are vertically mounted on each other by a locating supporter (3), fixing holes (4) are drilled on the shield connection boards for connecting the flat iron and the laminated board. The device solves problems of conventional grounding devices that a grounding resistance is increased and a grounding effect is poor caused by unstable welding quality of grounding electrodes and the flat iron. Besides, site operation difficulty is sufficiently lowered, labor intensity is decreased, and labor efficiency is increased, in such a manner that a cost is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: ZHENFA ENERGY GROUP CO.,LTD
    Inventor: Jiansheng Mao
  • Publication number: 20150109183
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to electrical connectors that exhibit low passive intermodulation. A conductive shielding layer of a coaxial cable can be coupled to a ground plane. The ground plane can include an extruded hole that includes a side wall that is integrally formed with the body of the ground plane. The conductive shielding layer can be soldered to the inside surface of the side wall of the extruded hole in the ground plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Smith
  • Publication number: 20150107866
    Abstract: A cable adapted for suspension between poles in a single wire earth return application is composed of three elements; a core 2.030; a conductive layer 2.032 around the core, and a jacket 2.034 over the conductive layer. The core has high tensile strength to weight ratio and can be made of a composite material such as carbon fibre and epoxy. The conductive material can be aluminium. The jacket can be made from a material having electrical insulating properties. The conductive layer can be formed as a loose tube (7.072) around the core and drawn down to contact the outer surface of the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Lee, Kenneth Willis Barber
  • Publication number: 20150102675
    Abstract: A resonant transformer connected between a ground terminal and elevated terminal draws current from the earth's electric field through a primary winding of the transformer. An impulse generator applies a high voltage impulse to the primary winding of the resonant transformer to cause current to flow from the ground terminal through the primary winding. The flow of current through the primary winding of the resonant transformer induces a current in the secondary winding, which may be converted and filtered to a usable form, e.g. 60 Hz AC or DC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: John Dinwiddie, Terry L. Wright, David R. Ames
  • Publication number: 20150083453
    Abstract: A device for establishing grounding of an installation of different types includes one or more cables, wherein a ground rail or a ground conductor, ground rails or ground conductors, or a ground point or ground points are grounded by the one or more cables including a combination of electrically conductive wires or conductors in at least one inner core and at least one outer layer which surrounds the inner core wholly or partly, and a bore extending, in at least one of ground and a rock, with a depth of more than 100 m. The one or more cables are laid in the bore. The electrically conductive wires or conductors in the at least one inner core include hundreds of thin conductors surrounded by the at least one outer layer that includes coarse conductors having a diameter at least two times more than a diameter of the thin conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Fredrik Dahl
  • Publication number: 20140360747
    Abstract: A shield grounding device includes: a grounding angle steel (1); a flat iron (9) mounted on a top portion of the shield grounding device; and a laminated board (5) connected to overground wires; wherein two shield connection boards (2) vertical to each other are respectively connected to two external surfaces of an top end of the grounding angle steel, the shield connection boards are vertically mounted on each other by a locating supporter (3), fixing holes (4) are drilled on the shield connection boards for connecting the flat iron and the laminated board. The device solves problems of conventional grounding devices that a grounding resistance is increased and a grounding effect is poor caused by unstable welding quality of grounding electrodes and the flat iron. Besides, site operation difficulty is sufficiently lowered, labor intensity is decreased, and labor efficiency is increased, in such a manner that a cost is lowered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Jiansheng Mao
  • Patent number: 8901424
    Abstract: A ground rod cap is provided. The cap includes a body that fits around a ground rod, ground rod clamp and ground wire at their point of connection. The body retains a filler material within an internal cavity. In some embodiments, a portion of the body acts as a barrier to retain the filler material. In some such embodiments, the filler material is positioned within the body prior to installation of the cap on the ground rod connection components. In some embodiments, the filler material is located in an airtight cavity until installation. In some such embodiments, a shrink-wrap material is placed around the body to make the cavity airtight. In other embodiments, the filler material is retained within at least a portion of the cap by an internal barrier that breaks as the cap is installed to allow the filler material to flow around the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Allen Meyers
  • Patent number: 8878057
