Terminal Covers Patents (Class 174/138F)
  • Patent number: 5273454
    Abstract: A flexible water resistant cylindrical sheath encircles an in-line electrical connector to protect it against liquid and particulate contaminants which might create an electrical hazard. Opposed ends of the sheath are closed about respective electrical conductors extending from the in-line connector to enclose the in-line connector. A shroud having flapped ends and of abrasion resistant material envelopes the sheath to protect the sheath and enclosed electrical connector against abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 5256267
    Abstract: A sacrificial anode assembly is insertable into a metal water storage tank to inhibit corrosion thereof and includes a cylindrical metal anode member having an end retained within a cylindrical plastic insulating sleeve which, in turn, is captively retained within a metal cap portion of the assembly. To regulate the amount of electrical current generated by the assembly during use thereof, a barrel-shaped resistor is supported within the assembly and interconnected between its anode and cap portions. The insulating sleeve has a generally U-shaped groove formed in a closed end thereof, with one leg of the groove extending diametrically across a central opening in the sleeve end that receives a core wire portion of the anode member, and the other groove leg extending generally chordwise relative to the sleeve end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James S. Roden
  • Patent number: 5231250
    Abstract: A versatile unitary electrode splice cap for insulating and weatherproofing the splice connection between a neon tube electrode and its associated power cable in a neon sign system. The cap is useful both in "straight-on" and "double-back" installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Herbert F. Moulton
  • Patent number: 5212351
    Abstract: An insulating boot for use with an electrical device that is attached to a outlet box. The box is attached to wall studs and may hold one or more electrical device, such as snap or dimmer switches, electrical outlets, television cables, telephone jacks and the like. The boot is made of a non-conducting, elastic material in the form of a strip the ends of which adhere to form a loop that snap around the circumference of the device. A second strip follows a second circumference around the back of the device and attaches by adhering to the first strip at a position between the ends of the first strip so as to to interfere with the attachment of the two ends of the first strip. The insulating boot prevents the shorting of the terminal of a device against the grounded outlet box wall or against the terminals of an adjacent device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: George D. Raines
  • Patent number: 5191172
    Abstract: Cable terminal protector, consisting of two generally rectangular main members joined at one end by an integral live hinge for movement from a face-to-face closed position to an open position, there being a central pocket formed in each main member for forming an enclosure. Cable channels are formed in the ends of the members to clamp a cable when the main members are in the closed position and means are provided for locking the main members in the closed position, while sealing surfaces surround the pockets and to cooperate, when the main members are in the closed position, to prevent foreign matter from entering the enclosure and to provide complete electrostatic encapsulation when a conductive material is used for the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Richard S. Garganese
  • Patent number: 5190475
    Abstract: Electrically insulative boots for substantially covering conductive connector housings and, in particular, conductive connector housings with a plug skirt and/or a receptacle skirt. The boots include a first electrically insulative shield connected to a second electrically insulative shield. The first shields include first and second plug flaps and/or first and second receptacle flaps. The flaps cover the plug skirt and/or a receptacle skirt when not connected to a mating connector assembly. The receptacle flaps are cammed away from the receptacle skirt by the plug flaps of a mating connector assembly allowing the plug skirt and receptacle skirt of mating connector assemblies to be adjacent to one another while the extractor of such mated connector assemblies remain electrically insulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: James A. Dickens
  • Patent number: 5183971
    Abstract: A protective casing for preventing any accidental introduction of metal parts into a column containing an array of electric distribution busbars is made up of two identical insulating half-casings (3) coupled together by interengagement of external engagement regions (18A, 20A, 22A, 24A) and of internal engagement regions (18B, 20B, 22B, 24B) up to a mutual coupling position which is variable according to the dimension of the busbars. The busbars are inserted in housings (29, 30) and pass through recesses (9A, 11A, 11B, 9B, 13) in the lateral walls of the casing. Fixing bolts extending between the busbars are surrounded by insulating sleeves (21) formed by interpenetrating outer and inner tongues (23 and 25) separated by slits (36). The sleeves (21) are made integral with the half-casings by molding of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Telemecanique
