Patents by Inventor James Osterbrock

James Osterbrock 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: 6188020
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia
  • Patent number: 6098798
    Abstract: A package for an electrical floor box of the type adapted to be mounted in a sub-floor for receiving a wiring device to allow connection to an electrical circuit includes a cardboard container having a size sufficient to permit the floor box to be contained therein, a reclosable flap for allowing the cardboard container to be opened for receiving the floor box and closed to enclose the floor box in the cardboard container, and indicia on the surface of the cardboard container defining the perimeter of a portion of the box adapted, when separated from the remainder of the container and folded, to form a temporary cover for the floor box for at least partially closing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Abbott, Michael Zaferakis, David Dowd, James Osterbrock
  • Patent number: 6023021
    Abstract: A reinforced thermoplastic elastomer wall plate having a mounting hole and a mounting screw retained in the opening by a web, and a packaging system for the wall plate which includes a flexible wrap and a reinforcing fin seal overlaying the screw are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Matthews, George Dean Pournaras, James H. Todd, Jr., James A. Osterbrock, Richard M. Rohmer, Michael P. Zaferakis
  • Patent number: 5866844
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia
  • Patent number: 5832641
    Abstract: A wiring device such as a switch or receptacle includes a sheet suitable for receiving markings from a pencil or ball-point pen affixed to a predetermined surface area of the device. A conventional wall plate is secured to the device by a screw passing through coaxial openings in the wall plate, the sheet and the surface area of the device and secured in a threaded opening. In the disclosed embodiment, the device is a duplex receptacle with the surface area and sheet lying between the two plug-receiving portions. Indicia placed on the sheet by the installer indicates the specific circuit, i.e., the breaker and panel, in which the device is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia
  • Patent number: 5769653
    Abstract: A wiring device such as a switch or receptacle includes a sheet suitable for receiving markings from a pencil or ball-point pen affixed to a predetermined surface area of the device. A conventional wall plate is secured to the device by a screw passing through coaxial openings in the wall plate, the sheet and the surface area of the device and secured in a threaded opening. In the disclosed embodiment, the device is a duplex receptacle with the surface area and sheet lying between the two plug-receiving portions. Indicia placed on the sheet by the installer indicates the specific circuit, i.e., the breaker and panel, in which the device is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia
  • Patent number: 5637000
    Abstract: An electrical wiring device, disclosed in the form of a duplex receptacle having the usual cover, body, terminals and mounting strap of the type extending longitudinally of the body rear surface and along the end surfaces. Two pairs of ribs are formed integrally with the body and extend in parallel relation longitudinally of the body rear surface with the strap lying between the two pairs of ribs. The purpose and effect of the ribs is to form a physical barrier of dielectric material and to lengthen the surface distance between the strap and portions of the hot and neutral wires terminated on the sides of the receptacle from which the insulation has been removed, thereby inhibiting electrical contact or arcing between the bare wires and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia, Jean Claude Marcou
  • Patent number: RE38293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical wiring devices such as electrical receptacles, switches, and the like, and more particularly to wiring devices with a clamp for the ground connections to such devices. The present invention includes a pressure plate which engages the ground plate of a receptacle with legs of a pressure plate disposed within correspondingly shaped recesses adjacent the ground plate of the receptacle, so that the pressure plate is substantially constrained from rotation relative to the ground plate so that a wire can be received between the ground plate and the pressure plate when the screw is backed out a sufficient distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia
  • Patent number: D401557
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Osterbrock, Michael R. Bryndzia