    Abstract: Device for establishing an efficient grounding of an installation of different types includes one or more cables, wherein the ground rail or ground conductor, ground rails or ground conductors or ground point or ground points of the installation being grounded by the one or more cables including a combination of electrically conductive wires or conductors in at least one inner core and at least one outer layer which surrounds the inner core wholly or partly, and the cable or the cables are laid in one and the same or each in a separate bore in ground and/or rock of a considerable depth, preferably more than 200 m, e.g. 240 m or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fredrik Dahl
  • Patent number: 8859895
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form a center of a composite pole tower includes the following steps: extending a ground down-leading wire from a center of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal and is positioned on top of the pole tower, wherein the ground down-leading wire is vertically leaded down to the earth form the center of the composite pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is extended from the center of the composite material and is directly connected to the metal pipe. The method utilizes the advantage of the insulating intensity of the wall of the composite pole tower and enhances the insulating intensity of the transmission line on impact of lightning. The ground down-leading wires are prevented from short-circuiting with the tower body of the composite pole tower, so that advantage of the insulating property of the composite material of the pole towers is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhusen Sun, Qiang Zhang, Minghua Li, Zhijun Li, Ting Liu, Feng Huo, Min Dai, Kai Liu, Xiong Wu, Dingxie Gu, Peihong Zhou, Ying Lou, Zhenqiang Li, Huiwen He
  • Publication number: 20140238716
    Abstract: An underwater connection assembly comprises an underwater device and an optical cable segment. The optical cable segment is configured to be coupled to a first sea earth by means of a first sea earthing electrode and the underwater device is configured to be coupled to a second sea earth by means of a second sea earthing electrode. In use, the first sea earthing electrode and the second sea earthing electrode are disposed at separated locations from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Pierre Aussant, Jose Chesnoy, Jean-Francois Marcerou, Alain Cordier
  • Patent number: 8785768
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an outer side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Power Supply Burea of Guangdong Power Grid Corp., State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Hanming Li, Zhijun Li, Qianhu Wei, Ting Liu, Shicong Deng, Feng Huo, Ming Zhan, Min Dai, Weicai Zhou, Kai Liu, Yuhua Zhang, Xiong Wu, Ning Cao, Dingxie Gu, Peihong Zhou, Huiwen He, Ying Lou, Zhenqiang Li
  • Patent number: 8785769
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an inner side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm. The upper metal cross arm and the lower cross arm are able to provide a distance between the ground down-leading wire and the pole tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Power Supply Burea of Guangdong Power Grid Corp., State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhijun Li, Hanming Li, Ting Liu, Qianhu Wei, Feng Huo, Ming Zhan, Min Dai, Shicong Deng, Kai Liu, Ning Cao, Xiong Wu, Yuhua Zhang, Dingxie Gu, Weicai Zhou, Peihong Zhou, Zhenqiang Li, Ying Lou, Huiwen He
  • Patent number: 8779286
    Abstract: A one piece integrally formed non-metallic electrical box assembly is produced by molding an electrical box onto a metallic ground strap so that the ground strap is fixed to the electrical box. The electrical box is molded with retaining members surrounding selected portions of the metallic ground strap so that the electrical box can be molded onto the metallic ground strap without buckling or deforming the electrical box and the ground strap during the molding process by compensating for the differences in expansion between the non-metallic electrical box and the metallic ground strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard M. Cousineau, Jason W. Crossman, Cerefino A. Reyes
  • Patent number: 8742254
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for grounding outdoor light poles, as well as other structures, which may be exposed to lightning or other adverse electrical effects and may require a low impedance path to ground. Inventive aspects include a combination of apparatus integral to the pole or other structure and installation considerations whereby the ease of installation, reduction of onsite installation error, and reduction of impedance may be tailored to each installation. An apparatus can include a pre-installed earth grounding electrode at the lower end of the pole or structure to be inserted into the earth. A method can include installing an earth grounding electrode to/on/in a lower end of a pole or structure prior to insertion into the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Gregory N. Kubbe
  • Publication number: 20140083730
    Abstract: A ground electrode includes a base plate having an upper and a lower side. The ground electrode includes a plurality of tubes each having a first and a second end. The first ends of the tubes are connected to the lower side of the base plate. The tubes are tilted so that the second ends converge in the circular base of a cone. A magnetic coupler is attached to the upper side of the base plate. The magnetic coupler includes a body plate electrically connected to the base plate. Two arm plates and a head plate are connected to the body plate. A permanent magnet is wrapped around a section of the head plate. The ground electrode includes a plurality of diffusers each circumferentially wrapping a section of a respective tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Green Innovations Holding LLC
