C-clamp Type Patents (Class 439/803)
  • Patent number: 11728583
    Abstract: A mechanical grounding clamp including a body, having an upper plate defining a threaded hole therethrough and having an outer surface, a lower plate spaced apart from the upper plate and having an inner surface, and a connecting plate connecting the upper plate to the lower plate, a fastener mateable with the threaded hole in the upper plate and having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end extendable through the threaded hole of the upper plate and toward the inner surface of the lower plate. There may be a nut on the fastener for driving toward the upper plate to secure a grounding conductor to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Evan Martin, Logan Michael Trombley, Sam Carbonneau, Reid Ruland
  • Patent number: 11589469
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a fastened object, a fastener, and a base member. The housing includes a housing body and a bracket. The bracket is integrally formed on the housing body. The bracket includes a bracket stage, a bracket hole and a bracket recess. The bracket hole is formed on the bracket stage. The fastened object corresponds to the bracket stage. At least a portion of the base member is moveably inserted into the bracket recess. The base member includes a member fastening hole. The fastener passes through the fastened object and the bracket hole to connect to the member fastening hole of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: WISTRON NEWEB CORP.
    Inventors: Chun-Wei Wang, Che-Min Lin
  • Publication number: 20140329420
    Abstract: An improved grounding and bonding bracket-type electrical connector is described with improved properties for directionally orienting grounding conductors. The electrical connector has a body with a first and a second clamp area. The second clamp area may be partially formed by a second body member. A frame substrate is connected in the first clamp area, while a grounding conductor is connected in the second clamp area. The grounding conductor may be connected such that the path of the conductor runs parallel, at 45 degrees, or perpendicular as compared to the mounting line of the frame substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, LLC
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno
  • Patent number: 8672716
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping device includes a wedge pad and a conductor pad. The wedge pad has a first fastener hole and a wedge receiving surface. The conductor pad has a second fastener hole and a conductor receiving surface. The conductor receiving surface faces the wedge receiving surface to receive a wedge and a conductor therebetween. A fastener is received by the first and second fastener holes to adjustably connect the wedge pad to the conductor pad. A spring member is disposed on the fastener, abuts the wedge pad and biases the wedge pad toward the conductor pad to facilitate retaining the wedge and conductor between the wedge receiving surface and the conductor receiving surface. The spring member allows spacing between the wedge pad and conductor pad to be adjusted to accommodate various sized wedges and conductors while maintaining pressure on the received wedge and conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Victor De France
  • Patent number: 8517776
    Abstract: A ground clamp (10) is provided for use with a ball stud (12) having a shaft (14) that terminates in a spherical end (16), and includes a body (20), a first jaw (22), and a second jaw (24). The first jaw (22) includes two fingers (40) that define a slot (44) through which the shaft (14) can extend when the ball stud is inserted into the clamp. The second jaw includes a laterally extending platform (50) and a rib (52) extending from the platform to be located within the slot with the jaws in a closed position. The second jaw has a concave clamp surface (54) defined in the platform (50) and the rib (52) that is engageable with the spherical end as the second jaw moves to the closed position to guide the jaws and the spherical end into proper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Flojo
  • Patent number: 8512070
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes an upper member, a lower member, a fastening member, and a spring. The upper member includes a first end, a second end, and an upper groove portion. The upper groove portion is between the first and second ends. The first end includes a first opening. The lower member includes a lower groove portion, a receiving area, and a hole. A portion of the upper member extends into the receiving area. An end of the hole is at the receiving area. The fastening member extends through the hole and the opening. The first end of the fastening member includes an operable portion. The spring is between the second end of the fastening member and the upper member. A portion of the spring is in the opening. The first end of the upper member is between opposite ends of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert V. De France
  • Patent number: 8381380
