Patents Assigned to Thoma & Betts International, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140349500
    Abstract: A connector device includes a device body and a pin assembly. The connector device includes a bushing portion with a conductive bus having a first bore, a conductive housing with a second bore that is axially aligned with the first bore, an internal chamber separating the first bore and the second bore, and a gelatinous silicone material enclosed within the internal chamber. The pin assembly includes a non-conductive tip and a conductive pin secured to the non-conductive tip. The pin assembly is configured to move axially, within the first and second bores, between a closed position that provides an electrical connection between the conductive bus and the conductive housing and an open position that provides no electrical connection between the conductive bus and the conductive housing. The gelatinous silicone material inhibits voltage arcing across a surface of the non-conductive tip when the pin assembly is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, William K. Longcor, IV
  • Patent number: 8864502
    Abstract: A mechanical grounding connector is provided for connecting at least two conductors. The connector is comprised of a first, second and third body section which have channels that allow for installation of conductors between each of the body sections. The channels of each body section lie at 90 degree angles such that conductors can be installed in a parallel or transverse arrangement. Bolts are used to hold together the first, second and third body sections of the connector and allow the body sections to be separated from one another by loosening the bolts to install conductors, without the need to completely remove the bolts from the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong T. Dinh
  • Patent number: 8867235
    Abstract: A conduit body may include a body including a side and a bottom to form a cavity. The side of the body may include an outer surface and a recessed surface forming grooves. The conduit body may include a hub that includes an annular tube forming an opening to receive a cable. The body may be configured to receive the edges of the hub in the grooves such that movement of the hub in a linear direction may move the hub through the grooves to couple the hub to the body. When the hub is coupled to the body using the grooves, the conduit body may be configured to receive the cable through the annular tube of the hub and through the opening in the recessed surface into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc-Antoine Veillette
  • Publication number: 20140292506
    Abstract: A processing unit in a dual-mode lighting fixture receives, via a light pipe of the lighting fixture, a test command signal from a remote control and initiates, based on the test command signal, testing for emergency condition lighting of the lighting fixture. The processing unit receives, via the light pipe, a control command signal from the remote control and controls, based on the control command signal, normal condition lighting of the lighting fixture. The processing unit also monitors feedback loops from a battery, a charger, or a set of LED lamps in the lighting fixture and presents, via the light pipe, a status color indication based on the monitored feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Radu C. Rapeanu, Zhi Gang Xing, Michel Lambert, Mohamed Elzayed, Chantal Dorval
  • Publication number: 20140247542
    Abstract: A mounting pole for high voltage equipment can be adjusted at particular increments to provide for installations at various heights. A base section includes a right-side flange, a left-side flange, and a center web formed substantially in the shape of an I-beam with a front channel. The center web includes a first set of adjustment holes. The base section also includes a control mounting bracket to receive hardware for securing a control unit for a high voltage switch. A channel assembly is slideably contained within the front channel. The channel assembly includes a second set of adjustment holes, and a set of mounting holes to receive hardware for securing the high voltage switch. The base section and the channel assembly are configured so that the first and second set of adjustment holes can be selectively aligned during field operations to set the mounting pole at one of multiple height increments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fong, Daniel L. Gardner, Geoffrey Reed, Philip DiParisi
  • Publication number: 20140202760
    Abstract: A cable fitting includes a gland nut, a body, and a chuck. The gland nut includes first threads, an axial gland bore, and a first sloped surface along a portion of the axial gland bore. The body includes second threads to receive the first threads, an axial body bore, and a second sloped surface along a portion of the axial body bore. The chuck includes multiple segments joined in a hinged fashion to create a ring. Each of the multiple segments includes a distal end tapered surface and a proximal end tapered surface. When the gland nut is advanced onto the body, the first sloped surface applies a first compressive force to the distal end tapered surfaces, and the second sloped surface applies a second compressive force to the proximal end tapered surfaces. The compressive forces cause inward deformation of the chuck to secure a cable within an axial pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Pelletier
  • Patent number: 8786387
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator includes a coil bobbin that has electrical wire wound around a core. The magnetic actuator also includes a plunger located in a central portion of the magnetic actuator and configured to move within a bore located in the central portion, and at least one spring located adjacent the central portion. When electrical current is provided to the electrical wire, an electromagnetic field causes the plunger to move from a first position to a second position, and stored energy associated with the spring aids in moving the plunger to the second position. The magnetic actuator further includes a linking portion coupled to the plunger, wherein the linking portion is configured to initiate an action based on movement of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fong, Geoffrey Reed
  • Patent number: 8766109
    Abstract: A cable connector for receiving a cable includes a substantially tubular connector body having a central bore extending therethrough, a forward end, and a cable receiving end. A gland nut is coupled to the cable receiving end of the connector body, wherein the gland nut is axially movable from a first position relative to the connector body to a second position relative to the connector body. A substantially tubular bushing element is secured between the gland nut and the connector body, wherein the bushing element comprises a tubular body for receiving the cable therethrough. The tubular body of the bushing element includes a flexible portion and a semi-rigid portion, wherein the flexible portion comprises a first hardness to seal the flexible portion to the cable and the semi-rigid portion comprises a second hardness to securely fix the cable relative to the bushing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Duval, Jean-Claude Goyette
  • Publication number: 20140154908
    Abstract: A clip assembly includes a first clip comprising two opposing contact surfaces connected by a U-shaped hinge, where each of the two opposing contact surfaces has protruding flanges with teeth for engaging a surface inserted between the flanges. The clip assembly further includes a second clip comprising two opposing contact surfaces connected by a U-shaped hinge, wherein each of the two opposing contact surfaces has protruding flanges with teeth for engaging a surface inserted between the flanges. The clip assembly also includes a wire connected to the first clip at one end of the wire and to the second clip at another end of the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Andrew Cole, Randy Dorn
  • Publication number: 20140131088
    Abstract: A poke-through device includes a tubular main body sized for insertion into a hole formed through a concrete floor. A device frame is mounted in the tubular main body for mounting one or more electrical devices. An intumescent insert is mounted in the tubular main body below the device frame. A junction box assembly is mounted to a bottom end of the tubular main body. A cover assembly is configured to enclose an opening in a top end of the tubular main body. The intumescent insert is mounted in the tubular main body so as to not contact the device frame to allow intumescent material to flow around the device frame in the event of a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20140131544
    Abstract: A field installable support bracket assembly for an electrical box, wherein the electrical box is to be secured to a side surface of a first structural stud. The field installable support bracket assembly includes a stud bracket and an adjustable back bracket. The stud bracket includes a stud bracket member configured to be secured to a front surface of a second structural stud, and a stud bracket guiding rib. The adjustable back bracket includes a mounting panel configured to be secured to a back of the electrical box, and a back bracket guiding rib. The back bracket guiding rib and the stud bracket are configured to join the stud bracket to the adjustable back bracket. The field installable support bracket assembly is configured to provide support for the electrical box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioan-Liviu Lupsa, Michele Di Lillo, Daniel Lalancette, Brian MacDonald, Marc-Antoine Veillette
  • Publication number: 20140125320
    Abstract: A high voltage sensing unit includes a housing having an internal bore. A resistive voltage divider, including a primary resistor and a secondary resistor configured in series, is included within the housing. A connecting assembly is configured to attach the high voltage sensing unit to a terminal of a high voltage switching device. The connecting assembly provides an electrical connection from the high voltage switching device to the primary resistor and physically supports the high voltage sensing unit. An interface cable provides an electrical connection from the secondary resistor to a receptacle on the high voltage switching device, which can receive a voltage signal and pass the voltage signal to a controller using existing control wiring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Fong, Daniel L. Gardner, William Ayala, III
  • Patent number: 8716885
    Abstract: A switching assembly includes a first terminal and a second terminal, a first switch connected to the first terminal, and a second switch connected to the second terminal. The switching assembly further includes a rectifier bridge connected between the first switch and the second switch, and a third switch connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The switching assembly also includes a control unit that selectively opens and closes the first switch, the second switch and the third switch, and selectively turns on and off the rectifier bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans-Erik Pfitzer, Adil Oudrhiri
  • Publication number: 20140119013
    Abstract: A light engine for a lighting fixture includes a bracket, with multiple mounting surfaces configured at different angles to form a substantially concave region, and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted to the multiple mounting surfaces to project an axis of a light beam from each of the plurality of LED modules along substantially a same illuminating plane. The light engine includes a first set of lenses with a first type of optical surface for focusing a first portion of the plurality of LED modules and a second set of lenses with a second type of optical surface, different than the first type, for focusing a second portion of the plurality of LED modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Radu C. Rapeanu
  • Publication number: 20140115978
    Abstract: A support assembly includes a plurality of support arms coupled to a pole or tower structure. The plurality of support arms project radially from the pole or tower structure in a spaced relationship. A plurality of adjustable foot assemblies are coupled to respective distal ends of the plurality of support arms. Each of the plurality of adjustable foot assemblies is configured for coupling to an embedded helical pier. Each of the plurality of adjustable foot assemblies is capable of movement in each of three dimensions relative to the respective support arm to which it is coupled during installation of the support assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Fairbairn
  • Publication number: 20140099837
    Abstract: An electrical disconnect for a utility service that has an internal reversible insulator and a separable power connector. In one position, the insulator may allow the flow of electricity through the separable power connector, but, in a second position, the insulator prevents the flow of electricity through the separable power connector. Because the electrical disconnect is located away from the customer's premises, it is difficult for the customer to reconnect his own power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James L. Zahnen, Ronald Vallette, Matthew D. Cawood
  • Publication number: 20140099160
    Abstract: We disclose a joint strip for use in bridging a gap in sheet metal, such as in cable trays, cable tray covers, or two pieces of sheet metal. The joint strip can be easily installed or removed in existing cable trays without separating adjacent sections of cable tray or cable tray covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Cardin, Jonathan Dubé, Yves Boucher
  • Publication number: 20140090875
    Abstract: A cold shrink assembly includes a first member, a second member, a shrink fit joint and a band. The first member has a tapered shape and includes a first opening or first notch. The second member has a tapered shape and includes a second opening or second notch. The shrink fit joint is disposed over a portion of the first and second members. The band is configured to secure the first and second members in a predetermined position. The band extends through the first opening or first notch, along a first portion of an outer surface of the cold shrink assembly, through the second opening or second notch, and loops back to the first opening or first notch along a second portion of the outer surface of the cold shrink assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Hernandez, Stanley S. Szyszko, Roger L. Lucero, Daniel L. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20140087603
    Abstract: An electrical connector provides for terminating an electrical conductor. The connector includes an elongate connector body having an elongate barrel portion for accommodating one end of an electrical conductor. A transition portion extends from the barrel portion. A connection portion extends from the transition portion. The connection portion has an elongate aperture therethrough and an extending projection adjacent the aperture. The projection of one connector body is insertable into the aperture of another identically formed connector body so as to place the one connector body in electrical engagement with the other connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: D703562
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Yves Boucher