    Inventors: Jean Lafosse, Paul Milliere
  • Patent number: 5173573
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic enclosure especially adapted to gel seal an elongate substrate and particularly a coaxial cable splice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventor: James E. Jervis
  • Patent number: 5169338
    Abstract: A battery connector cover (10) having an insulative body (12) locked over a battery terminal (18) and a cable connector (16) for electrically insulating the battery terminal (18) and connector (16). The connector cover (10) is locked in a closed position at one end by a locking detent (24) and is secured at its opposite end to battery cables (14) via a cable lock (40). The cover includes an integral hinge (36) disposed between the two ends so as to provide easy access to the battery terminal (18) and connector (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Dewar, Thomas F. Rahrig, Steven F. Gawron
  • Patent number: 5166478
    Abstract: A protective sheath for insulating a live end of an electrical cable is provided, the sheath comprising a receptacle constructed of insulative material and having interior and exterior portions, the sheath including both open and closed ends, the open end being accessible for insertion of a live end of an electrical cable. The receptacle includes a structure of attaching the receptacle to an electrical cable near a live end thereof. A retainer mounting plate may be provided within the receptacle near the closed end, the mounting plate serving as a point of attachment for the live end of the electrical cable to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Kerry Sprouse
  • Patent number: 5162617
    Abstract: A waterproof wire-sockets electrical junction cover suitable for use in wet environments includes a chamber to house the wire-sockets electrical junction. Sealable passages on one end of the chamber allow electrical wires to pass into the chamber. On the other chamber-end, a sealable port allows the wire-sockets itself to enter the chamber. The electrical wires are mechanically and electrically joined using the wire-sockets. The resulting junction is then drawn through the aforementioned sealable port into the chamber. The port is closed, thereby completely watertight sealing the wire-sockets electrical junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Ocean Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis K. Ferbas
  • Patent number: 5153383
    Abstract: A flexible sheet of material for mounting about a vertical or horizontal type porcelain insulator of electrical equipment to physically protect the insulator from falling objects during maintenance when the electrical equipment is deenergized. The sheet is formed of flexible PVC material and is foldable into a conical configuration and secured about the insulator by VELCRO strips attached to the sheet. Additional rectangularly- shaped sheets of similar material also are provided with VELCRO fasteners are formed into a cylindrical configuration and placed around the insulator and secured to the conically wrapped sheet to provide physical protector for taller porcelain insulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Gary Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Whited, James R. Stillwagon
  • Patent number: 5147216
    Abstract: A flexible water resistant clindrical sheath encircles an in-line electrical connector to protect it against creating an electrical hazard. Opposed ends of the sheath are closed about respective electrical conductors extending from the in-line connector to enclose the in-line connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Michael J. Shotey
  • Patent number: 5147219
    Abstract: A reusable cap for providing mechanical, electrical and environmental isolation of an electrical terminal. The cap includes a tubular body which has in it an opening for receiving the wire(s) connected to the terminal binding post. The tubular body has a neck. Seated in the neck is the mechanism for engaging the threads of the binding post. The mechanism, which is made of conductive material, is seated in the neck so as to be rotatable without causing rotation of the housing. The cap also includes a removable cover which can be placed over the mechanism. Removing the cover allows the binding post to be accessible through the mechanism for the purposes of testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Reliance Comm/Tec Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander G. Gilberts, Richard Kaczmarek, Edward S. Paluch, Thomas G. Volk
  • Patent number: 5132495
    Abstract: A splice cover adapted for use with a submersible splice and interconnecting insulated cables comprising a resilient substantially cylindrical center section and resilient corrugated end sections. The corrugations provide interior and exterior grooves and ridges which permit expansion and extension of the end section so as to accept different size insulated cables while maintaining a watertight fit between the cover and the insulated cable and an interference fit between the splice and the splice cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Homac Mfg. Company