    Abstract: The device for fast assembly of a tool on its support comprises a bolt attached to said support and disposed within a bore with a through hole and a mandrel, which is attached to the tool as such and disposed within said through hole and interacting with said bolt. At the junction between the tool and its support, the device comprises centering and locking means which consist of a set of the tenon and mortise type, which set extends perpendicularly to the mandrel and thus forms a T-shaped structure of the assembly, which confers high rigidity to the tool. Said assembly device is in particular suitable for tools such as actuators or pliers, i.e. tools which are utilized in machines for packaging flasks, bottles or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Philippe Tuauden, Dominique Germain, Eric Devaux
  • Publication number: 20130017737
    Abstract: A system for electrically connecting a conductor to a track member includes a clamp base, a clamp bolt, and a wire bolt. The clamp base receives part of the track member, and has a threaded throughbore. The clamp bolt includes a spike pin and a body that is threaded for screwing into the clamp base. The body defines a threaded recess. The wire bolt has a longitudinal throughbore, and is threaded for screwing into the recess. When the conductor is positioned through the wire bolt and the wire bolt is screwed into the recess, the wire bolt holds the conductor in place in electrical engagement with the clamp bolt. When the track member part is received in the clamp base and the clamp bolt is screwed through the clamp base, the spike pin bites into the track member for establishing an electrical connection and clamping the clamp base in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Forrest H. Ballinger
  • Patent number: 8317536
    Abstract: A grounding clamp carries a through-hole where one end of the hole or opening carries a multi-sided socket, such as a hex-shaped socket or depression. A pair of ball studs extend in part into the through-hole and threadably lock together trapping or sandwiching the clamp therebetween. One of the ball studs is blocked from rotating by the hex-shaped socket. As the other ball stud is rotated onto it, the three components, the clamp and the two ball studs form a composite grounding assembly which is locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred R. Flojo
  • Patent number: 8096816
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp for securing a grounding connector to a structural member. The clamp includes a clamp body having a top section, a bottom section, and a side section, which define an opening for receiving the structural member. The top section includes a plurality of mounting sections separated by at least one slot. Each of the mounting sections includes a mounting hole for receiving a mounting fastener to secure the clamp to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Robert W. Kossak, Robert L. Sokol
  • Publication number: 20110223814
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp for securing a grounding connector to a structural member. The clamp includes a clamp body having a top section, a bottom section, and a side section, which define an opening for receiving the structural member. The top section includes a plurality of mounting sections separated by at least one slot. Each of the mounting sections includes a mounting hole for receiving a mounting fastener to secure the clamp to the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Robert W. Kossak, Robert L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 7988464
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp for securing a grounding connector to a structural member. The clamp includes a clamp body having a top section, a bottom section, and a side section, which define an opening for receiving the structural member. The top section includes a plurality of mounting sections separated by at least one slot. Each of the mounting sections includes a mounting hole for receiving a mounting fastener to secure the clamp to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Robert W. Kossak, Robert L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 7946862
    Abstract: A grounding or bonding assembly comprising a strap or wire having multiple ends, with at least one end electrically connected to a clamp. The clamp includes a clamping means such as a screw and a penetrating means such as a spike. When the clamp is mounted on a structure and pressure is applied by means of the screw, the spike digs into the structure's surface and creates a low impedance electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Middle Atlantic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Schluter
  • Publication number: 20110081810
    Abstract: A grounding clamp carries a through-hole where one end of the hole or opening carries a multi-sided socket, such as a hex-shaped socket or depression. A pair of ball studs extend in part into the through-hole and threadably lock together trapping or sandwiching the clamp therebetween. One of the ball studs is blocked from rotating by the hex-shaped socket. As the other ball stud is rotated onto it, the three components, the clamp and the two ball studs form a composite grounding assembly which is locked together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred R. Flojo
  • Patent number: 7614923
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a grounding connector. The grounding connector includes a female member, a male member, and a threaded member. The female member includes a first clamp section, a conductor connection section, and a center section between the first clamp section and the conductor connection section. The center section includes a first opening. The male member includes a barrel section, a second clamp section, and a web section between the barrel section and the second clamp section. The barrel section includes a threaded opening. The threaded member extends through the first opening. The threaded member is engaged with the threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. De France
