Patents Assigned to Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
  • CONDUIT BODY COVER SCREW RETENTION
    Publication number: 20120152395
    Abstract: An improved mechanism for retaining screws for a conduit body cover is disclosed. The screws are retained by a layer of PVC lining the inner surface of holes in the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Seidel, James Scritchfield
  • CABLE CONNECTOR WITH RETAINING ELEMENT
    Publication number: 20120142207
    Abstract: A electrical connector for terminating an electrical cable having a metallic sheath, includes a substantially tubular gland body having a central bore extending therethrough, a forward end, and a cable receiving end. A gland nut is rotatably coupled to the cable receiving end of the gland body. The gland nut is axially movable from a first position relative to the gland body to a second position relative to the gland body. A substantially tubular compression bushing is positioned between the gland nut and the gland body. A retaining element is positioned forward of the compression bushing in the central bore, wherein the retaining element comprises an annular body and a number of resilient tabs projecting inwardly from the annular body. Upon receipt of the electrical cable therein, the resilient tabs are configured to deform on engagement with the metallic sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Guy Duval, Luc Vézina
  • PREMIX AIR HEATER
    Publication number: 20120125311
    Abstract: A gas-fired heater includes a gas supply line, an air supply line, a valve coupled to the gas supply line and a controller coupled to the valve. The controller is configured to control the valve to control a gas-air mixture. The gas-fired heater also includes a burner configured to receive the gas-air mixture and burn the gas-air mixture, and a heat exchanger coupled to the burner. The heat exchanger is configured to perform a heat exchange process and output heated air. The gas-fired heater further includes a combustion fan located downstream of the heat exchanger, the combustion fan being configured to pull or draw flue gases through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Grammens, Niko Raes
  • Panel clamp
    Patent number: 8181926
    Abstract: A clamp includes a first member, a washer, a nut, a threaded bolt, a spring and a torsion spring. The first member may include side portions and have a first opening. The washer may include a second opening and at least one portion protruding in a downward direction from an upper surface of the washer. The nut may have an upper surface, a lower surface and a threaded opening. The threaded bolt may be disposed through the first opening, the second opening and the threaded opening. The spring may be located between a portion of the first member and the washer. The torsion spring may be located between the washer and the nut, where the torsion spring causes the nut to rotate when force is applied to an upper part of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, Jr., Robert K. Jolly, Andrew C. Cole, Cong T. Dinh
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY RADIANT HEATER
    Publication number: 20120111320
    Abstract: A radiant tube heater with a burner assembly, a radiant tube assembly and a combustion air pre-heater, wherein the burner assembly comprises: a burner fuel nozzle; a plenum chamber and a pre-mixer chamber; the plenum chamber having a combustion air inlet; wherein in use: combustion air flows from said plenum chamber through an orifice to said pre-mixer where said air, is mixed with burner fuel entering said pre-mixer through said nozzle prior to being combusted at a burner head; said pre-mixer being at least partly located within said radiant tube assembly; and where in use at least part of the combustion air supplied to said plenum is preheated in said air pre-heater using residual sensible heat of the hot combustion gas products of the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Glyn Wilfred TURNER, Lee Brian Herbert
  • Electrical connector with sacrificial appendage
    Patent number: 8172596
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a yoke that includes an outer housing and a central conductor provided within the outer housing. The central conductor may include at least three outwardly extending portions. A first outwardly extending portion and a second outwardly extending portion maybe operatively coupled to first and second power cables, respectively. A third outwardly extending portion may include a sacrificial appendage configured to be cut through to confirm that the electrical connector is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • High voltage fuse with universal fuse terminal
    Patent number: 8169292
    Abstract: A high voltage fuse which includes at least one fuse terminal located at a distal end of the fuse housing. One face of the fuse terminal includes an elongated groove and an opposite face includes at least two elongated grooves. An aperture extends through the fuse terminal from the first face to the second face. The first face is adapted for use with an eyebolt connector component to attach a single conductor to be in direct contact with the fuse terminal. The second face is adapted for use with a parallel groove connector clamping component to attach a pair of conductors in direct contact with the fuse terminal. Alternatively, the grooves on the first and second faces may be provided on a single face of the fuse terminal. The fuse terminal may also serve the function of a spade connector. Thus, the fuse terminal provides improved versatility to allow a variety of connectors to be used therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Gardner, Gene Wood
  • Angled slots for installation of outdoor metallic boxes
    Patent number: 8158884
    Abstract: An outdoor metallic electrical outlet box that includes a back wall having a perimetrical edge and an interior portion; a side wall extending from the back wall to an open front to define a box interior; and one or more niches. Each niche has a base integrally formed in the back wall that extends inwardly from the perimetrical edge to the interior portion of the back wall to a recessed side wall and does not extend beyond the perimetrical edge of the back wall. The recessed side wall extends from the base to a point on the side wall of the box intermediate the base and the open front. The recessed side wall tapers towards the side wall of the box as it extends from the base and has a curved shape. Each base has a mounting screw aperture for attaching the electrical outlet box to a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
  • CAM CLAMP FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20120088393
    Abstract: A connector may include a first member having a first bore therethrough. A second member having a second bore therethrough may be configured to align with the first bore in the first member. A cam clamp may be provided for securing the first member to the second member. The cam clamp may include a pin having a head and a shaft, wherein the shaft extends through the first bore and the second bore. A compression element may be positioned between the first bore and a head on the pin. A cam member may be rotatably mounted to an end of the shaft opposing the head and configured to move between a first position and a second position. The cam clamp may be configured to secure the second member to the first member when the cam member is rotated from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Larry N. Siebens
  • Weatherproof while-in-use electrical box cover with insertable hinge pin
    Patent number: 8153895
