Patents Assigned to RICHARDS MFG. CO.
  • Patent number: 11894166
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of producing a surge arrestor module, comprising the acts of (i) providing a plurality of MOV blocks arranged in a stack, (ii) applying an epoxy-reinforced structural layer to an outer surface of the stack, (iii) after the applying, inserting the stack into a flexible bladder, and (iv) curing the epoxy-reinforced structural layer with elevated temperatures while the flexible bladder applies radially aligned pressure to the stack and a tool applies axially aligned pressure to the stack. The present disclosure also includes an apparatus for performing the methods described herein. The apparatus includes an outer case structure and a flexible bladder that fits within the outer case structure. A hollow inner region of the outer case structure is pressurized to force the flexible bladder against the surge arrestor module as the surge arrestor module is curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher A Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey J. Madden
  • Patent number: 11888278
    Abstract: A support core system for deploying a cold shrink rubber over a cable splice connection in an electrical distribution system. The support core system includes a first solid core, a second solid core, and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The first solid core is configured to fit over a cable in the electrical distribution system and hold a first portion of the cold shrink rubber in an expanded state. The cable includes the cable splice connection. The second solid core is configured to fit over the cable and hold a second portion of the cold shrink rubber in an expanded state. The PET film is positioned between the cold shrink rubber and each of the first solid core and the second solid core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Christopher A Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey Madden
  • Patent number: 11773891
    Abstract: Range taking shear bolts and bolt installation (drive) tools are described herein, which are configured for use with a variety of range taking connectors and conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher Juillet, Jeffrey Madden, Bruce Bier
  • Patent number: 11757237
    Abstract: A new and improved separable loadbreak connector system capable of providing higher switching and fault close ratings by various means of dividing the arc energy within the connector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Glenn Luzzi
  • Patent number: 11723166
    Abstract: A split door submersible housing for an electrical distribution system includes a cabinet body defining an interior region configured to accept a component of the electrical distribution system, and a first door and a second door positioned side by side to cover an open front portion of the cabinet body. The cabinet body includes at least one opening configured to accept an electrode sealed with and electrically isolated from the cabinet body and extending through the cabinet body to establish electrical connection between a corresponding terminal of the component and an electrical distribution network. A gasket system is provided, which comprises a first gasket configured to fit on the first door and a second gasket configured to fit on the second door. The gasket system seals the first door and the second door against each other and against a corresponding surface on the cabinet body, when the first and second doors are closed and locked, so that the housing is water tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Bruce Bier
  • Patent number: 11614116
    Abstract: A safety shear bolt includes a main bolt portion and a torque head portion connected to the main bolt portion. The torque head portion includes an extended head portion, a stem portion rigidly connecting the main bolt portion to the torque head portion, and a coupling mechanism rotatably connecting the extended head portion to the main bolt portion. The stem portion is configured to shear when a predetermined torque is applied to the extended head portion, while the coupling mechanism prevents the extended head portion from dropping after shearing off from the main bolt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Bruce Bier
  • Patent number: 11349266
    Abstract: A new and improved separable loadbreak connector system capable of providing higher switching and fault close ratings by various means of dividing the arc energy within the connector system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Glenn Luzzi
  • Patent number: 11326639
    Abstract: Range taking shear bolts and bolt installation (drive) tools are described herein, which are configured for use with a variety of range taking connectors and conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christopher Juillet, Jeffrey Madden, Bruce Bier
  • Patent number: 11276513
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various devices and methods for the reconstruction or restoration of a metallic shield of a cable, which provide a holding feature for simplifying the installation of an electrically-conductive member on the metallic shield and improving the reliability of the connection. Both factory-supplied and field-installable holding features are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Glenn J. Luzzi, Jeff Madden, Christopher A. Juillet
  • Patent number: 11183778