  • Publication number: 20090258548
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clamp for securing a grounding connector to a structural member. The clamp includes a clamp body having a top section, a bottom section, and a side section, which define an opening for receiving the structural member. The top section includes a plurality of mounting sections separated by at least one slot. Each of the mounting sections includes a mounting hole for receiving a mounting fastener to secure the clamp to the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Robert W. Kossak, Robert L. Sokol
  • Patent number: 7485014
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a grounding connector. The grounding connector includes a female member, a male member, and a threaded member. The female member includes a first clamp section, a conductor connection section, and a center section between the first clamp section and the conductor connection section. The center section includes a first opening. The male member includes a barrel section, a second clamp section, and a web section between the barrel section and the second clamp section. The barrel section includes a threaded opening. The threaded member extends through the first opening. The threaded member is engaged with the threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert V. De France
  • Patent number: 7160142
    Abstract: A grounding clamp provides a direct connection to ground between a power transmission or power distribution apparatus and a nearby ground plane. As a grounding clamp is being attached to the mating interface of a power transmission or power distribution apparatus, the angled gripping surfaces permit an operator to ground the spade from a distance of live-line tool's length from the frontplate of the power apparatus and apply the requisite pressure to the mating interface, providing an easier to attach grounding clamp and a more secure ground connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David C. Hughes, Brian T. Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 7052334
    Abstract: A locking clamp assembly that permits movement in one direction and prevents movement in a second direction to eliminate unintentional locking clamp assembly loosening encountered during normal operation. The locking clamp assembly includes a clamp head with a threaded portion and at least one retaining slot traversing the threaded portion, a clamp housing adapted to threadedly received the clamp head, and a locking pin that is operatively mounted on the clamp housing and is positioned adjacent to the retaining slot. When the locking clamp assembly is engaged, the locking pin is adapted to interact with at least one retaining slot to prevent the locking clamp assembly from movement in a first direction and for actuation by a retaining slot to enable movement of the locking clamp assembly in a second direction. There is also an engage means for the locking pin to selectively engaged or disengaged the locking clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Cabay, Ralph J. Jacobazzi
  • Patent number: 6935869
    Abstract: A meter box ground clamp for clamping a ground wire to a metallic meter box includes a clamp body, a wedge body, a bolt member and a ground engagement bolt. The clamp body has a base segment and first and second leg segments, each of the leg segments having a laterally extending extension segment for engaging the exterior surface of the meter box drip cap. The wedge body includes an upper segment disposed proximate to the clamp body legs, a lower segment disposed proximate to the clamp body base segment, and a middle segment extending from the lower segment, through a slot of the clamp body base segment, to the upper segment. The bolt member head is disposed above an upper portion of the clamp body base segment, with the shaft extending downwardly through an opening of the base segment upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph L. Auclair
  • Patent number: 6921300
    Abstract: An electrical connector has an elongated metal base portion, a releasable cable clamp at each opposite end of the base portion, and a connector block of electrical insulating material secured to the base portion between the cable clamps. The connector block has at least one passage therethrough extending from one end of the connector block to an opposite end thereof. A metal connector tube in each passage receives end portions of wires of two electrical cables to effect an electrical connection therebetween, each cable clamp being operable to clamp a respective cable to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Joe Bartok
  • Patent number: 6857881