    Inventors: Mauro Pedraza Garcia, Luis Manuel Espinsona
  • Patent number: 8674216
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal can create an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal can collect ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system can induce a current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current can include a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge can be released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal can trigger the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alltec LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Patent number: 8534654
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for welding ground wires to a grounding rod. A jig retains the ground wires to the grounding rod. The jig has a first horseshoe oriented to a second horseshoe to form a crucifix. Each horseshoe has a pair of legs supporting the jig from earth and providing electrical ground to the earth. A central passage bisects each horseshoe through which the grounding rod inserts. Means are included for clamping a ground wire to at least one of the legs, such that the ground wire is retained for welding to the grounding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: James Thomas Vandergrift, II
  • Publication number: 20130228357
    Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has one or more grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables, and may have handles for manual transportation. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding. Optionally, the main body may define a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: R U Grounded Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. MUNDLE
  • Patent number: 8481851
    Abstract: A variable-length lightning strike down-conductor is provided that allows for optimized ground path length, where excess down-conductor (grounding) cable is tightly coiled (e.g., as a mono-spiral coil) on a cable reel. Specifically, a primary down-conductor cable from an adjustable-length air terminal is clamped between the air terminal and the cable reel at any intermediate length, and the clamp is shunted to the ground plane (e.g., earth ground) through a second low-impedance down-conductor cable, as opposed to the high-impedance coiled down-conductor cable, thus increasing down-conductor effectiveness by reducing the impedance seen by a lightning strike to reach the ground plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: John P. Higby
  • Patent number: 8436243
    Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface liable to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners fastening the aforementioned strip to the structure, the aforementioned strip being electrically connected to an electrical earth for removing current. According the disclosed embodiments, the aforementioned strip has a shape intended to collaborate with a housing created at the aforementioned external surface so that the external surface of the strip lies flush with the aforementioned external surface of the structure, and the aforementioned fasteners include an upper part flush with the external surface of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Olivier Gattus, Charles Lambert, Jacques Fournie, Jean-Christope Loche, Mathieu Giraudineau, Gautier Destombes, Gilles Mercadier, Patrick Lieven, Damien Binaud
  • Patent number: 8420929
    Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body defining a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports, and having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has handles for manual lifting and transportation, plus grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: R U Grounded Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Mundle
  • Publication number: 20130075057
    Abstract: A geothermal system with earth grounding component for providing electrical grounding is introduced. The geothermal system includes: a geothermal component configured to perform heat exchange; wherein the geothermal component comprises at least one heat exchange tube configured to extend into an underground environment; and an earth grounding component configured to provide earth grounding for electronic equipment; wherein the earth grounding component includes at least one conductive rod coupled to and extended along the at least one heat exchange tube, and the at least one conductive rod is configured to electrically couple to a grounding interface of the electronic equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Patent number: 8336865
    Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for welding ground wires to a grounding rod. A jig retains the ground wires to the grounding rod. The jig has a first horseshoe oriented to a second horseshoe to form a crucifix. Each horseshoe has a pair of legs supporting the jig from earth and providing electrical ground to the earth. A central passage bisects each horseshoe through which the grounding rod inserts. Mechanisms are included for clamping a ground wire to at least one of the legs, such that the ground wire is retained for welding to the grounding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Thomas Vandergrift, II
  • Publication number: 20120279744
    Abstract: A ground electrode includes a base plate having an upper and a lower side. The ground electrode includes a plurality of tubes each having a first and a second end. The first ends of the tubes are connected to the lower side of the base plate. The tubes are tilted so that the second ends converge in the circular base of a cone. An admittance coupler is attached to the upper side of the base plate. The admittance coupler includes a body plate electrically connected to the base plate. Two arm plates and a head plate are connected to the body plate. The ground electrode includes a plurality of diffusers each circumferentially wrapping a section of a respective tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: GREEN INNOVATIONS HOLDING LLC