    Inventors: Jack C. Ewing, J. William Venezia
  • Patent number: 5110303
    Abstract: An electrical cord retainer apparatus adapted for securing the interconnection of two or more electrical cords is disclosed. The retainer includes a flexible housing fitted with a longitudinally non-stretchable retainer strip. The housing is adapted to be encased about a connection of electrical power cords and to provide a high coefficient of friction fit between the interior of the housing and the elecrical cord plugs sufficient to retain those plugs in intercooperation notwithstanding the application of forces to the cords at a distant location. The housing is fitted with a connection structure such as a zipper which is adapted to close the housing about the structure of electrical cord for purposes of creating this friction union.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: James L. Hardy
  • Patent number: 5107077
    Abstract: A waterproof electrical splice enclosure for receiving a single electrical connector splicing the ends of a plurality of insulated electrical conductors extending out of the connector in the same same direction and parallel to one another. The enclosure comprises an elongated hollow tube having one open end and one closed end having a cross-section slightly larger than the connector. A connector retainer is provided to retain the electrical connector adjacent the closed end of the tube with the insulated electrical conductors extending out of the open end of the tube, and the tube contains a waterproofing fluid which will not flow out of the tube but which will flow around the connector as it is slid into the tube to provide a waterproof seal around the connector and around and between the insulated conductors. A cap is connected to the tube at its open end by a hinge and has a bulbous protrusion to fit into and close the open end of the tube, and latch retains the cap in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Albert H. Fox, Ronald C. Johansson
  • Patent number: 5045000
    Abstract: A connector is provided for the conductors running between the electrode-containing ends of a neon tube and the high voltage power supply. Two half-shells composed of rigid insulating plastic are joined together to form a housing after the electrical connection is made between a power supply lead wire and the neon tube to completely enclose the connection. At least one end of the housing resulting from combining the half-shells contains a substantially round hole and a circular groove inwardly thereof. An insulating feedthrough adapter has an integral collar which is captured in the groove. A spirally grooved or corrugated flexible insulating sleeve screws onto the adapter which results in the lead wire being double insulated. One of the end portions of the neon tube fits through a hole in the insulating housing opposite of the hole in which the adapter resides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Trame, Gary L. Reidenbach
  • Patent number: 5038003
    Abstract: A two piece enclosure having a separate cover and a hollow body into which is placed a multiplicity of wires which have had the insulation stripped away adjacent their respective ends so they can be connected together by a connector. The hollow body is partially filled with a waterproof gel and the connector and ends of the connected wires are placed into the hollow body so that they are immersed within the waterproof gel. The top of the hollow body and the cover have aligned openings to permit a respective wire to extend out of the closed assembly through the aligned openings after the cover has been placed on the body. The cover further comprises a centrally disposed rod which extends transversely to the interior of the cover and is aligned with the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: T & B Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Allec, William B. Furlong
  • Patent number: 5017739
    Abstract: A cable connector jacket formed of flexible, electrically insulating plastic is of unitary, one-piece construction, including two cavity-defining bodies hingedly interconnected in a clamshell-type configuration for movement between open and closed conditions. Each body has two pairs of channel-like tapered arms respectively extending in opposite directions therefrom generally parallel to the hinge line. When the bodies are in their closed conditions, the cavities define a chamber for accommodating the cable connector, and the arms of one body respectively mate with those of the other body to form four tapered tubes for respectively accommodating cable portions interconnected by the connector. A latch on the body holds the jacket closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: HD Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, Charles Y. M. Choi, Peder M. Pedersen, Niels C. Pedersen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5017740
