Patents by Inventor Frank M. Stepniak
Frank M. Stepniak 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: 7579571Abstract: A visible open indicator for high voltage vacuum interrupters and switches, which use a vacuum bottle having a high voltage contact and an actuating element that opens and closes the contact, is provided. The visible open indicator includes: an actuating mechanism that operates the actuating element; a housing that contains the actuating mechanism; an indicator attached to the actuating mechanism, wherein the indicator shows that the contact is in an open position or closed position; a viewing window extending through the housing, wherein the viewing window is aligned with the indicator so that the indicator can be viewed through the viewing window. The indicator includes a first indicating portion and a second indicating portion. The first indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is open and the second indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is closed.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Larry Siebens, Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 7524202Abstract: A high voltage loadbreak bushing insert includes an insulative housing having a first end section, a second end section opposite the first end section, a mid-section disposed between the first and second end sections and a transition shoulder portion disposed between the second end section and the mid-section. The second end section is dimensioned for insertion into a power cable elbow connector and the mid-section is dimensioned to be sealed against an elbow cuff of the power cable elbow connector. The transition shoulder portion includes at least one raised portion protruding radially outwardly from the transition shoulder portion. The raised portion is adapted to force the elbow cuff of the power cable elbow connector to expand in a radially outward direction upon withdrawal of the second end section from the power cable elbow connector, thereby venting a cavity formed between the bushing insert and the power cable elbow connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Alan D. Borgstrom, Larry N. Siebens
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Patent number: 7503785Abstract: A separable electrical connector component generally including an insulating housing, a current carrying element disposed within the insulative housing and a voltage control device disposed within the housing. The housing has a mid-section, a first insertion end extending from the mid-section in a first direction, a second insertion end extending from the mid-section in a second direction opposite the first direction and a third section extending outwardly from the mid-section between the first and second insertion ends. The current carrying member extends through the first insertion end, the mid-section and the second insertion end. The voltage control device is disposed within the third section of the housing and is in electrical communication with the current carrying element.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 7501598Abstract: A connector system for a high voltage vacuum switch which includes: a voltage source connector; a load connector; a first contact in a vacuum bottle; and a second contact connected in series with the first contact, wherein the second contact is external to the vacuum bottle. The voltage source is connected to the load through the first and second contacts and the second contact includes a first separable interface, a second separable interface and a conducting pin. When the conducting pin is removed, an insulating pin can be inserted in its place. In preferred embodiments, the connector system includes a housing and a sight glass which extends through the housing for viewing the conducting pin. The connector system can also include a first and second connectors for the first and second separable interfaces, which are used for test connections and/or grounding connections.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry Siebens, Anthony Reed
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Patent number: 7403372Abstract: A multiple fused junction with blown fuse indication which generally includes a main body, a fuse connected to the main body and a switch disposed within the main body. The main body has multiple cable ports extending outwardly therefrom. At least one of the ports is adapted for electrical connection with a feeder cable and another of the ports is adapted to receive a fuse. The fuse is removably connected to the fuse port of the main body and has an indicator rod movably disposed therein, which protrudes from an axial end of the fuse into the main body upon electrical interruption of the fuse. The switch is disposed within the main body adjacent the fuse port and is activated by the indicator rod of the fuse upon protrusion of the rod from the fuse to provide indication of electrical interruption of the fuse.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Reed, Larry Siebens, Frank M. Stepniak, Timothy Taylor
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Publication number: 20080117568Abstract: A multiple fused junction with blown fuse indication which generally includes a main body, a fuse connected to the main body and a switch disposed within the main body. The main body has multiple cable ports extending outwardly therefrom. At least one of the ports is adapted for electrical connection with a feeder cable and another of the ports is adapted to receive a fuse. The fuse is removably connected to the fuse port of the main body and has an indicator rod movably disposed therein, which protrudes from an axial end of the fuse into the main body upon electrical interruption of the fuse. The switch is disposed within the main body adjacent the fuse port and is activated by the indicator rod of the fuse upon protrusion of the rod from the fuse to provide indication of electrical interruption of the fuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Anthony Reed, Larry Siebens, Frank M. Stepniak, Timothy Taylor
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Publication number: 20070278188Abstract: A connector system for a high voltage vacuum switch which includes: a voltage source connector; a load connector; a first contact in a vacuum bottle; and a second contact connected in series with the first contact, wherein the second contact is external to the vacuum bottle. The voltage source is connected to the load through the first and second contacts and the second contact includes a first separable interface, a second separable interface and a conducting pin. When the conducting pin is removed, an insulating pin can be inserted in its place. In preferred embodiments, the connector system includes a housing and a sight glass which extends through the housing for viewing the conducting pin. The connector system can also include a first and second connectors for the first and second separable interfaces, which are used for test connections and/or grounding connections.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry Siebens, Anthony Reed
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Publication number: 20070278187Abstract: A visible open indicator for high voltage vacuum interrupters and switches, which use a vacuum bottle having a high voltage contact and an actuating element that opens and closes the contact, is provided. The visible open indicator includes: an actuating mechanism that operates the actuating element; a housing that contains the actuating mechanism; an indicator attached to the actuating mechanism, wherein the indicator shows that the contact is in an open position or closed position; a viewing window extending through the housing, wherein the viewing window is aligned with the indicator so that the indicator can be viewed through the viewing window. The indicator includes a first indicating portion and a second indicating portion. The first indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is open and the second indicating portion is visible through the viewing window when the contact is closed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventors: Larry Siebens, Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 7288718Abstract: An electrical connector component for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line generally includes an internal conductor, an insulative housing surrounding the conductor and a signal filtering device having a medium-voltage end in electrical contact with the internal conductor and an opposite low-voltage terminal. The signal filtering device is adapted to substantially block passage of power signals yet substantially permit passage of communication signals between the medium-voltage end and the low-voltage terminal. In a method for sending and receiving communication signals through a power distribution line, an access point on a power distribution line is provided without de-energizing the power distribution line, passage of power signals through the access point is blocked and passage of communication signals through the access point are permitted.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