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of securing a C-Frame to a cable run during the installation process of a cable tap are disclosed. A holding device is removably coupled to an interface positioned adjacent to a C-Frame loosely coupled to a cable run. The holding device which is coupled to the interface is slid over and onto the C-Frame, thereby securing the C-Frame to the cable run. Thereafter, a cable tap is coupled to the C-Frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Christopher Juillet, Richard Fox, Joseph Bier
  • Patent number: 10840678
    Abstract: A cable accessory for injecting fluid into a cable. The accessory has first and second ends configured to be coupled to the cable and an external cable accessory, respectively. The accessory has an injection port configured to introduce the fluid to a stranded conductor of the cable. The accessory may include a body and conductive rod. The body defines a through-channel configured to receive the conductor. The rod has a first portion that extends outwardly from the second end to be received inside the external cable accessory and to form an electrical connection therewith. The rod has a second portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and form an electrical connection therewith. The second portion (with the conductor coupled thereto) is positionable inside the through-channel with the first portion extending outward from the second end. The fluid is injectable into the conductor through injection port, which extends into the through-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignees: Novinium, Inc., Richards Mfg, Co.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Patent number: 10522984
    Abstract: A fitting for injecting a first fluid into an injection port of a cable accessory. The fitting includes at least one seal positioned on an injection nozzle. The nozzle is configured to be inserted into the port and has an internal fluid passageway through which the first fluid is injected into the accessory. The seal forms at least one fluid tight seal between the nozzle and the port. The fluid tight seal prevents the first fluid from exiting the accessory and flowing into an outer portion of the port and prevents a second fluid from flowing into an inner portion of the port. The first and second fluids have first and second voltage potentials, respectively. The second voltage potential is different from the first voltage potential. The seal isolates the first and second voltage potentials by isolating the first fluid from the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Jeffrey J Madden
  • Patent number: 10522983
    Abstract: A cable accessory for injecting fluid into a cable. The accessory has first and second ends configured to be coupled to the cable and an external cable accessory, respectively. The accessory has an injection port configured to introduce the fluid to a stranded conductor of the cable. The accessory may include a body and conductive rod. The body defines a through-channel configured to receive the conductor. The rod has a first portion that extends outwardly from the second end to be received inside the external cable accessory and to form an electrical connection therewith. The rod has a second portion configured to be coupled to the conductor and form an electrical connection therewith. The second portion (with the conductor coupled thereto) is positionable inside the through-channel with the first portion extending outward from the second end. The fluid is injectable into the conductor through injection port, which extends into the through-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Glenn J. Luzzi
  • Patent number: 10230222
    Abstract: An insert for constructing a cable accessory used to inject a fluid into a cable. The cable accessory has an outer body defining an interior configured to house a conductor of the cable. The outer body includes an injection port with an internal channel configured to receive the fluid. The insert has first and second portions. The first portion is configured to line a portion of the interior of the cable accessory. The first portion has a first through-channel configured to allow the conductor of the cable to pass at least partway therethrough. The second portion is configured to line the internal channel of the injection port. The second portion has a second through-channel in fluid communication with the first through-channel. The insert is less permeable to the fluid than the outer body of the cable accessory. The insert may be molded into the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignees: NOVINIUM, INC., RICHARDS MFG, CO.
    Inventors: Glen J. Bertini, Donald R. Songras, Jeffrey J Madden
  • Publication number: 20130288527
    Abstract: A link disconnect box enables easy field retrofitting of network protectors. The link disconnect box has an outer casing that defines a cavity with a front face opening and top and bottom bus bar openings. Top and bottom terminals seal the top and bottom bus bar openings. The bottom terminal is configured to connect to an existing terminal of the network protector. A removable face plate seals shut the front face opening. Top and bottom bus bars electrically connect to the top and bottom terminals, extending through the respective top and bottom bus bar openings towards each other, with an air gap between them within the cavity. An electrical link, which can be bolted closed, connects and disconnects the top and bottom bus bars by electrically bridging the air gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: RICHARDS MFG. CO.
    Inventor: Douglas Robert Craig