Patents by Inventor Mark R. Drane

Mark R. Drane 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: 9061807
    Abstract: A cable tie comprising a cable tie head that comprises a head portion. The cable tie also comprises a cable tie body. The cable tie body comprises a main body that includes a body passageway; and a strap, wherein the cable tie head is attachable to and detachable from the cable tie body, and wherein the body passageway is formed to receive the legs for coupling the cable tie head with the cable tie body. The cable tie head is made from a different material than the cable head body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Yan Gao, Bobby N. Norwood, Cong T. Dinh
  • Patent number: 9061806
    Abstract: Cable ties employing a nylon/graphene composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, LLC
    Inventors: Yan Gao, Cong T Dinh, Mark R Drane, Alan D Neal
  • Patent number: 8993891
    Abstract: A grommet assembly includes a liner, a grommet body, and a lid. The liner is configured to be secured within a hole in a deck surface. The grommet body is configured to move longitudinally within the liner between an extended position and a withdrawn position. The lid is attached to the grommet body in a pivoting configuration and is configured to secure a plug of an outdoor electrical cord fed through the liner from under the deck surface. The lid pivots between a closed position and an open position that permits access to the plug from above the deck surface when the grommet body is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Bobby N. Norwood
  • Patent number: 8986022
    Abstract: A pivoting face receptacle may include a receptacle module. The receptacle module may include a hinge and a receptacle attached to the hinge. The receptacle is configured to pivot, about the hinge, from a retracted position in which a face of the receptacle is parallel to a front of the receptacle module, to an extended position in which the face of the receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the front the receptacle module and protrudes from the face of the receptacle module. The pivoting face receptacle may also include a receptacle housing. The receptacle housing, having a front affixed to a rear of the receptacle module, may include a plurality of contacts on exterior faces of the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing may be configured to receive the receptacle into a space enclosed by the receptacle housing when the receptacle is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, LLC
    Inventors: Cong T. Dinh, Bobby N. Norwood, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8932087
    Abstract: A stirrup connector includes a cable connecting device, a clamp, and a control section. The cable connecting device is configured to secure a tap line to the stirrup connector. The clamp secures the stirrup connector to a stirrup. The clamp includes a set of jaws forming an opening that is smaller than a diameter of the stirrup and is configured to snap onto the stirrup when the set of jaws is forced against the stirrup at the opening. The control section is configured to be releasably engaged with a hot stick and to translate a connecting force from the hotstick to the clamp to secure the clamp to the stirrup. The stirrup connector provides an electrical connection between the stirrup and the tap line when the clamp is secured to the stirrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Neal, Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Matthew D. Cawood, Ronald Vallette, James Zahnen
  • Patent number: 8921695
    Abstract: An electrical floor box cover includes a frame having a lower surface disposable on a flooring surface and a beveled upper surface. The frame defines an access opening to permit access to an electrical box. A lid is securable to the frame and movable between a fully open position in which the access opening is substantially uncovered and a closed position. A lid lifting device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid lifting device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and includes an actuating member movable by a user between a latched and unlatched position without the use of a tool. When the actuating member is moved to the unlatched position, the lid lifting device lifts at least a portion of the lid above the frame to an initial open position wherein the lid substantially covers the access opening. Movement of the lid by the user from the initial open position to the fully open position is unassisted by the lid lifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20140131088
    Abstract: A poke-through device includes a tubular main body sized for insertion into a hole formed through a concrete floor. A device frame is mounted in the tubular main body for mounting one or more electrical devices. An intumescent insert is mounted in the tubular main body below the device frame. A junction box assembly is mounted to a bottom end of the tubular main body. A cover assembly is configured to enclose an opening in a top end of the tubular main body. The intumescent insert is mounted in the tubular main body so as to not contact the device frame to allow intumescent material to flow around the device frame in the event of a fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20140059809
    Abstract: Cable ties employing a nylon/graphene composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Gao, Cong T. Dinh, Mark R. Drane, Alan D. Neal
  • Publication number: 20140000959
    Abstract: A grommet assembly includes a liner, a grommet body, and a lid. The liner is configured to be secured within a hole in a deck surface. The grommet body is configured to move longitudinally within the liner between an extended position and a withdrawn position. The lid is attached to the grommet body in a pivoting configuration and is configured to secure a plug of an outdoor electrical cord fed through the liner from under the deck surface. The lid pivots between a closed position and an open position that permits access to the plug from above the deck surface when the grommet body is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Bobby N. Norwood
  • Publication number: 20130344721
    Abstract: A pivoting face receptacle may include a receptacle module. The receptacle module may include a hinge and a receptacle attached to the hinge. The receptacle is configured to pivot, about the hinge, from a retracted position in which a face of the receptacle is parallel to a front of the receptacle module, to an extended position in which the face of the receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the front the receptacle module and protrudes from the face of the receptacle module. The pivoting face receptacle may also include a receptacle housing. The receptacle housing, having a front affixed to a rear of the receptacle module, may include a plurality of contacts on exterior faces of the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing may be configured to receive the receptacle into a space enclosed by the receptacle housing when the receptacle is in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Cong T. Dinh, Bobby N. Norwood, Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20130333164
    Abstract: A cable tie includes a band having a first end and a second end a housing, affixed to the band near the second end, with a first opening to receive the first end of the band. The housing comprises a first mass near the first opening and one side of the housing, a stop mass near a second side of the housing, and a second mass between the first mass and the stop mass. When the first end is inserted into the housing, the second mass prevents the first mass from moving a first distance occupied by the second mass, toward the stop mass. When the first end in the housing is being pulled out of the housing, the first mass locks the first end in the housing and prevents the first end from slipping over a second distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Cong T. Dinh, Andrew C. Cole, Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20130306343