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Patent number: 7216426Abstract: A method for forming a separable electrical connector having an electrical interface surface includes the steps of molding an interface shell from a thermoplastic, placing the interface shell against an electrical interface portion of a mold cavity and molding a housing within the mold cavity. When placed in the mold cavity, the interface shell provides a barrier to the mold cavity interface portion, wherein the housing is isolated from the electrical interface potion of the mold cavity by the interface shell. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface and the housing is bonded to one of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the other of the inner and outer surfaces of the shell defines the electrical interface surface of the electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 7044760Abstract: A method for forming a separable electrical connector having an electrical interface surface includes the steps of molding an interface shell from a thermoplastic, placing the interface shell against an electrical interface portion of a mold cavity and molding a housing within the mold cavity. When placed in the mold cavity, the interface shell provides a barrier to the mold cavity interface portion, wherein the housing is isolated from the electrical interface potion of the mold cavity by the interface shell. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface and the housing is bonded to one of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the other of the inner and outer surfaces of the shell defines the electrical interface surface of the electrical connector.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 6939151Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. The vents can be provided directly on the transition shoulder portion of the insert, an elbow seating indicator band or on a bushing insert interface shell. Additionally, the band and the shell may be formed of a bright contrasting color which serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled. The shell further reduces friction upon assembly of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
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Publication number: 20040192093Abstract: A method for forming a separable electrical connector having an electrical interface surface includes the steps of molding an interface shell from a thermoplastic, placing the interface shell against an electrical interface portion of a mold cavity and molding a housing within the mold cavity. When placed in the mold cavity, the interface shell provides a barrier to the mold cavity interface portion, wherein the housing is isolated from the electrical interface potion of the mold cavity by the interface shell. The shell has an inner surface and an outer surface and the housing is bonded to one of the inner and outer surfaces, wherein the other of the inner and outer surfaces of the shell defines the electrical interface surface of the electrical connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 6585531Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. Preferably, the vents are provided on an elbow seating indicator band formed of a bright contrasting color on the bushing insert which, in addition to venting the cavity, serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
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Publication number: 20020164896Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. The vents can be provided directly on the transition shoulder portion of the insert, an elbow seating indicator band or on a bushing insert interface shell. Additionally, the band and the shell may be formed of a bright contrasting color which serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled. The shell further reduces friction upon assembly of the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
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Patent number: 6168447Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dielectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. Preferably, the vents are provided on an elbow seating indicator band formed of a bright contrasting color on the bushing insert which, in addition to venting the cavity, serves to indicate whether the loadbreak connector is improperly assembled.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Frank M. Stepniak, Larry N. Siebens
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Patent number: 5957712Abstract: Loadbreak connectors which are modified to reduce the probability of flashover upon disassembly operation of a loadbreak bushing insert from a power cable elbow connector. The loadbreak bushing insert and power cable elbow connector are mated with an interference fit between an elbow cuff and a transition shoulder portion of the loadbreak bushing insert. The bushing insert is provided with vents to vent a cavity formed between the elbow cuff and the transition shoulder portion of the bushing insert with ambient air to avoid a decrease in pressure within the connection region and avoid a decrease in the dialectric strength of the air therein thus preventing flashover. Alternatively, the power cable elbow includes an insulative layer covering a portion of the probe to increase the distance between the energized electrode and ground.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventor: Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 5641306Abstract: To be able to determine from ground level the ratings and proper assembly of separable components of a high voltage system placed at groud level, below ground level, in a cable vault or above ground supported by utility towers a series of colored bands are placed about such components. Grooves are molded in the component housing and colored bands are placed in these grooves. A first set of colored bands would be covered when the components are properly assembled but the second set would remain exposed so that the ratings could be determined at all times.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1995Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Assignee: Amerace CorporationInventor: Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 5573410Abstract: A pre-molded insert for a high voltage cable accessory is formed near its entry with an interior annular recess or notch which permits the insert end to be deflected towards the central axis. The insert end in conjunction with a properly sized mandrel allows the same insert to be used with high voltage cables having a range of exterior diameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Amerace CorporationInventor: Frank M. Stepniak
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Patent number: 4863392Abstract: A simplified electrical high voltage loadbreak bushing insert connector is disclosed which provides an improved electrical current path between a bushing well and a male probe contact during fault and activated closure while eliminating the usual prior art internal conductive sleeve contact. A solid contact, directly coupled to a bushing well stud, electrically engages a tubular extension of the movable female contact assembly during movement of the assembly over its entire range. In a first group of embodiments, contact is made with the interior of the tubular extension while in others with the exterior. Various stop member arrangements are disclosed to limit movement of the female contact assembly and of joining the solid contact to the insert body.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1988Date of Patent: September 5, 1989Assignee: Amerace CorporationInventors: Alan D. Borgstrom, Frank M. Stepniak, Andrew A. Kominiak