    Abstract: A meter box ground clamp for clamping a ground wire to a metallic meter box includes a clamp body, a pressure bar, a floating nut, a bolt member and a ground engagement bolt. The clamp body has a base segment and first and second leg segments, each of the leg segments having a laterally extending extension segment for engaging the exterior surface of the meter box drip cap. The pressure bar extends through a slot in the clamp body base segment and has a front segment, disposed below the clamp body extension segments, having a laterally extending groove forming a lip at the pressure bar front end. The floating nut extends through the clamp body base segment slot and includes a front portion having a threaded, vertically extending bore. The bolt member is threadably engaged with the bore of the floating nut front portion for driving the lip of the pressure bar front segment into the meter box overlap joint to electrically connect the ground clamp to the meter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Balfour
  • Patent number: 6533605
    Abstract: A bottom plate fixing device for a switchgear cabinet, whereby an edge of at least one bottom plate is placed on a support flange of a bottom frame of the switchboard cabinet and is preloaded by at least one fastening clip. The clip has two parallel legs which are held on a connecting section, whereby the first leg engages behind the support flange of the bottom plate and the other leg holds a screw in a thread. The screw can be tightened against the edge of the bottom plate. The bottom plate and the bottom frame can be reliably placed on the same electrical level by supporting the first leg on the support flange by cutting and/or sharpening contact elements, and such that the screw is in electrically conductive contact with the edge of the bottom plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Reuter
  • Patent number: 6325678
    Abstract: An electrical clamp connector for clamping ground conductors employs interconnecting male and female clamp sections having integrally extending jaws. The male clamp section forms a tongue which is received in a complementary groove defined by the female clamp section. The jaws include V-shaped holding surfaces and a retaining lip which allow the clamping of conductors of various sizes. The clamp sections are fastened together by a bolt passing through the female clamp section to threadably engage the male clamp section whereby the jaws are drawn together, clamping conductors received therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Electric Motion Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Auclair
  • Patent number: 6010376
    Abstract: A connector for electrical conductors with at least one spring-force clamped connection in the form of a loop-shaped bent clamping spring. The task is to reduce as much as possible the structural height of the clamping spring measured crosswise to the direction for introducing the conductor. This is achieved by lowering the curved spring piece of the clamping spring, which is arranged in a recessed position in an adapted recess, shaped cavity, or the like, of the respective bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: WAGO Verwaltungsgesellshaft GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Josef Kollmann
  • Patent number: 5928006
    Abstract: A clamping bracket connects an electrical wire to a lip of a grounded utility box so as to ground the wire. The bracket has U-shaped portions and a threaded stud which moves an annular abrading end surface with a center cone point into engagement with the metal plate lip when located between the U-shaped portions. The rear planar member of the U-shape is formed by a leaf spring which slants inwardly and bends rearwardly until the leaf spring is approximately parallel with the front planar member due to engagement of a stop surface on the stud with the front planar member. A plurality of barbs located on the leaf spring assist to prevent inadvertent movement during tightening. The front planar member of the U-shape has side ribs which strengths the front planar member and space a threaded bore from the metal plate lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5807143
    Abstract: A connecting terminal for a busbar and a connecting cable having a hook strap which can be pushed on the busbar. A clamping strap can be adjusted by an attachment screw which clamps the connecting cable to the busbar. A holding strap provisionally holds the hook strap pushed on the busbar. The cost of parts and assembly can be reduced without interference with the function because the holding strap is pushed from the direction of an outside on a transverse leg of the hook strap and extends with lateral legs that act as holding springs, into receivers of the lateral legs of the hook strap. The holding strap has a through-bore for the attachment screw. A transverse leg of the holding strap extends on both sides past the hook strap and forms receivers for adjustable fixing of the lateral legs of the clamping strap which is inserted between the lateral legs of the hook strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Wagener
  • Patent number: 5746609
    Abstract: A clamping bracket connects an electrical wire to a lip of a grounded utility box so as to ground the wire. The bracket has U-shaped portions and a threaded stud which advances an annular abrading end surface with a center cone point into engagement with the lip when located between the U-shaped portions. The rear planar member of the U-shape is formed by a leaf spring which slants inwardly. The front planar member of the U-shape has side ribs which strengths the front planar member and space a threaded bore from the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5556299