    Inventor: Mauro Pedraza Garcia
  • Publication number: 20120267356
    Abstract: A ground structure for a PECVD apparatus includes a ground connector is positioned in a receiving portion of a ground mount that is connected to an electrical reservoir. A cylindrical ground clamp holds the ground connector and includes an opening portion along a sidewall in a longitudinal direction. An outer surface of the ground connector makes contact with an inner surface of the ground clamp. A pair of stumbling portions are folded from an outer surface of the ground clamp and spaced apart from each other by a width of the opening portion. A ground wiring is connected to the ground clamp and the ground mount, and the ground current flows to the ground mount via the ground clamp by the ground wiring, thus the ground current is grounded to the electrical reservoir. Accordingly, the electric arc is prevented between the ground connector and the ground clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: KOMICO, LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong-Duck Choi, Hyun-Mi Yuk, Jin-Sik Choi
  • Publication number: 20120211252
    Abstract: A photovoltaic panel racking system with integrated grounding bars integrated with an extruded integrated rail. The integrated grounding bar enables grounding of photovoltaic panels to a racking system without the use of additional parts or tools. When photovoltaic panels are installed onto an integrated rail, the grounding bars perforate the anodized coating of the frame of the photovoltaic panels to make metal to metal contacts. The grounding bar may be attached to the underside of solar panel frames. Further, an integrated grounding bar rail reduces the number of roof penetration connections necessary for safe grounding of a photovoltaic system. In a ballast mounted photovoltaic panel system, ballast pans may be used to connect the integrated rails between adjacent rows of photovoltaic panels, thereby further reducing the number of grounding points needed to ground the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Atlantech Solar Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Turziano, Richard C. Contrata, JR.
  • Patent number: 8232472
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal creates an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal collects ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system induces current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current is a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge is released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal triggers the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Alltec Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Publication number: 20120168193
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an outer side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: STATE GRID ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Hanming LI, Zhijun LI, Qianhu Wei, Ting Liu, Shicong Deng, Feng Huo, Ming Zhan, Min Dai, Weicai Zhou, Kai Liu, Yuhua Zhang, Xiong Wu, Ning Cao, Dingxie Gu, Peihong Zhou, Huiwen He, Ying Lou, Zhenqiang Li
  • Publication number: 20120168194
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form an inner side of a composite pole tower and pole tower thereof, wherein the method includes the following steps: extending an upper metal cross arm from an extended line of at least one side of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal, vertically leading down a ground down-leading wire from a distal end of the upper metal cross arm, connecting the ground down-leading wire to the pole tower via a lower metal cross arm at a distance under a lower lead, and grounding the ground down-leading wire along a tower body of the pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is selectively directly connected to the metal pipe via the lower metal cross arm. The upper metal cross arm and the lower cross arm are able to provide a distance between the ground down-leading wire and the pole tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: SHENZHEN POWER SUPPLY BUREAU OF GUANGDONG POWER GRID CORP
    Inventors: Zhijun Li, Hanming Li, Ting Liu, Qianhu Wei, Feng Huo, Ming Zhan, Min DaiI, Shicong Deng, Kai Liu, Ning Cao, Xiong Wu, Yuhua Zhang, Dingxie Gu, Weicai Zhou, Peihong Zhou, Zhenqiang Li, Ying Lou, Huiwen He
  • Publication number: 20120168195
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for grounding outdoor light poles, as well as other structures, which may be exposed to lightning or other adverse electrical effects and may require a low impedance path to ground. Inventive aspects include a combination of apparatus integral to the pole or other structure and installation considerations whereby the ease of installation, reduction of onsite installation error, and reduction of impedance may be tailored to each installation. An apparatus can include a pre-installed earth grounding electrode at the lower end of the pole or structure to be inserted into the earth. A method can include installing an earth grounding electrode to/on/in a lower end of a pole or structure prior to insertion into the earth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: MUSCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Gregory N. Kubbe
  • Patent number: 8163993
