Patents by Inventor Michael L. Pratt

Michael L. Pratt 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: 7611392
    Abstract: A terminal and a method for making a terminal that includes a connector end and a terminal barrel, preferably formed from a sheet of metal. The terminal barrel includes a cylindrical wall having a first section corresponding to a first end and a second section corresponding to a second end. The thickness of the first section is reduced so that it is less than the thickness of the second section and the first section is flared to increase the diameter. The first end is flared after a nylon or plastic insulator is fitted over the terminal barrel. The first end is adapted for receiving an electrical conductor and the second end connects to the connector end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Michael L. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20090075528
    Abstract: A ferrule or pin terminal is provided with a bend to facilitate terminations in confined or restricted spaces and provides consistency and uniformity. The ferrule terminal embodiment of the present invention includes a ferrule portion and a barrel portion. The ferrule portion includes a cylindrical wall, a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis and a stress relief aperture. The ferrule portion is bent along the longitudinal axis to form a bend. The pin terminal embodiment of the present invention includes a solid pin portion and a barrel portion. The solid pin portion includes a body, a first end and a second end and has a longitudinal axis. The first end of the solid pin portion is angularly disposed from the second end. In both embodiments, the barrel portion includes a cylindrical body having a first end adapted to receive an electrical wire and a second end connected to the second end of the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, JR., Michael L. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20090075527
    Abstract: A terminal and a method for making a terminal that includes a connector end and a terminal barrel, preferably formed from a sheet of metal. The terminal barrel includes a cylindrical wall having a first section corresponding to a first end and a second section corresponding to a second end. The thickness of the first section is reduced so that it is less than the thickness of the second section and the first section is flared to increase the diameter. The first end is flared after a nylon or plastic insulator is fitted over the terminal barrel. The first end is adapted for receiving an electrical conductor and the second end connects to the connector end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, JR., Michael L. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5455388
    Abstract: Covers for outlets in an electrical floor box are connected with an access plate by snap-fit hinge connections. The covers are swingable through arcs greater than 90.degree. during movement from a closed position to an open position or to an inward storage position. Cooperating pimples and dimples on the covers and plate releasably retain the covers in their closed or storage positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5430253
    Abstract: A hinged electrical outlet cover biased rotatably about the hinge axis by an M-shaped spring. In one arrangement, the cover is self-closing throughout its entire range of movement between fully open and fully closed positions. In another arrangement, the cover is positively held open in its fully open position and is self-closing over a limited range of movement from its fully closed position to an intermediate open position. The cover and a support member on which it is hinged are designed for quick snap assembly without requiring the use of special tools or separate fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Michael L. Pratt