    Abstract: A clamp is provided which automatically latches onto a power line when brought into contact with the line for grounding the line or other purposes. The clamp has structural features which prevent inadvertent triggering of the latch mechanism before contact with the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Ronald J. Finke
  • Patent number: 5547404
    Abstract: A fixed spacer hot line tap has a body with a base and a run-conductor groove. An eyebolt passes through the base and has a tip disposed between the base and the run-conductor groove. The eyebolt has a tip, on which is attached an extender having at least one spline on an outer surface thereof and a tip. The extender is directed through a hole in a spacer, and is press-fit therein because of the at least one spline. The spacer has an open volume defined by the foot, a first leg and a second leg, and a main transfer component, across which electric current passes from a run conductor to a tap conductor. A pad is disposed within the open volume by attachment to the tip of the extender, which reaches there through the hole in the foot. In use, a tap conductor is disposed between the pad and the main transfer component, and is secured there by a tightening of the eyebolt. The tap conductor remains clamped there when the eyebolt is withdrawn because of the press-fit of the extender in the hole in the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Fargo Mfg. Company Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Nellis, Jr., Robert V. DeFrance, Richard R. Matlock
  • Patent number: 5286211
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a signal reference grid conductor to a support post. The connector includes a body member having a first end profiled to receive the post within a seat and a plurality of recesses disposed along the seat for receiving the conductors. A clamping mechanism exerts a force against the post so that the post is positively seated against the conductors contained in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Glen D. P. McIntosh
  • Patent number: 5173066
    Abstract: A chip holder fixing device comprising an arm having a circular hole defined therein into which a rear portion of a chi8p holder is inserted. The chip holder is fastened to the arm by way of a bolt. The arrangement assures the positioning of the chip holder relative to the arm and the prevention of the chip holder from turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Obara Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Umeda
  • Patent number: 5160271
    Abstract: A clamp for mounting and grounding a telephone interface box to an electric utility box of variable width is provided. The clamp has base which spans one side of the box. The base is adjustable through a range of finely graduated widths. Arms extend from the ends of the base and are positioned to engage opposite sides of the box. A sliding plate is mounted on one of the arms to secure the clamp to the box. A mounting plate secures the telephone interface box to one of the arms. In one embodiment, an abrading bolt also mounted on one of the arms to make intimate electrical contact with the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5152701
    Abstract: A connecting device for electrically and mechanically joining two conductors positioned substantially perpendicular having improvements allowing for easier and safer installation. The connector includes a C-shaped body member and a wedge assembly. The C-shaped body member has two spaced apart fingers hooked to engage one conductor and a yoke section which joins the fingers and is contoured to engage another conductor. The wedge assembly provides the separating and securing means to the conductors and is comprised of two parts. The wedge assembly is comprised of a wedge shaped section and a T-shaped section that are mechanically engaged by use of interacting parts involving the incline of the wedge and the vertical portion of the "T". Each member of the wedge assembly has an independent contoured surface which engages one of the transversing conductors. The wedge assembly functions separately from and unconnected to the body member when installed between the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Mario Polidori
  • Patent number: 5092797
    Abstract: An electrical wire connector (10) has a C-shaped body section having arcuate ears (22) laterally therealong and converging from a wide end to a narrow end and forming wire grooves (24), a wedge having converging concave side surfaces (32) forming wire channels opposing wire grooves (24) when inserted into the wide end of the C-shaped member (12), and a shear head drive bolt (50) for urging the wedge (14) into the C-shaped member upon actuation to compress and thus interconnect respective wires (16,18) placed along the wire channels. The drive bolt (50) has an outer hexagonal head (54) joined to a smaller inner hexagonal head (56) at a frangible section to be sheared off upon achievement of a selected torque level which assures interconnection of the wires when attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventors: Randy T. Cole, Barry J. Johnson, Gino Menechella
  • Patent number: 5085583