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for grounding outdoor light poles, as well as other structures, which may be exposed to lightning or other adverse electrical effects and may require a low impedance path to ground. Inventive aspects include a combination of apparatus integral to the pole or other structure and installation considerations whereby the ease of installation, reduction of onsite installation error, and reduction of impedance may be tailored to each installation. An apparatus can include a pre-installed earth grounding electrode at the lower end of the pole or structure to be inserted into the earth. A method can include installing an earth grounding electrode to/on/in a lower end of a pole or structure prior to insertion into the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, David L. Barker, Gabriel P. Gromotka, Gregory N. Kubbe
  • Publication number: 20120037393
    Abstract: Device for establishing an efficient grounding of an installation of different types includes one or more cables, wherein the ground rail or ground conductor, ground rails or ground conductors or ground point or ground points of the installation being grounded by the one or more cables including a combination of electrically conductive wires or conductors in at least one inner core and at least one outer layer which surrounds the inner core wholly or partly, and the cable or the cables are laid in one and the same or each in a separate bore in ground and/or rock of a considerable depth, preferably more than 200 m, e.g. 240 m or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Fredrik Dahl
  • Patent number: 8071876
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement with a high voltage electrode (1) and a process vessel (2) assigned to the high voltage electrode (1), wherein the high voltage electrode (1) and the process vessel (2) can be positioned relative to each other in such a manner that the high voltage electrode (1) with its operational electrode end (5) in an operating position is immersed in the process vessel (2) and in a non-operating position is located outside the process vessel (2). Furthermore, the arrangement includes a grounding device (3), which is designed in such a manner that upon a positioning in the non-operating position it automatically is brought into contact with the operational electrode end (5) for grounding the high voltage electrode (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: selFrag AG
    Inventors: Christoph Anliker, Reinhard Müller-Siebert, Daniel Maurer
  • Patent number: 8044297
    Abstract: A land electrode for a high voltage direct current transmission system including a converter station with a grounding point. The land electrode is connected to the grounding point and includes a plurality of electrode sections. A line electrode includes a part interconnecting two electrode sections. The part of the line electrode exhibits a line resistance. Each electrode section includes at least one electrode element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunnar Asplund, Gunnar Flisberg, Lars Weimers, Jan Lundquist, Urban Åström, Dan Karlsson
  • Patent number: 7960647
    Abstract: A lightning protection device having a grounded Franklin rod and a conductive device attached to the rod and defining a predetermined overall shape of a predetermined size therearound. The lightning protection device is particularly devised to limit the amount of corona discharges under the ambient ground fields associated with lightning storms while the upward leader inception requirements remain unchanged during the descent of a lightning leader. The lightning protection device has a corona inception voltage that is substantially insensitive to contamination from pollution, insects, vermin or water droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Farouk A. M. Rizk, Amr Rizk
  • Patent number: 7943869
    Abstract: A lightning resistive bush body includes a cylindrical bush body. The bush body is composed of an inner insulative layer, a center electric-magnetic absorbing metal layer and an outer insulative layer, wherein the inner insulative layer, the center electric-magnetic absorbing metal layer and the outer insulative layer is integrated, and the center electric-magnetic absorbing is provided between the inner insulative layer and the outer insulative layer, and two axial edges of the center electric magnetic absorbing metal layer shape having radial openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Lianjun Li
  • Patent number: 7939751
    Abstract: A return path between a first HVDC station and a second HVDC station. A first electrode is connected to the first station and a second electrode is connected to the second station. The return path includes a first part including a first low resistive zone through the crust of the earth in which the first electrode is embedded. A second part includes the earth mantle. A third part includes a second low resistive zone through the crust of the earth in which the second electrode is embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunnar Asplund, Olof Heyman, Urban Åström
  • Patent number: RE42331
    Abstract: An all stainless steel grounding electrode uses a coating of stainless steel for an upper collar which has a dual purpose cable connector. The cable connector can accommodate a cable lug and bolt connection or a cad weld connection. A cap for the collar has a one quarter turn dual heavy duty thread set to prevent corrosion from locking up the cap. An osmotic material is placed and replaced in the grounding electrode via the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Lightning Eliminators & Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy B. Carpenter, Jr., Peter Carpenter, legal representative, Nathan M. Mascarenas, Darwin N. Sletten