Patents by Inventor Stephen L. Spruell

Stephen L. Spruell 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: 20220144578
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are disposable cable payoff systems that maintain the performance standards required for operation at commercial sites, such as durability during transport from the manufacturer and cable payoff, and low resistance cable payoff. Preloaded cable reels comprising a disposable cable payoff system are also disclosed herein. Methods for providing the preloaded cables reels are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Applicant: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Dixon, John Armstrong, Steven Powers, Stephen L. Spruell, Randy D. Kummer
  • Publication number: 20200350102
    Abstract: A theft deterrent product may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the product. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. The product may have an outer layer and into an portion. Placing the plurality of indicia may comprise etching through the outer layer and into the inner portion. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, JR., Edward J. Easterwood, JR., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Patent number: 10102461
    Abstract: A theft deterrent product may be provided. The theft deterrent product may comprise a jacket and a core under the jacket. In addition, the theft deterrent product may include an identification tape under the jacket. The identification tape may comprise a plurality of indicia located periodically and longitudinally on the identification tape. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to a plurality of unique codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: SOUTHWIRE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, Jr., Edward J. Easterwood, Jr., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore, Marcel R. Levitre
  • Patent number: 9887023
    Abstract: A theft deterrent cable may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the interior of the cable that may not be viable from the exterior of the cable. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. An indicator may be placed on the exterior of the cable. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise. Next, an indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise may be received. In response to the received indication, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned in the database from the organizational entity comprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, Jr., Edward J. Easterwood, Jr., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Patent number: 9818508
    Abstract: A theft deterrent product may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the product. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. The product may have an outer layer and into an portion. Placing the plurality of indicia may comprise etching through the outer layer and into the inner portion. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, Jr., Edward J. Easterwood, Jr., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Publication number: 20150270030
    Abstract: A theft deterrent cable may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the interior of the cable that may not be viable from the exterior of the cable. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. An indicator may be placed on the exterior of the cable. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise. Next, an indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise may be received. In response to the received indication, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned in the database from the organizational entity comprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, JR., Edward J. Easterwood, JR., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Patent number: 9053841
    Abstract: A theft deterrent cable may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the interior of the cable that may not be viable from the exterior of the cable. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. An indicator may be placed on the exterior of the cable. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise. Next, an indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise may be received. In response to the received indication, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned in the database from the organizational entity comprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Southwire Company, LLC
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, Jr., Edward J. Easterwood, Jr., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Publication number: 20140048607
    Abstract: A theft deterrent product may be provided. The theft deterrent product may comprise a jacket and a core under the jacket. In addition, the theft deterrent product may include an identification tape under the jacket. The identification tape may comprise a plurality of indicia located periodically and longitudinally on the identification tape. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to a plurality of unique codes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, JR., Edward J. Easterwood, JR., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore, Marcel R. Levitre
  • Patent number: 8624110
    Abstract: Vibration resistant cables containing a first conductor and a second conductor, each having a diameter d, are disclosed. The second conductor is twisted around the first conductor at a particular lay length to eliminate bagging of the vibration resistant cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventor: Stephen L. Spruell
  • Patent number: 8468689
    Abstract: A plurality of individual elements are imparted with reverse axial twist and collectively twisted into a multi-element assembly. Each individual element has an axial twist direction in an opposite direction from the axial twist direction of the collective multi-element assembly. The reverse axial torsion in the assembly tightly binds the plurality elements in the assembly to resist separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Stephen L. Spruell, Wilber F. Powers, Scott Robertson
  • Patent number: 8331747
