Patents by Inventor Charles A. Hughes

Charles A. Hughes 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).

  • Patent number: 7905735
    Abstract: Separating connector assemblies of a separable connector system. The separable connector assemblies include one or more pairs of connectors configured to engage and disengage one another in electrical connection and disconnection operations, respectively. An operator can disengage the connectors by pushing the connectors together and then pulling the connectors apart. Pushing the connectors together shears interface adhesion between the connectors, making it easier for the operator to pull the connectors apart. One of the connectors can include a nose end having an undercut segment configured to not engage an interior surface of the other connector when the connectors are engaged. Limiting the surface area of the nose end that interfaces with the interior surface of the other connector reduces surface adhesion and a pressure drop when separating the connectors, making separation easier to perform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7901227
    Abstract: A separable loadbreak connector system includes mating electrical connectors. At least one of the electrical connectors includes an electrically-resistive housing having a generally conically-shaped interior bore. A semiconductive insert is disposed within a portion of the interior bore and presents an inner radial surface that defines a generally conically-shaped recess. An elongated probe assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a probe and a sheath of insulative material disposed over at least a portion of a length of the probe. A portion of the sheath extends in a radially outward direction from a base of the probe. An electrically-resistive insulative layer extends from the conically-shaped interior bore, along at least a portion of the inner radial surface of the semiconductive insert. The insulative layer extends radially inwardly in overlapping engagement with a portion of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7901228
    Abstract: A fuse test and ground device includes an insulated housing with a bore that extends from the front of the housing towards the rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed partially within the bore. A current interrupter, such as a fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a testing ground lead. An eye, having it's surface insulated by the housing, can be attached to the housing and provide a connection point for manipulation of the device. A grounding bore extends from a second aperture into the housing and provides an electrical connection to the contact. A grounding plug can be connected to ground on one end and inserted into the grounding bore to create a permanent ground for the device. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Steven Guy Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7891999
    Abstract: A fuse test and ground device includes an insulated housing with a bore that extends from the front of the housing towards the rear of the housing. An electrical contact is disposed partially within the bore. A current interrupter, such as a fuse, is electrically connected between the contact and a testing ground lead. An eye, having it's surface insulated by the housing, can be attached to the housing and provide a connection point for manipulation of the device. A grounding bore extends from a second aperture into the housing and provides an electrical connection to the contact. A grounding plug can be connected to ground on one end and inserted into the grounding bore to create a permanent ground for the device. An annunciator is connected to the current interrupter such that the annunciator provides an indication when a current flows through the current interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Steven Guy Whitmore
  • Patent number: 7883356
    Abstract: A jacket sleeve with grippable tabs provides protection to exposed portions of cable that are connected to an electrical connection. The jacket sleeve can be made as part of the electrical connector or may be connected subsequent to its creation through the use of glues or other adhesives. The jacket sleeve can be made of a material that is more pliable than the electrical connector, making it easier for a lineperson to place the sleeve over an exposed portion of cable. The jacket sleeve can include holes or slots either in the sleeve or in tabs that are attached to the sleeve. A lineperson can place one or more fingers into each hole or slot in order to get a better grip on the sleeve and pull the sleeve over the exposed portion of cable with less slippage and effort on the part of the lineperson.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, John Mitchell Makal, Michael John Gebhard, Sr., Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7878849
    Abstract: Removal of a conventional separable insulated connector from an electric power system often results in a shortened electric cable. An extender for a separable insulated connector enables the separable insulated connector to connect to a shortened cable. A conventional cable adapter is inserted into the extender, which includes a conductive connector for accepting the shortened cable and a conductive rod for carrying electric power from the shortened cable to the separable insulated connector. The extender also includes an inner semi-conductive layer that borders the conductive rod and compression connector, an outer semi-conductive layer, and a insulating layer between the two semi-conductive layers. The extender is inserted into a separable insulated connector, which is then connected to the electric power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7870668
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a sleeve defining an axis and a contact assembly inserted in the sleeve, the contact assembly including pieces that move axially relative to one another during a fault close operation. An interface between the sleeve and the contact assembly is configured to permit replacement of the contact assembly without replacing the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, John Mitchell Makal, Paul Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7862354
    Abstract: Separable loadbreak connectors include an interference element spaced about the contact tube that is configured to engage a portion of a connector piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Publication number: 20100320158
    Abstract: A separator for separating chips in a coolant generated by a workstation from other objects, including a conveyor having an inclined portion removing chips and other objects from the coolant, a separator plate beneath the conveyor including an inclined portion extending parallel to the conveyor having a plurality of generally parallel slots receiving the chips therethrough and enlarged openings adapted to receive the other objects therethrough, and a pump transferring the chips and coolant to a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Mahas, Barry Benschoter, Marc Gelinas, Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7854620
    Abstract: A separable connector shield housing includes a layer of conductive material disposed at least partially around a layer of non-conductive material. The layers are molded together. For example, the conductive material can be overmolded around the non-conductive material, or the non-conductive material can be insert molded within the conductive material. The molding results in an easy to manufacture, single-component shield housing with reduced potential for air gaps and electrical discharge. The shield housing defines a channel within which at least a portion of a contact tube may be received. A contact element is disposed within the contact tube. The conductive material substantially surrounds the contact element. The non-conductive material can extend along an entire length of the contact tube and other components, or it may only extend partially along the contact tube. The non-conductive material can include an integral nose piece disposed along a nose end of the contact tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Publication number: 20100303110
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present disclosure bring an SHG crystal, or other type of wavelength conversion device, into close proximity with a laser source to eliminate the need for coupling optics, reduce the number of package components, and reduce package volume. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical package is provided comprising a laser source subassembly comprising a laser base and a wavelength conversion device subassembly comprising a converter base. The bonding interface of the laser base is bonded the complementary bonding interface of the converter base such that the laser output face can be proximity-coupled to the converter input face at an predetermined interfacial spacing x. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Venkata Adiseshaiah Bhagavatula, Satish Chandra Chaparala, John Himmelreich, Lawrence Charles Hughes, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100303109
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present disclosure bring an SHG crystal, or other type of wavelength conversion device, into close proximity with a laser source to eliminate the need for coupling optics, reduce the number of package components, and reduce package volume. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an optical package is provided comprising a laser source and a wavelength conversion device. The laser source is positioned such that the output face of the laser source is proximity-coupled to a waveguide portion of the input face of the wavelength conversion device. The input face of the wavelength conversion device comprises an ?-cut facet and ?-cut facet. The ?-cut facet of the input face is oriented at a horizontal angle ?, relative to the waveguide of the wavelength conversion device to permit proximity coupling of the output face of the laser source and the input face of the wavelength conversion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Venkata Adiseshaiah Bhagavatula, Satish Chandra Chaparala, John Himmelreich, Lawrence Charles Hughes, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100265982
    Abstract: Metallization patterns are provided to reduce the probability of chip fracture in semiconductor lasers. According to one embodiment disclosed herein, the pad edges of a metallization pattern extend across a plurality of crystallographic planes in the laser substrate. In this manner, cracks initiated at any given stress concentration would need to propagate across many crystallographic planes in the substrate to reach a significant size. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the respective geometries and orientations of adjacent pairs of contact pads. Still further embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Satish Chandra Chaparala, Martin Hai Hu, Lawrence Charles Hughes, JR., Chung-En Zah
  • Patent number: 7811109
    Abstract: Separable loadbreak connectors include an interference element spaced about the contact tube that is configured to engage a portion of a connector piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7811113
    Abstract: An electrical connector, such as a bushing insert, with a fault-closure lockout feature includes a housing with an inner bore having opposite ends. One end has an opening providing access to the inner bore. A piston-contact element is movable between first and second axially spaced positions within the inner bore. During fault conditions, the piston-contact element moves from the first position to the second position to accelerate connection with a male contact of another electrical connector, such as a cable connector, thereby inhibiting the formation of flashover or electrical arc. After fault closure, a lockout member on the piston-contact element prevents moving the piston-contact element from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Patent number: 7803003
    Abstract: An electrical connector for connecting to an electrical apparatus within a high power circuit includes an electrical contact and an enclosure. The electrical contact is configured to connect to a bushing of an electrical apparatus within a high power circuit. The electrical contact extends along a first direction from a coupling region. The enclosure extends from the coupling region in a second direction that is nonparallel to the first direction. The enclosure includes two or more electrical devices, with each electrical device being connected to the electrical contact within the coupling region and providing a current path from the electrical apparatus to at least one external coupling device within the high power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: David Charles Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100240245
    Abstract: A jacket sleeve with grippable tabs provides protection to exposed portions of cable that are connected to an electrical connection. The jacket sleeve can be made as part of the electrical connector or may be connected subsequent to its creation through the use of glues or other adhesives. The jacket sleeve can be made of a material that is more pliable than the electrical connector, making it easier for a lineperson to place the sleeve over an exposed portion of cable. The jacket sleeve can include holes or slots either in the sleeve or in tabs that are attached to the sleeve. A lineperson can place one or more fingers into each hole or slot in order to get a better grip on the sleeve and pull the sleeve over the exposed portion of cable with less slippage and effort on the part of the lineperson.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, John Mitchell Makal, Michael John Gebhard, SR., Paul Michael Roscizewski
  • Publication number: 20100224407
    Abstract: A splice comprising a hollow receptacle housing with a first connector end and a second connector end, where a first observation port is in the first end and a second observation port is in the second end. The splice covers the exposed sections of two cables and the device that electrically couples the cables together. The device is placed in the proper position by the user looking for the transition between a semi-conductive layer and an insulating layer of the cables though each observation port. When the appearance of the transition between the insulating layer and the semi-conductive layer in the first observation port mirror that in the second observation port, the splice is properly positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, David Matthew Frisch, Henry Gordon Fuller
  • Publication number: 20100223785
    Abstract: A splice comprising a hollow receptacle housing with a first connector end and a second connector end, where a first observation port is in the first end and a second observation port is in the second end. The splice covers the exposed sections of two cables and the device that electrically couples the cables together. The device is placed in the proper position by the user looking for the transition between a semi-conductive layer and an insulating layer of the cables though each observation port. When the appearance of the transition between the insulating layer and the semi-conductive layer in the first observation port mirror that in the second observation port, the splice is properly positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, David Matthew Frisch, Henry Gordon Fuller
  • Publication number: 20100159725
    Abstract: Separable loadbreak connectors include an interference element spaced about the contact tube that is configured to engage a portion of a connector piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Charles Hughes, Paul Michael Roscizewski