    Abstract: The present invention provides a weatherproof while-in-use electrical box cover. The box cover includes a base having a back wall including an opening therein for accessing an electrical outlet and permetrical base side walls extending thereabout defining an open front face. The box cover further includes a hood having a front wall for covering the open front face of the base and permetrical hood side walls extending therefrom. The hood is matable with the base and including a cooperative mating assembly on respective side walls for defining a pivot location for pivotally attaching the hood to the base. A hinge pin is insertably connected to the cooperative mating assemblies for hingedly attaching the hood to the base and the hinge pin is configured to non-releaseably engage with the cooperative mating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • COAXIAL CABLE CONNECTOR INSTALLATION TOOL
    Publication number: 20120079663
    Abstract: An improved coaxial cable stripper and crimper tool is disclosed. The cable stripper includes a unique mechanism to release scrap portions of cable jacket that get stuck in between the dual-level cable stripping blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matt Willard, Paul Bartholomew, Mathieu Turpault
  • CABLE CONNECTOR WITH SLIDING RING COMPRESSION
    Publication number: 20120083154
    Abstract: A connector body includes an inside surface, an outside surface, an intermediate portion, and a cable receiving end. An annular post is fixedly received within the connector body to form a cavity between the annular post and the inside surface of the connector body. The connector body and the post are configured to receive a portion of a coaxial cable in the cavity between the annular post and the inside surface of the connector body. A compression ring is positioned on the outside surface of the connector body. Movement of the compression ring from the intermediate portion of the connector body toward the cable receiving end of the connector body causes inward compression of the cable receiving end of the connector body to reduce a size of the cavity between the annular post and the inside surface of the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Charles E. Thomas, Timothy Tremba
  • SURGE PROTECTIVE DEVICE WITH THERMAL DECOUPLER AND ARC SUPPRESSION
    Publication number: 20120068806
    Abstract: A device may include a metal-oxide varistor (MOV), wherein the MOV increases in temperature as a voltage applied across the MOV exceeds a rated voltage. The device may include a first conductor contacting the MOV and a second conductor contacting the MOV. The second conductor may be configured to disconnect from the MOV when the MOV reaches a threshold temperature. The device may include an enclosure to surround the MOV, the first conductor, and the second conductor, wherein the enclosure includes a non-conductive fluid to suppress arcing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Guarniere, Martin William Guy
  • Cable tray support assembly
    Patent number: 8136769
    Abstract: A reinforcing structure is provided for supporting a joint of two cable tray sections, wherein each of the two cable tray sections includes a side rail having a planar body member, a bottom edge and a top edge, and wherein the joint is positioned over a structural support member. The reinforcing structure may include a top member; a body member extending substantially perpendicularly from the top member; and a bottom member extending substantially perpendicularly from the body member. The bottom member may be configured for mounting on the structural support member. The bottom member may be configured to receive the bottom edge of the side rail. The top member may include an inside edge configured to support the planar body member of the side rail when the bottom edge of the side rail is received into the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Cardin
  • EXPANSION CLAMP
    Publication number: 20120057927
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first structure and a clamp. The first structure may have an opening located on a first surface and the opening includes a keyway. The clamp is configured to clamp a second structure to the first structure. The clamp may include a head configured to be inserted above the opening in the first structure. The clamp may also include a body coupled to the head. An upper portion of the body may include formations located on opposite sides of the body and a lower portion of the body is threaded. The clamp may further include a nut coupled to the body. The nut may be configured to be rotated such that when the formations on the body are aligned with the keyway in the first structure, the head of the clamp is configured to lower onto the second structure and secure the second structure to the first structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, JR., Robert K. Jolly
  • Visible open for switchgear assembly
    Patent number: 8128423
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body having a conductor receiving end, a connector end, a linking assembly connecting the conductor receiving end to the connector end, and a visible open port positioned in the connector body for viewing at least a portion of the linking assembly. The linking assembly may include a rearward conductive end conductively coupled to the conductor receiving end, a flexible conductor conductively coupled to the connector end, and a linking pin coupled to the flexible conductor and movable between a first position and a second position. The first position maintains the conductor receiving end electrically isolated from the connector end, and the second position conductively couples the conductor receiving end to the connector end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, James Cole
  • Open position cover mount for conduit bodies
    Patent number: 8118330
    Abstract: A cover for a conduit body device for accommodating wire therethrough including: a substantially flat elongated portion with at least two butterfly-shaped clips located at opposite ends of the elongated portion, wherein the butterfly-shaped clips are designed to engage the interior of the conduit body device. In one aspect, the present invention may include at least one ledge on the cover. In addition, a conduit body device and cover system for accommodating wire therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Multi-channel heat exchanger
    Patent number: 8113269
    Abstract: A combustion gas furnace includes a plurality of primary heat exchangers for passage of combustion gases therethrough. A plurality of secondary heat exchangers receive the combustion gases from the primary heat exchanger. Each of the secondary heat exchangers includes a heat conductive element defining a plurality of elongate passageways for the flow of combustion gas therethrough. The passageways include aligned ports at either end thereof. The passageways are generally aligned and separated by longitudinal walls extending between the ends. The walls are positioned for heat conductive contact with the combustion gases flowing through passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Werner O. Specht
  • Electrical box cover with insect guard
    Patent number: 8110743
    Abstract: An electrical box cover including a housing and a hood pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. The housing includes a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. The side wall includes a first opening defined by an edge. A guard having an opening formed therein is insertable over the first opening and securable to the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Step device
    Patent number: D655597
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc
    Inventors: Jared Matzek, Ed Jacobs