    Abstract: This invention involves a portable loadmake/loadbreak switch assembly or system which can be used to make or break high amperage power circuits. This switch is first connected in series with the circuit. When the current is running through the switch, the switch can be opened to break the current in a controlled manner. This switch includes two leads, each of which is provided with a special two part clamp. The first parts of the clamps of both leads are first clamped onto two eyebolt connectors along the circuit. This clamping is accomplished by rotating a portion of each first part in a clockwise direction. A second clamp part is then attached to the first part of the clamp on the loadside lead. Once attached, this second part allows the eyebolt to be loosened by rotating the entire clamp in a counterclockwise direction. Due to the second part of this clamp, the first part of this clamp's grip on the eyebolt is not loosened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventors: Warren E. Amos, Michael Chupka
  • Patent number: 5033971
    Abstract: A system for common grounding of a telephone system and an electric power system is provided. A stud is provided that is integrally secured to the outer surface of an electrical meter box without penetrating the inside of the meter box. The stud is connected through a grounding connection to the telephone system. The stud has a bore formed therein for receiving an electrical conductor, a threaded opening extending into the bore and a securing screw located within the threaded opening for securing the electrical conductor to the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5018984
    Abstract: A clamp is provided for mounting a telephone interface box to an electric utility box. The telephone interface box is mounted to a plate which is in turn connected to a clamp secured to the utility box. A moveable slide plate can be used to secure the clamp by moving the slide plate to abut the lid of the utility box. A conduit for protecting a portion of an underground telephone feed is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5015205
    Abstract: An improved telephone cable lashing wire clamp provides a mechanical connection between a telephone cable messenger wire and a telephone cable lashing wire. A hook member engages the messenger wire and a messenger wire retaining nut secures the messenger wire to the hook member. A lashing wire jam nut then secures the wire lashing wire between the messenger wire retaining nut and the lashing wire jam nut. The hook member accepts a variety of messenger wire diameters, and can be a variety of different shapes. A variety of contacting surfaces can be used on the hook portion and the messenger wire retaining nut to contact the messenger wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5006074
    Abstract: An adjustable clamping device provides a means for grounding a hollow metal box which can be of various dimensions. A C-shaped clamping device includes two separate, elongated members, and a threaded bolt and tab to secure the two members together. One of the members has a plurality of holes to receive the bolt and the tab, and the other member has a threaded hole formed therein to receive the bolt. The alignment of each of the plurality of holes with the threaded hole and tab of the other member establishes a plurality of different, discrete lengths for the base. The base has an end arm which carries a threaded grounding bolt movable into contact with the box. The grounding bolt has an abrading end surface which penetrates the outer surface of the box to form an intimate electrical contact with the base metal for grounding purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4993960
    Abstract: A system and clamp provides a common system for grounding a telephone system and an electrical power system. The clamp is secured to an electrical meter box and the clamp is connected through a grounding connection to the telephone system. The clamping device incudes a C-shaped base mounting a threaded bolt having a serrated end surface for abrading the surface of the meter box and additionally includes at least one projecting point which prevents the clamp from moving on the box as the clamping device is secured to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4934949
    Abstract: A self-cleaning hot line clamping device used by electric utilities, having clamps for electrically connecting a line conductor to another piece of electrical equipment such as a second line conductor or tap conductor. At least one of the clamps has a first jaw in the form of a V-shaped recess, and a second jaw to force a line conductor into the recess in wedging contact with the converging surfaces of the recess. The converging surfaces of the recess are serrated to have a wiping action on the line conductor at the contact points so that when the line conductor is forced into the recess surface oxide on the line conductor at the contact points will be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: The Detroit Edison Company
    Inventors: Mitchell D. Charneski, Ralph G. Bonser
  • Patent number: 4925395
    Abstract: A clamping device having a U-shape provides a mechanical and electrical connection between two flat ribbons or strips of electrically conductive material. The strips of material may, for example, be thin copper bars for grounding purposes in an underground telephone vault. A mounting means allows the clamp to be secured to a structure wall. A pair of threaded bolts are offset from each other and are mounted in opposite legs of the U-shaped clamp. The bolts are formed with slotted heads for securing another conductor, such as a ground wire or ground ribbon, therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4911572
