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: 7622676
    Abstract: A face plate assembly for an electrical outlet box having an open side and an electrical fixture contained therein generally includes a face plate member and an adapter plate. The adapter plate is defined by an outer periphery and has an opening therein sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein. The adaptor plate further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof, which has a size adapted to be received in an aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate thereto. The face plate member has an opening having an inner periphery edge surface smaller than the outer periphery of the adapter plate so that the face plate member is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box, wherein the adapter plate is not attached to the face plate member or the electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Publication number: 20090266962
    Abstract: A coupling bracket having a back wall, first and second side walls extending from the back wall to a pair of edges, an open side opposite the back wall, a pair of opposing open ends and a passage extending between the opposing open ends. Each side wall has an open slot extending from the edge to a closed end or base. The bases of the open slots are correspondingly located and aligned and adapted to receive a rod extending through and substantially perpendicular to the side walls. The passage is adapted to receive an elongate rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly, Omid Karimnia
  • Publication number: 20090236918
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical device cover that shuts the power off to the device when the cover is open. The power is re-activated when the cover is closed using a cam device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International , Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey D. Magno, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090211779
    Abstract: An electrical box cover includes a housing having a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. A hood is pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. A latch is selectively attachable to the side wall at one of a first and second position. The latch, when attached to said side wall, is engagable with the hood to retain the hood in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20090211778
    Abstract: An electrical box cover including a housing and a hood pivotally attached to the housing and moveable between an open and closed position. The housing includes a base wall adapted to be attached to an electrical box. The base wall is surrounded by an outwardly extending side wall. The side wall includes a first opening defined by an edge. A guard having an opening formed therein is insertable over the first opening and securable to the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7569776
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover assembly. The intumescent member being disposed at least partially within the hole in the floor structure. Also, the intumescent cover assembly including a base plate and a retainer member. The base plate supports the intumescent member and the retainer limits and/or restricts expansion of the intumescent member. Further, the retainer is adjustably secured to the base plate in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7511231
    Abstract: A lighted floor box having a transparent or translucent cover extending over a light source within the floor box. This light source illuminates the interior of the floor box while the cover permits such light to exit the box. The light source is preferably powered via the same cables that power an electrical fixture within the floor box. Furthermore, such light transmissible cover enables a user to inspect the interior of the floor box without the need to open the cover of the box in order to view its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20090078441
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing member for establishing a water resistant seal between two elements which includes a resilient gasket having opposed gasket surfaces for engagement between the two elements; and a water resistant coating applied to the gasket. The water resistant coating providing releasable adhesive sealing contact with at least one of the elements. The present invention is also directed to a method of making a gasket seal for an electrical box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20080293293
    Abstract: A face plate assembly for an electrical outlet box having an open side and an electrical fixture contained therein generally includes a face plate member and an adapter plate. The adapter plate is defined by an outer periphery and has an opening therein sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein. The adaptor plate further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof, which has a size adapted to be received in an aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate thereto. The face plate member has an opening having an inner periphery edge surface smaller than the outer periphery of the adapter plate so that the face plate member is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box, wherein the adapter plate is not attached to the face plate member or the electrical fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 7442883
    Abstract: A poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defined by a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through device includes a basket, thermal barrier, lower plate and at least one coupling member. The basket including a coupling support surface. The thermal barrier being disposed below the basket. The lower plate supporting the thermal barrier. Also, the at least one coupling member extending through the thermal barrier and securing the basket to the lower plate. The coupling member including an upper portion disposed within the basket. The upper portion including an undersurface, wherein a first portion of the undersurface is in direct contact with the support surface and a second portion of the undersurface does not directly engage the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20080179073
    Abstract: A water-resistant cover assembly for an electrical outlet box includes a gasket sized to substantially cover the open side of the electrical outlet box, an adapter plate and a cover adapted to engage the mounting screw of the electrical fixture for mounting the cover to the outlet box. The adapter plate has an opening sized and shaped to receive a portion of the electrical fixture therein, and further includes a projection extending from a back face thereof. The projection pierces through the gasket to be frictionally held thereto and has a size adapted to be received in the aperture of the electrical fixture for aligning the adapter plate and the gasket thereto. The cover has an opening for providing access to the electrical fixture and is adapted to sandwich the adapter plate and the gasket against the electrical fixture when mounted to the outlet box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey Magno
  • Publication number: 20080179072
    Abstract: A water-resistant cover for an electrical outlet box generally includes a base and a lid hingedly coupled to the base. The base has a ridge surrounding a substantial periphery of the base, wherein the ridge includes a top wall, an outer side wall extending downwardly from the top wall and an inner side wall extending downwardly from the top wall. The inner side wall defines a recessed portion of the base and an opening in the recessed portion. The lid is received in the recessed portion in a closed position to cover the opening, wherein the ridge prevents water from entering the opening whether the cover is oriented horizontally or vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Joey Magno
  • Publication number: 20080135285
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member, a base plate and an intumescent enclosure. The intumescent member is disposed at least partially between the floor of the first working environment and the ceiling of the second working environment. The base plate supports and is disposed below the intumescent member for limiting the expansion of the intumescent member toward or into the second working environment. Another aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly including an upper frame, at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover. The intumescent member is disposed below the upper frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Robert K. Jolly
  • Publication number: 20080135286
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a poke-through assembly for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defines a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through assembly includes at least one intumescent member and an intumescent cover assembly. The intumescent member being disposed at least partially within the hole in the floor structure. Also, the intumescent cover assembly including a base plate and a retainer member. The base plate supports the intumescent member and the retainer limits and/or restricts expansion of the intumescent member. Further, the retainer is adjustably secured to the base plate in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Publication number: 20080087462
    Abstract: A poke-through device for installation in a hole in a floor structure. The floor structure defined by a floor in a first working environment and a ceiling in a second working environment. The poke-through device includes a basket, thermal barrier, lower plate and at least one coupling member. The basket including a coupling support surface. The thermal barrier being disposed below the basket. The lower plate supporting the thermal barrier. Also, the at least one coupling member extending through the thermal barrier and securing the basket to the lower plate. The coupling member including an upper portion disposed within the basket. The upper portion including an undersurface, wherein a first portion of the undersurface is in direct contact with the support surface and a second portion of the undersurface does not directly engage the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7348487
    Abstract: An outlet box assembly for termination of electrical and communication wires which generally includes a box having a floor and a sidewall extending upwardly from the floor, a cover attached to the box and a divider attached to the cover between the box floor and the cover. The box defines an interior therein and the cover at least partially encloses the interior. The divider divides the box interior into first and second wiring compartments adapted to respectively contain electrical and communication wires therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7320626
    Abstract: A connector for attachment to an extending transformer stud. The connector includes an elongate central body having a central aperture and an opening at one end for insertable accommodation of the transformer stud. The central aperture accepts a single or more than one size stud without increasing the size and cost needed for two separate mounting holes. The connector according to the present invention accepts the pitch of at least two different size threads and with the typical setscrew locking arrangement, maintains thread engagement on one side of the stud, thus securing the stud. The connector according to the present invention further provides a connector threadform having a reduced threadform angle than the stud threadform to provide greater conductivity and reduced electrical resistance between the stud and connector at lower set screw torque settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, George Triantopoulos
  • Patent number: 7301100
    Abstract: A floor box cover assembly including a flange having an opening therethrough to permit access to an outlet box, and a cover securable to the flange and movable between a closed position wherein the opening is covered and an open position wherein the opening is uncovered to permit access to the outlet box. The flange includes an inner wall extending about the opening. The cover is pivotably secured to the flange by a hinge. The hinge includes a resilient member and a retainer, the retainer holds the cover on the flange and permits rotation of the cover between an open and closed position. The hinge permits deflection of the resilient member such that the cover is translatable relative to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Drane, Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Publication number: 20070267866
    Abstract: A conduit clamp having a front clamp half and a rear clamp half, together forming power and communication conduit supports for a plurality of conduits. When the plurality of conduits extend vertically, at least one of the conduit supports engages a communications conduit at a different elevation than another conduit support engages a power conduit. The first and second clamp halves of the conduit clamp are affixed together via a plurality of fasteners. One of the plurality of fasteners can be loosened to release engagement of the conduit clamp against one of the plurality of conduits so that the power and communication conduit supports are each separately and individually adjustable within the conduit clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Robert K. Jolly, Mark R. Drane
  • Patent number: 7276662
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a floor box including an access door for covering at least a portion of the floor box. The access door includes an opening for passage of at least one cord therethrough. The cover assembly further includes a cord door positioned to cover the opening in the access door. The cord door is removeably securable to the access door in at least two mounting orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Drane