    Abstract: An electrical box includes a back wall and a front wall, configured to be essentially parallel to a mounting surface when the base is installed to the mounting surface, and a pair of interchangeable top and bottom walls. Each interchangeable top and bottom wall is connected to the back wall and the front wall. The electrical box includes a side wall connected to each of the other walls and an open end opposite the side wall that is configured to receive an electrical device therein. A standoff extends laterally from the back wall. The standoff is configured to provide a mounting structure and to position the electrical box away from the mounting surface. The electrical box is configured to receive a top-mounted hood to cover the open end when the base is installed with the open end positioned to face either of the right side or the left side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joey D. Magno, JR., Mark R. Drane, Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Publication number: 20130303035
    Abstract: A stirrup connector includes a cable connecting device, a clamp, and a control section. The cable connecting device is configured to secure a tap line to the stirrup connector. The clamp secures the stirrup connector to a stirrup. The clamp includes a set of jaws forming an opening that is smaller than a diameter of the stirrup and is configured to snap onto the stirrup when the set of jaws is forced against the stirrup at the opening. The control section is configured to be releasably engaged with a hot stick and to translate a connecting force from the hotstick to the clamp to secure the clamp to the stirrup. The stirrup connector provides an electrical connection between the stirrup and the tap line when the clamp is secured to the stirrup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan D. Neal, Mark R. Drane, Cong T. Dinh, Matthew D. Cawood, Ronald Vallette, James Zahnen
  • Publication number: 20130298353
    Abstract: A cable tie comprising a cable tie head that comprises a head portion. The cable tie also comprises a cable tie body. The cable tie body comprises a main body that includes a body passageway; and a strap, wherein the cable tie head is attachable to and detachable from the cable tie body, and wherein the body passageway is formed to receive the legs for coupling the cable tie head with the cable tie body. The cable tie head is made from a different material than the cable head body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Yan Gao, Bobby N. Norwood, Cong T. Dinh
  • Publication number: 20130277085
    Abstract: A weatherproof while-in-use floor cover is provided for allowing access to a while-in-use box which is mounted below an elevated floor. The while-in-use floor cover comprises a frame and a lid and is constructed such that a cut-out exists along an edge of the lid to provide a passage for an electrical cord in order that the electrical cord may be plugged in to the while-in-use box which is mounted below the elevated floor when the lid of the while-in-use floor cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong T. Dinh, Mark R. Drane, Peter J. Gallucci
  • Patent number: 8389858
    Abstract: A while-in-use electrical box cover with an improved hinge mount is provided that prevents damage to the box cover when the hood is overstressed in the open position. A hood attaches to the base of the box cover by way of a hood hinge mount and a base hinge mount. A hinge pin, or some variance thereof, is used to couple the hood hinge mount and base hinge mount while maintaining free rotation of the pin. Hinge mounts are located in multiple positions allowing for horizontal or vertical mounting options of the hood. Some of the hinge mounts comprise compressible slots to prevent undue stresses which could potentially damage the hood or the hinge mounts located on the hood and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8378232
    Abstract: A convertible electrical floor box assembly for installation in a poured concrete floor that includes a non-metallic floor box and a metallic outer box. The non-metallic floor box includes a base plate, a perimetrical side wall with one or more openings for accessing the interior, an open top, a mating structure and an internal support structure for receiving a voltage divider. The metallic outer box includes a base plate, a perimetrical side wall with one or more apertures for accessing the interior, an open top and a mating structure. The non-metallic floor box is adapted for installation in a concrete floor or it can be used together with the metallic outer box as an assembly that is adapted for installation in a concrete floor by inserting the non-metallic floor box in the metallic outer box so that the openings and apertures are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8357852
    Abstract: An electrical box cover includes a frame securable to an electrical box. The frame defines an opening to permit access to the electrical box. A lid is pivotally mounted to the frame and movable between an open and closed position. A lid biasing device is disposed between the lid and the frame, the lid biasing device urging the lid away from the closed position. A latch is disposed on the frame and movable between a latched and unlatched position. The latch, when in the latched position, engages the lid and retaining the lid in the closed position. When the latch is in the unlatched position, the lid biasing device lifts at least a portion of the lid at least partially above the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 8278552
    Abstract: A while-in use weatherproof cover for an electrical box that includes a faceplate, a base plate and a perimetrical side wall. The base plate has an opening adapted to receive an electrical device and one or more apertures for securing the cover to the device and/or electrical box. The perimeter side wall is flexible and extends from the face plate to the base plate so that the faceplate, the base plate and the side wall define an interior. The faceplate has an opening fitted with a door that is operated by compressing the side wall. The door is movable between an open position, which allows access to the interior, and a closed position, which restricts access to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Cong Thanh Dinh, Joey Magno, Jr., Mark R. Drane, Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 8273998
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for separating and insulating higher voltage power conductors from lower voltage data conductors. The assembly includes a housing, a housing divider and a bracket. The housing including at least one vertically extending side wall defining an interior space therein. The housing divider disposed within the housing and extending across the interior space forming a vertical barrier between a first housing compartment and a second housing compartment. The bracket capable of having secured thereto at least one of the higher voltage power conductors and at least one of the low voltage data conductors. The bracket including at least one partition separating conductor compartments therein, the at least one partition extending vertically and substantially perpendicular to the divider. A floor of each conductor compartment extends across at least a portion of both the first housing compartment and the second housing compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane