Patents by Inventor Bruce Bier
Bruce Bier has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11894166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher A Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey J. Madden
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Patent number: 11888278Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co.Inventors: Christopher A Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey Madden
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Publication number: 20240026917Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Christopher Juillet, Jeffrey Madden, Bruce Bier
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Publication number: 20230386709Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Christopher A. Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey J. Madden
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Publication number: 20230380092Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventor: Bruce Bier
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Patent number: 11773891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher Juillet, Jeffrey Madden, Bruce Bier
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Publication number: 20230265878Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventor: Bruce Bier
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Patent number: 11723166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co.Inventor: Bruce Bier
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Publication number: 20230215606Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Christopher A. Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey J. Madden
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Patent number: 11614116Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 19, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventor: Bruce Bier
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Publication number: 20220316516Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Christopher A. Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey Madden
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Publication number: 20220311157Abstract: The present disclosure provides 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: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Christopher A. Juillet, Bruce Bier, Jeffrey Madden
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Publication number: 20220228620Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2022Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Christopher Juillet, Jeffrey Madden, Bruce Bier
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Patent number: 11326639Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Richards Mfg. Co., A New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher Juillet, Jeffrey Madden, Bruce Bier
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Publication number: 20220046814Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventor: Bruce Bier
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Patent number: 11160182Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventor: Bruce Bier
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Publication number: 20200287364Abstract: An apparatus and method for interconnecting mains cables used for underground secondary low-voltage AC network systems utilizing an improved crab joint connector arranged to maximize the number of interconnections in a compact design wherein the plurality of legs are arranged in a rectangle configuration and a single bus leg is positioned at an end of an insulated housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2020Publication date: September 10, 2020Inventors: Bruce Bier, Jeffrey L. Madden
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Publication number: 20200217347Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventor: Bruce Bier
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Patent number: 10598206Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventor: Bruce Bier
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Patent number: RE48578Abstract: An enclosure for a network protector in an electrical distribution network includes a cabinet body that defines an interior region that accepts the network protector. The cabinet body three electrodes sealed with and electrically isolated from the cabinet body and each other, which extend through the cabinet body to establish electrical connection between corresponding terminals of the network protector and the electrical distribution network. First and second doors are pivotably connected to opposing sides of the cabinet body and have respective contact surfaces to seal against the cabinet body. A first gasket is disposed along a distal edge surface of the first door, and a second gasket is disposed along a distal edge surface of the second door. At least a portion of the first gasket and the second gasket have conformal shapes that sealingly mate with each other when the first and second doors are in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Richards Manufacturing Company, a New Jersey Limited PartnershipInventors: Bruce Bier, Mantas Jarasunas, Joseph Bier