    Abstract: An electrical cable may be provided. The electrical cable may comprise a conductor and a fiber optic member. The fiber optic member may comprise an optical fiber and a sheath surrounding the optical fiber. The sheath may be configured to not damage the optical fiber when the electrical cable is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Stephen L. Spruell, Mark Lancaster
  • Patent number: 8234304
    Abstract: A theft deterrent cable may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the cable. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise. Next, an indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise may be received. In response to the received indication, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned in the database from the organizational entity comprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Stephen L. Spruell, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, John N. Ware, Jr., Edward J. Easterwood, Jr., Frank Hullender, W. Steve Wilson
  • Patent number: 8222525
    Abstract: A cable assembly may have a conductor core and a binding element. The binding element may be configured helically around the conductor core. In addition, the binding element may be configured to, when the cable assembly is pushed through a conduit having at least one sweep, eliminate buckling of the cable assembly. The binding element may be made of a material configured to be stretched to a predetermined percentage of a length of the material without breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Wilber F. Powers, Stephen L. Spruell, Ron J. Burchfield, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Publication number: 20120103656
    Abstract: A vibration resistant cable may be provided. The vibration resistant cable may comprise a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor and the second conductor may each have a diameter d. The second conductor may be twisted around the first conductor at a lay length determined as a function of the diameter d and may be configured to reduce relative movement of the first conductor and the second conductor that would result in bags in the vibration resistant cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Southwire Company
    Inventor: Stephen L. Spruell
  • Publication number: 20120042978
    Abstract: A theft deterrent product may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the product. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. The product may have an outer layer and into an portion. Placing the plurality of indicia may comprise etching through the outer layer and into the inner portion. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, JR., Edward J. Easterwood, JR., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Patent number: 8025250
    Abstract: Length equalization may be provided. First, a plurality of conductors may be paid off from a plurality of pay-off devices respectively corresponding to the plurality of conductors to form a cable. The plurality of conductors comprising the cable may then be wound onto a take-up device. During the winding process, a guide device may be rotated to cause the plurality of conductors to have substantially a same length after the cable has been wound onto the take-up device. The guide device may be disposed between the take-up device and the plurality of pay-off devices. The guide device may have holes respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors may pass through a respective hole in the guide device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Stephen L. Spruell, Carol J. Godfrey, Jeff Herrin, Emory Barber, Dewey L. Smith, Charlie W. Reese
  • Publication number: 20110114367
    Abstract: A vibration resistant cable having a first conductor and a second conductor. The second conductor may be twisted around the first conductor at a lay length configured to cause a locking force between the first conductor and the second conductor. The locking force may be configured to prevent relative movement of the first conductor and the second conductor that may result in bags in the vibration resistant cable. The lay length may be predetermined or may vary a predetermined amount per unit of length of the vibration resistant cable. The lay length maybe c1d+c2, where d may be the diameter of the first conductor and the second conductor and c1 and c2 may be constants configured to obtain the locking force to eliminate bags in the vibration resistant cable and provide Aeolian vibration dampening in the vibration resistant cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen L. Spruell
  • Patent number: 7915531
    Abstract: A cable assembly may have a conductor core and a binding element. The binding elements may be configured helically around the conductor core. In addition, the binding element may be configured to, when the cable assembly is pushed through a conduit having at least one sweep, eliminate buckling of the cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Wilber F. Powers, Stephen L. Spruell, Ron J. Burchfield
  • Publication number: 20100264206
    Abstract: A theft deterrent product may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the product. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. The product may have an outer layer and into an portion. Placing the plurality of indicia may comprise etching through the outer layer and into the inner portion. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Ronald J. Burchfield, Carol J. Godfrey, Stephen L. Spruell, John N. Ware, JR., Edward J. Easterwood, JR., W. Steve Wilson, Frank Hullender, Charles Douglas Glore
  • Patent number: 7807922
    Abstract: A vibration resistant cable having a first conductor and a second conductor. The second conductor may be twisted around the first conductor at a lay length configured to cause a locking force between the first conductor and the second conductor. The locking force may be configured to prevent relative movement of the first conductor and the second conductor that may result in bags in the vibration resistant cable. The lay length may be predetermined or may vary a predetermined amount per unit of length of the vibration resistant cable. The lay length may be c1d+c2, where d may be the diameter of the first conductor and the second conductor and c1 and c2 may be constants configured to obtain the locking force to eliminate bags in the vibration resistant cable and provide Aeolian vibration dampening in the vibration resistant cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventor: Stephen L. Spruell