    Abstract: A tie back clamp is provided for retaining a severed end of a power cable in a safe, removed position when it is necessary to cut the cable to perform service or otherwise work on the power line. The clamp retains a tail or end portion adjacent the location of the cut at a position transverse the remaining cable from which the stub or end portion extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4904193
    Abstract: A removable electrical ground clamp is provided that is easily installed on an outside electrical meter or breaker box by establishing pressure contact with the box. An attachment lug is provided on the grounding clamp for connecting a ground wire for use when electrical power is to be brought to a residence or some other outside electrical work or installation. The grounding clamp is designed to eliminate the need for access into an area of a residence or other building to establish a ground connection, provides instant visual inspection; and two grasping arms can be moved along an elongated member, which can be cylindrical, hexagonal, or U-shaped, in order to securely grip the outer surface of the meter or breaker box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
    Inventor: Thomas F. Graves
  • Patent number: 4884976
    Abstract: A clamping device having a U-shape provides a mechanical and electrical connection between two flat ribbons or strips of electrically conductive material. The strips of material may, for example, be thin copper bars for grounding purposes in an underground telephone vault. One inner surface of the U-shaped clamp includes at least one projecting point which is positioned directly opposed to at least one threaded bolt movably disposed and extending from the opposed inner surface. The free end of the bolt is formed with a complementary recess and an abrading surface surrounding the recess. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of such threaded bolts are offset from each other and are mounted in opposite legs of the U-shaped clamp. The bolts may be formed with a slotted head for securing another conductor or bonding ribbon therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4857020
    Abstract: A tap connector for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between electrical conductors. The connector has a body whereof the sides define a channel which slidably receives a laterally expandible and contractable wedge assembly. In use, the conductors are rigidly held between the body and the expanded wedge assembly. To produce the required expansion, the wedge assembly comprises at least one driven block and at least one driving block which mate along respective opposed ramp surfaces inclined to the longitudinal axis of the channel. Relative longitudinal movement of the blocks causes the wedge assembly to expand and contract as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Tridem Manufactured Products Inc.
    Inventor: Nobel W. Crosby
  • Patent number: 4846725
    Abstract: A clamp is provided for grounding electrical power lines and the like. The clamp automatically latches itself into a firm gripping relationship with the electrical power line when brought into contact with the power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: Danny R. Williams, Ronald J. Finke
  • Patent number: 4828504
    Abstract: A clamping device having a U-shaped portion between which material is positioned to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the clamp when engaged. One inner surface of the U-shaped clamp includes a conically-shaped tip of a hardened material which is positioned directly opposed to a threaded bolt or stud extending outwardly from the opposed inner surface of the U-shaped clamp for engagement with the conically-shaped tip. The terminal end of the oppositely positioned threaded bolt is formed with a complementary recess and, preferably, a knurled or serrated outer edge for abrading material which is engaged upon the tightening of the bolt. In one embodiment of the clamp, the threaded bolt includes a terminal portion adapted to accommodate and have secured therein a terminated ground wire, and the U-shaped clamp has an undercut portion for positioning against an upturned flange edge of a panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: George J. Franks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4778413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ground clamp for a welding apparatus. The ground clamp comprises a fastening screw rotatable in a body and a counter jaw formed in the body, which fastening screw and jaw together form a screw clamp by means of which the ground is fastened to a workpiece. The ground clamp further comprises a connection for fastening a ground cable to the body. Known ground clamps have structural disadvantages on account of which they are not reliable in operation and do not conduct sufficiently current in proportion to their size. The disadvantages are due to the fact that the contact between the workpiece and the ground cable is not sufficiently good to guarantee an even flow of the electric current. For the elimination of these disadvantages the connection of the ground cable comprises a cavity formed in the counter jaw perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the fastening screw, and fastening means which lock both a naked part of the ground cable and a cable insulation in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventor: Reino Saarinen