    Abstract: A hermetic terminal assembly for a housing including a fuse-like area positioned in the outer pin segment of a terminal pin extending in sealed relation through the body member of the terminal assembly which body member can be sealed to a housing wall, the fuse-like area in the outer pin segment being covered with a thermally decomposable coating which in the event of decomposition includes an arc suppressant. A pin guard and lead wire end connection securing device is provided to protect the outer pin segment and to secure the lead wire end connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Honkomp, Eugene H. Tingley, Thomas O. McNay, Benjamin Bowsky
  • Patent number: 5015543
    Abstract: Protective cap for battery terminal having a base permanently secured about the root of the terminal and a readily separable tower joined to the base with a plurality of frangible links for facilitating ready separation and removal of the tower from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: James H. English
  • Patent number: 5001300
    Abstract: A closure for an electric cable splice includes first and second generally rectangular shell segments having side walls and end walls constructed and arranged to be telescopically secured together. A threaded fastener is connectable to extend through the first and second shell segments and is adapted to urge the shell segments together with sufficient force to extrude sealant in the first and second shell segments through entrance openings to encapsulate ends of spliced cables to provide a moistureproof seal between the spliced cables and the end wall adjacent the entrance openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Communications Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Selim Messelhi
  • Patent number: 4985599
    Abstract: A bushing cap is provided for mounting to a transformer bushing or to a lightening arrestor. The bushing cap when mounted to the bushing acts as an umbrella for the bushing to protect the same from airborne contaminates such as salt spray which can form a conductive surface on the bushing, while providing adequate bottom and side clearance from the bushing to ensure that a conductive surface between the cap and the bushing is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Robert E. Eggleston
  • Patent number: 4970353
    Abstract: For use with transformers, a protective cover device for protecting exposed transformer terminals from external forces which may damage the terminal to coil lead wire connection. The protective cover includes a rear flange having first and second legs extending perpendicularly from opposite minor edges of the rear flange. A generally L-shaped guard structure having a large radiused knee extends from the rear flange. An inner surface of each of the first and second legs includes mounting devices arranged to interlockingly engage the transformer, thereby positioning the guard structure to shroud and protect the transformer terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: AG Communication Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey F. Kotz
  • Patent number: 4968857
    Abstract: A submersible splice assembly which includes a splice and a mating splice cover. The splice and splice cover are configured such that the splice cover is centered about the splice. As interference fit between the splice and splice cover is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Homac Mfg. Company
    Inventor: Eugene W. McGrane
  • Patent number: 4965544
    Abstract: A combination panelboard-switchboard housing accepts plug-on connection with a plurality of modular electric switch-circuit breaker enclosures. The modular enclosure accepts circuit breakers or electric switches which can be field-installed with minor alteration to the enclosure. The modular switch enclosure further accepts a wide range of ampere ratings within a standard enclosure size. A mechanical latch arrangement on the bottom of the modular enclosure prevents the modular enclosure from being removed from the panelboard-switchboard housing. Controlled temperatures are achieved within the housing by optimized circulating air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Kelaita, Jr., David Arnold, James I. Smith
  • Patent number: 4963700
    Abstract: A closure for use in providing an environmental seal about a wire junction. The closure comprises a closable shell defining, when closed, an internal wire junction receiving chamber having first and second opposite open ends, for receipt of wires therethrough. The shell comprises first and second shell sections, and an interference fit locking arrangement oriented between the shell sections. In one embodiment, the shell sections are unitary, i.e. they are joined along a hinge line. In an alternate embodiment, the shell sections are independent of one another, but engageable in a nesting manner. The interference locking mechanism preferably comprises a plurality of elongate, continuous, interengageable rachet teeth. In use, sealant material is positioned within the shell sections, and a junction to be sealed is enclosed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Arnold T. Olsen, John S. Young
  • Patent number: 4952171
    Abstract: A terminal cover for covering an electrical terminal assembly comprising a cover main body defining therein an interior space for containing therein the terminal assembly and a tubular member extending from the cover main body into the interior space and having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of a terminal bolt. The terminal cover, when in use, is maintained in position by frictional engagerment of the tubular member with respect to the terminal bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 4943693
    Abstract: A barrier device (1) which can prevent an electrical switch (10) from shorting in the region of its connecting points (11) includes a rectangular base (20) having an opening (21) therein. A first wall (22) extends upwardly from the first edge of the base (20) a second side wall (23) extends upwardly from the second edge of the base (20), a third side wall (24) extends upwardly from the third edge of the base and a fourth side wall (25) extends upwardly from the fourth edge of the base (20). The first and third side walls (22, 24) have a longer length than the second and fourth side walls (23, 25). A clip member (26) is mounted on the first side wall (22) and can engage the third side wall (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: David Wang, Chyi-Song Chen
  • Patent number: 4941834
    Abstract: An easily removable high voltage ground stud insulating system allows ready access to the ground stud bolt having one end directly attached to a switchgear terminal bus, with the other end adapted to receive a temporary ground connector. A two-part insulative enclosure consisting of a first thermoplastic insulative cylinder is arranged over that part of the ground stud that is adapted for connection with the ground connector while a second insulative cylinder is arranged over the other end. The insulating properties of the thermoplastic material virtually eliminate arcing between the ground stud and the surrounding atmosphere when the switchgear is energized with high voltage. The insulating system is adapted for connection with the ground stud by means of a pair of threaded washers that serve to attach the insulative cylinders on both sides of the ground connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Inventor: John DeLeo
  • Patent number: 4921443
    Abstract: A waterproofing assembly for use in a terminal area of an electric wire comprises a terminal fixedly secured to an apparatus body, and a cap made of a flexible elastic material for covering the terminal and a part of the electric wire connected therewith. The above-mentioned terminal is formed in the shape of a dish whose outer peripheral portion is inclined. The cap has an opening formed therein whose edge is formed in the shape of an "O" ring, and a bellows-shaped portion formed in the vicinity of the electric wire covering portion thereof. The edge of the opening of the above-mentioned cap is adapted to be fitted resiliently into a wedge-shaped space formed between the inclined portion of the terminal and the apparatus body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 4911661
    Abstract: A flexible synthetic resinous hinged cover for use in protecting the exposed face of a telephone connector block having connector terminals disposed in a recessed area in said face. The cover is flexible to form an inwardly extending V fold engageable within a corresponding slot or groove in the block to obtain a high degree of rigidity and prevent accidental dislodgment of the cover with respect to the block. The outer surface of the cover may be provided with delineated areas for inscribing circuit identifying notation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Porta Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Helmuth Neuwirth
  • Patent number: 4883431
    Abstract: A gel-filled cap member having a retaining nut member therein for receiving a threaded contact member and a notch, at the open end of the cap member, for at least partially receiving a wire to be connected to the threaded contact member. The cap member may also have a portion at the open end of the cap member which is defined by reinforced wall having an increased cross-sectional area. Further, the cap member may have a plunger portion at the closed end of the cap member for applying increased pressure to the gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: David Uken, R. Grant Truesdale, Jr., Daniel L. Swan
  • Patent number: 4869683
    Abstract: A device is provided for protectively enclosing coupled terminals of mated industrial gauge electrical cords. The device, which can accommodate terminals and cords of varying size, easily creates a water-impervious shield encompassing the coupled terminals. The device is comprised of a flexible sheath having two longitudinal edges interengageable by a zipper to form a tubular structure. Binding straps disposed upon the exterior surface of the sheath adjacent each tubular extremity apply compressive force to underlying sealing bands which grip the electrical cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: Llewellyn W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4847447
    Abstract: Protective device for a cable end for use when laying a cable includes a rigid and elongated sleeve closed at one end thereof and having a cable end disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Peter Eiswirth, Michael Lehnert
  • Patent number: 4845307
