Patents by Inventor Robert H. Osborn

Robert H. Osborn 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).

  • Publication number: 20180323593
    Abstract: Connecting flanges are provided for use with an electrical box and a structural bracket. The connecting flanges have a side portion that is attached to the side of the electrical box. The connecting flanges also have a front portion that engages the structural bracket to secure the electrical box to the structural bracket. The connecting flanges may be used in pre-assembled and pre-wired electrical assemblies to simplify wiring at a building site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jeff R. Justis, Robert H. Osborn, William T. Custead
  • Patent number: 9564744
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket may include a first hermaphroditic piece and a second hermaphroditic piece, substantially identical to the first hermaphroditic piece and rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first hermaphroditic piece, wherein sliding the first hermaphroditic piece with respect to the second hermaphroditic piece adjusts a width of the adjustable bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventors: Andy A. Jaffari, Robert H. Osborn
  • Publication number: 20150001357
    Abstract: An adjustable bracket may include a first hermaphroditic piece and a second hermaphroditic piece, substantially identical to the first hermaphroditic piece and rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first hermaphroditic piece, wherein sliding the first hermaphroditic piece with respect to the second hermaphroditic piece adjusts a width of the adjustable bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Andy A. Jaffari, Robert H. Osborn
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7470143
    Abstract: A contact terminal is useful as an electrical disconnect. The contact terminal is generally of one-piece construction having a main body and a portion thereof cantilevered from this main body. This cantilevered portion is configured with a wire receiving apparatus so as to receive the wire therein and allow the wire to make both mechanical and electrical engagement with the contact terminal. The contact terminal is also configured with an embossment or stiffener adjacent the junction of the main body and the cantilevered portion so as to provide rigidity to the cantilevered portion when this portion is subject to a wire withdrawal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20070249215
    Abstract: A contact terminal is useful as an electrical disconnect. The contact terminal is generally of one-piece construction having a main body and a portion thereof cantilevered from this main body. This cantilevered portion is configured with a wire receiving apparatus so as to receive the wire therein and allow the wire to make both mechanical and electrical engagement with the contact terminal. The contact terminal is also configured with an embossment or stiffener adjacent the junction of the main body and the cantilevered portion so as to provide rigidity to the cantilevered portion when this portion is subject to a wire withdrawal force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20040216912
    Abstract: An electrical fitting terminates a jacketed flexible metallic conduit. The fitting includes conductive metal components, such as a body, gland nut and ground cone. The fitting also includes non-metallic insulative components such as a sealing ring and an insulated throat. These components are formed of a high-temperature resistant material so that the fitting may be rated for high-temperature applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6790084
    Abstract: A watertight modular system for floor-mounted electrical and/or data receptacles which includes a cover, a lid, a gasket and a base plate. The cover has a plurality of retaining walls extending downwardly from the lower surface and defining a plurality of enclosed regions and can also include a data port module which slidably engages a slot in the cover. The cover has at least one lid that includes a pivot mechanism at a first end for mounting the lid flush with the upper surface of the cover when in a closed position and for exposing the receptacle when in an open position and a snap-in mechanism at a second end for providing a positive hold in the closed position. When the base plate, gasket and cover are assembled, the top surface of the base plate is flush with the upper surface of the cover and the retaining walls and the continuous perimeter wall sealably contact the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Mark R. Drane, Roger Pyron
  • Publication number: 20030165058
    Abstract: The present invention is a hazardous location induction lighting fixture. The light fixture has a tank having a base with parametrically side walls terminating at a rim to define the interior portion. The interior portion further includes at least one tank extension extending from the base to support a ballast plate. A ballast plate is used as a heat sink to which a induction light assembly is attached. The induction light assembly is electrically connected to an induction lamp which is positioned on the outer of the tank to emit light. A refractor assembly is selectively securable to the tank to enclose the induction lamp and in a preferred embodiment can be sealably secured to the tank to prevent fluids or dusts from entering the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6028273
    Abstract: An electrical switch with connector interlock apparatus having a reusable clip-on anti-vibration retaining clip assembly used to retain the spring biased operating member in the "on" position for high vibration application. In heavy high vibration environments, the clip assembly prevents the pushrod/operating member from vibrating out and tripping the circuit breaker. The clip assembly includes a clip preferably formed from 16 gauge pre-galvanized steel. One end of the clip is generally U-shaped to Fit into a groove formed in a bushing mounted in the wall. The opposite end of the clip extends over and engages the knob of the operating member thereby acting as the stop for the pushrod knob. With a plug inserted into the module, the pushrod must be pushed in to a second position in order to actuate the circuit breaker thereby compressing a pushrod spring. This results in stored energy in the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Osborn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5998744
    Abstract: A power outlet that has a moveable ground pin disposed in a receptacle and has a normal position with the pin extended and an inserted position. An actuator arm with a projection member is coupled to the ground pin and a rotational cam stop abuts the projection member. A pushrod is included that has a shaft, a lever member coupled to the shaft, and a notch for receiving at least part of the cam stop therein. A circuit breaker is disposed in the outlet and has a switch with an OFF position, and an ON position for activating the circuit breaker. The switch is coupled to the lever member. When the ground pin is actuated into the inserted position, the projection member slides away from the receptacle, rotating the cam stop such that it is clear of the notch and the pushrod thereby is enabled to throw the switch from the OFF position to the ON position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc. (DE)
    Inventor: Robert H. Osborn
  • Patent number: D550625
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker
  • Patent number: D550626
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker