Patents Assigned to Underground Devices, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9175791
    Abstract: Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P McCoy
  • Patent number: 8960612
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8876068
    Abstract: Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P McCoy
  • Patent number: 8783631
    Abstract: Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P McCoy
  • Patent number: 8733560
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from reinforced non-metallic polymers that will not rust or corrode. A cable rack arm up to thirty inches long may be compression molded with long glass fibers in a polyester or vinylester matrix. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to a non-metallic stanchion that may be made from a reinforced, pultruded composite material. Nonmetallic pins may be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable saddles that are snap-fit atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Each saddle may include elastomeric dampening material to reduce shock and vibration in the mechanical and electrical environment in underground tunnels, vaults and manholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20140034356
    Abstract: Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: UNDERGROUND DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20140034790
    Abstract: Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: UNDERGROUND DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20140027603
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from reinforced non-metallic polymers that will not rust or corrode. A cable rack arm up to thirty inches long may be compression molded with long glass fibers in a polyester or vinylester matrix. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to a non-metallic stanchion that may be made from a reinforced, pultruded composite material. Nonmetallic pins may be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable saddles that are snap-fit atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Each saddle may include elastomeric dampening material to reduce shock and vibration in the mechanical and electrical environment in underground tunnels, vaults and manholes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: UNDERGROUND DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20140026393
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: UNDERGROUND DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8596590
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8567734
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8550259
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from reinforced non-metallic polymers that will not rust or corrode. A cable rack arm up to thirty inches long may be compression molded with long glass fibers in a polyester or vinylester matrix. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to a non-metallic stanchion that may be made from a reinforced, pultruded composite material. Nonmetallic pins may be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable saddles that are snap-fit atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Each saddle may include elastomeric dampening material to reduce shock and vibration in the mechanical and electrical environment in underground tunnels, vaults and manholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8517186
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from reinforced non-metallic polymers that will not rust or corrode. A cable rack arm up to thirty inches long may be compression molded with long glass fibers in a polyester or vinylester matrix. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to a non-metallic stanchion that may be made from a reinforced, pultruded composite material. Nonmetallic pins may be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable saddles that are snap-fit atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Each saddle may include elastomeric dampening material to reduce shock and vibration in the mechanical and electrical environment in underground tunnels, vaults and manholes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7942371
    Abstract: Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed for attachment to each other in vertical and horizontal combinations, that is, they may be arranged in side-by-side arrays, up-and-down arrays, or arrays that are both side-to-side and up-and-down. Thus, the conduit spacers include both vertical and horizontal restraints or interlocks. The vertical interlocks are achieved by the use of tapered tabs and tapered slots, both the tabs and the slots having tapers in the same horizontal direction. Horizontal interlocks are made by the use of rails and matching grooves in the sides of the spacers. Thus, both vertical and horizontal interlocks are achieved by assembling the ducts in a horizontal direction, side-by-side as desired for width, and up-and-down as desired for height. The number and length of conduits and the length of the duct banks needed dictate how many spacers are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20110062293
    Abstract: A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7806629
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for mounting conduits within spacers for underground installation. Spacers for side loading of conduit, as opposed to older methods of end loading, allow construction workers to easily assemble conduits to a plurality of spacers above-ground. The side loading technique uses spacers having bores that communicate with each other, preferably in a radial manner. Thus, a first plurality of conduits may be assembled or mounted to an inner portion of the spacers and then at least a second plurality of conduits may be assembled and mounted to an outer portion of the spacers. Cables later pulled through the conduits are typically those used for the transmission of electricity or communication signals. Other embodiments use bores that do not communicate with each other but are secured to the spacers with an outer banding saddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20080279635
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for mounting conduits within spacers for underground installation. Spacers for side loading of conduit, as opposed to older methods of end loading, allow construction workers to easily assemble conduits to a plurality of spacers above-ground. The side loading technique uses spacers having bores that communicate with each other, preferably in a radial manner. Thus, a first plurality of conduits may be assembled or mounted to an inner portion of the spacers and then at least a second plurality of conduits may be assembled and mounted to an outer portion of the spacers. Cables later pulled through the conduits are typically those used for the transmission of electricity or communication signals. Other embodiments use bores that do not communicate with each other but are secured to the spacers with an outer banding saddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: UNDERGROUND DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7140500
    Abstract: A cable rack suitable for underground service is made from at least one plastic molded stanchion and a cross-arm. A height of the rack may be adjusted by stacking the stanchions lengthwise, in tandem, and by trimming the stanchions as desired. The best places in the stanchion for trimming are indicated with molded-in visual indicators. The cross-arms, which may be used to span two stanchions, are designed so that a user receives a visual indication from the stanchion when the cross-arm is fully seated and ready to receive a load of communications cables, power cables, or both. In a preferred embodiment, each stanchion has an aperture for attaching to a wall near a top of the stanchion. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure small cables to the stanchions without a cross arm, and may also be used to lock cross arms into the stanchions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Underground Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald P. McCoy