Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Sherman

Thomas E. Sherman 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: 5146667
    Abstract: A cable support assembly including first and second generally mating body members formed of a rigid, dielectric material. A bore defined between the mating body members to receive a cushion member is formed of a dielectric material substantially less rigid than the body member material. Outwardly extending flanges on the cushion member prevent axial movement relative to the body. Similarly, a cooperating tab and notch prevent axial movement between the mating body members. An enlarged boss is formed entirely within the first body member to facilitate a method of stringing cable. The first body member is secured to an associated support structure and the second body member positioned in close proximity. A cable is strung between the body members, the cushion member then received around the cable, and the first and second body members brought into mating arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5141187
    Abstract: A cable support assembly including first and second generally mating body members formed of a rigid, dielectric material. A bore defined between the mating body members to receive a cushion member is formed of a dielectric material substantially less rigid than the body member material. Outwardly extending flanges on the cushion member prevent axial movement relative to the body. Similarly, a cooperating tab and notch prevent axial movement between the mating body members. An enlarged boss is formed entirely within the first body member to facilitate a method of stringing cable. The first body member is secured to an associated support structure and the second body member positioned in close proximity. A cable is strung between the body members, the cushion member then received around the cable, and the first and second body members brought into mating engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5014941
    Abstract: A cable support assembly including first and second generally mating body members formed of a rigid, dielectric material. A bore defined between the mating body members to receive a cushion member is formed of a dielectric material substantially less rigid than the body member material. Outwardly extending flanges on the cushion member prevent axial movement relative to the body. Similarly, a cooperating tab and notch prevent axial movement between the mating body members. An enlarged boss is formed entirely within the first body member to facilitate a method of stringing cable. The first body member is secured to an associated support structure and the second body member positioned in close proximity. A cable is strung between the body members, the cushion member than received around the cable, and the first and second body members brought into mating engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4791237
    Abstract: A grounding mechanism adapted for use with a support assembly suspending an overhead linear member. The grounding mechanism includes first and second leg portions disposed generally perpendicular to each other. The first leg portion has a generally arcuate conformation over its axial length. The second leg portion is angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the first leg portion so as to extend outwardly from the support assembly through gaps defined between helical rods gripping the linear member. The arcuate conformation of the first leg portion increases in dimension as it extends from a first distal end toward the second leg portion. Reinforcing ribs are disposed at the juncture of the first and second leg portions to strengthen the grounding mechanism. The new grounding mechanism is mounted between the helical rods and the cable within the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4770491
    Abstract: A dead end appliance for a fiber optic cable includes a housing having an elongated opening therethrough. The elongated opening is angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing and opposite to the lay angle of helical retaining rods surrounding the cable. This conformation assures full capture of the retaining rods within the housing. Strengthening ribs for the housing are disposed substantially normal to the housing longitudinal axis. Additionally, means for grounding the assembly is integrally formed with the housing, and either a U-shaped member or a pair of clevis members may be used for attaching the housing to an associated support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventors: Raymond J. Champa, Thomas E. Sherman
  • Patent number: 4620059
    Abstract: A device for suppressing wind induced motions in aerial cables and a method of installing the same. The device comprises a cylindrical rod of substantial length having a generally straight center section terminating in helically configured cable gripping sections. Adjacent one end is a non-gripping support helix. The support helix functions to provide support to one end of the device while the device is slid to a position on the cable where the helically configured gripping section at the opposite end can be wrapped to the aerial cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Preformed Line Products Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Sherman