Patents by Inventor Michael L. Trafton

Michael L. Trafton 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: 9991608
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a wire for installation of a terminal. The method comprises removing an insulating layer from a conductor to expose a portion of a conductor. The method further includes attaching a conductive foil layer to a portion of the exposed portion of the conductor by applying pressure to the conductive foil layer. Terminated wires are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: General Cable Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Trafton, Robert D. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20170244178
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a wire for installation of a terminal. The method comprises removing an insulating layer from a conductor to expose a portion of a conductor. The method further includes attaching a conductive foil layer to a portion of the exposed portion of the conductor by applying pressure to the conductive foil layer. Terminated wires are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Michael L. Trafton, Robert D. Steiner
  • Patent number: 9647348
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a wire for installation of a terminal. The method comprises removing an insulating layer from a conductor to expose a portion of a conductor. The method further includes attaching a conductive foil layer to a portion of the exposed portion of the conductor by applying pressure to the conductive foil layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: General Cable Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Trafton, Robert D. Steiner
  • Publication number: 20160294072
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a wire for installation of a terminal. The method comprises removing an insulating layer from a conductor to expose a portion of a conductor. The method further includes attaching a conductive foil layer to a portion of the exposed portion of the conductor by applying pressure to the conductive foil layer. Terminated wires are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Publication number: 20160099510
    Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a wire for installation of a terminal. The method comprises removing an insulating layer from a conductor to expose a portion of a conductor. The method further includes attaching a conductive foil layer to a portion of the exposed portion of the conductor by applying pressure to the conductive foil layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 6062919
    Abstract: A low insertion force, high current electrical connector assembly that is capable of transmitting a wide range of current levels, particularly high levels of current such as that found in a power distribution center, is provided. The connector assembly includes a cylindrical housing having an open end to receive a pin. A contact cage having a number of flexible beams is positioned concentrically within the housing to surround and contact the pin. The beams are provided in sets or banks which are offset from each other by zig-zag bridge members. The zig-zag bridge members ease the process of rolling the cage into a generally cylindrical shape for insertion into the housing and provide a compact design to reduce material consumption. The housing includes a reduced diameter section which acts as an overstress protector for the contact cage by minimizing movement of the pin within the housing and as a positive stop for the contact cage once it is assembled within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 5865638
    Abstract: An electrical conductor establishes electrical contact between planar faces of a first terminal and a second terminal. The connector includes a resilient contact plate disposed between the faces, and locking assembly for retaining the terminals in engagement. A sealing gasket may be included, and the connector may be configured to join a number of separate wire pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 5667413
    Abstract: A female electrical connector includes a housing defining a generally cylindrical bore therewithin. The connector includes a contact cage disposed, and retained, within the housing. The contact cage includes a number of contact blades disposed so as to provide a radial resilience. In some embodiments, an environmental seal is retained within the housing. The connector provides a high current capacity, low insertion force connector which may be readily fit over post-type electrical terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael L. Trafton
  • Patent number: 5649841
    Abstract: An access box for providing controlled electrical communication with a wiring harness has a first compartment accessible to a consumer, and a second compartment generally inaccessible to the comsumer. A series of power feed studs pass between the two compartments. Electrical contact between the wiring harness and the studs is made in the second compartment, and a consumer can electrically tap into the wiring harness via the exposed studs in the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Ivan V. Martinez, Charles P. Depp, Michael L. Trafton