Patents by Inventor Bruce P. Apel

Bruce P. Apel 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).

  • Connectors, instrument assemblies and methods of connecting or disconnecting electrical connections under power
    Patent number: 7367831
    Abstract: A connector includes a first housing section having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts therein. The connector also includes a second housing section including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts that can form an electrical connection with the contacts of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section are removably connectable and are capable of forming an explosion proof or flame proof housing when connected. The contacts of at least one of the second housing section and the first housing section are movable relative to their respective housing section to align the contacts of the second housing and the contacts of the first housing section during connection of the second housing section to the first housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Christopher D. Starta, Bruce P. Apel, Leonard J. Blatnica, Scott A. Turner, Dennis D. Mast, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Connectors, instrument assemblies and methods of connecting or disconnecting electrical connections under power
    Publication number: 20040209507
    Abstract: A connector includes a first housing section having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts therein. The connector also includes a second housing section including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts that can form an electrical connection with the contacts of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section are removably connectable and are capable of forming an explosion proof or flame proof housing when connected. The contacts of at least one of the second housing section and the first housing section are movable relative to their respective housing section to align the contacts of the second housing and the contacts of the first housing section during connection of the second housing section to the first housing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher D. Starta, Bruce P. Apel, Leonard J. Blatnica, Scott A. Turner, Dennis D. Mast, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Connectors, instrument assemblies and methods of connecting or disconnecting electrical connections under power
    Patent number: 6799984
    Abstract: A connector includes a first housing section having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts therein. The connector also includes a second housing section including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts that can form an electrical connection with the contacts of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section are removably connectable and are capable of forming an explosion proof or flame proof housing when connected. The contacts of at least one of the second housing section and the first housing section are movable relative to their respective housing section to align the contacts of the second housing and the contacts of the first housing section during connection of the second housing section to the first housing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: Christopher D. Starta, Bruce P. Apel, Leonard J. Blatnica, Scott A. Turner, Dennis D. Mast, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Connectors, instrument assemblies and methods of connecting or disconnecting electrical connections under power
    Publication number: 20030224643
    Abstract: A connector includes a first housing section having a plurality of electrically conductive contacts therein. The connector also includes a second housing section including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts that can form an electrical connection with the contacts of the first housing section. The first housing section and the second housing section are removably connectable and are capable of forming an explosion proof or flame proof housing when connected. The contacts of at least one of the second housing section and the first housing section are movable relative to their respective housing section to align the contacts of the second housing and the contacts of the first housing section during connection of the second housing section to the first housing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher D. Starta, Bruce P. Apel, Leonard J. Blatnica, Scott A. Turner, Dennis D. Mast, Jeffrey L. Weber