    Abstract: A wildlife guard, designed to prevent an electrically grounded animal, such as a bird or small mammal, from contacting energized electrical equipment. A one-piece construction fabricated from an insulating material, such as a high-density polyethylene, the wildlife guard can be installed on energized electrical equipment using standard live-line tools, thereby obviating the need to shut down the electrical power. The guard includes inner protrusions to fit below the topmost skirt of an insulator bushing, outer protrusions to be grabbed by a live-line tool, and a lengthwise slot through which a conductor is forced during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Fargo Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Carl P. Cumming, Russell H. Kraft
  • Patent number: 4840547
    Abstract: A protective cap for the hermetic terminal of a hermetic compressor includes a cup-shaped plastic member for attaching to and covering the hermetic terminal during manufacturing, shipping, and storage of the compressor, i.e., whenever the hermetic terminal would not otherwise be connected to an external source of power. The cap contactingly engages the base portion and conducting pins of the hermetic terminal. The protective cap includes a cylindrical stud portion arranged coaxially within an outer cylindrical wall portion of the cup-shaped member. The stud portion slip fits radially inwardly of the circularly arranged conductor pins of the hermetic terminal. A tapered end facilitates guided insertion of the stud portion within the conductor pins prior to engagement of the cap with the hermetic terminal base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventor: Emanuel D. Fry
  • Patent number: 4841413
    Abstract: A fuse cover includes a transparent resilient cylindrical member, having a full length axially extending slot therein. Two pairs of recesses are provided in the slot for engaging a pair of fuse clips mounted to a circuit board and holding a fuse there between. The tubular member has opposite open ends for ventilation and can be installed over and removed from a fuse without tools and without disturbing the mounting of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Dennis S. Mizerak
  • Patent number: 4839473
    Abstract: A waterproof electrical splice enclosure for receiving an electrical connector connecting the ends of a plurality of insulated electrical conductors extending out of the connector in the same direction and parallel to one another. The enclosure comprises an elongate hollow tube having one open end and one closed end and having a cross-section slightly larger than the connector. A connector retainer is provided to retain the electrical connector adjacent the closed end of the tube with the insulated electrical conductors extending out of the open end of the tube, and the tube contains a waterproofing fluid which will not flow out of the tube but which will flow around the connector as it is slid into the tube to provide a waterproof seal around the connector and around and between the insulated conductors. A cap is connected to the tube at its open end by a hinge and has a bulbous protrusion to fit into and close the open end of the tube, and a latch retains the cap in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Albert H. Fox, Ronald C. Johansson
  • Patent number: 4822289
    Abstract: An easily removable high voltage ground stud insulative enclosure allows ready access to the ground stud bolt having one end directly attached to a switchgear terminal bus, with the other end adapted to receive a temporary ground connector. The removable part of the insulative enclosure consists of a thermoplastic insulative cylinder that is arranged over that part of the ground stud that is adapted for connection with the ground connector. The insulating properties of the thermoplastic material virtually eliminate arcing between the ground stud and the surrounding atmosphere when the switchgear is energized with high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: John DeLeo
  • Patent number: 4804337
    Abstract: A one-piece cover for covering open parts of passageways on two opposite sides of an electrical connector housing. The cover has two hinged cover portions for folding the cover around the housing. Each cover portion has projections for engagement within closed parts of the passageways and is also resiliently flexible to enable the cover portion to be flexed into position with apertures in the cover portion receiving extensions of walls of the housing which define the open parts of the passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Sebastien, Andre Jelwan, Gaetan Dube
  • Patent number: 4795857
    Abstract: A waterproof housing which is intended to be buried in the ground, and which serves to protect the splices of buried electrical cables such as are used, for example, in irrigation control systems. The housing is formed of two identical half-sections configured to snap together around the crimped splice of two or more cables. Each half-section is pre-filled with a plastic insulating gel which becomes adhesively attached to the crimping sleeve of the splice and which forms a perimeter seal around the splice. Troughs are provided at one end of each section as a means of entry for wires to be spliced. Thin frangible dams are molded onto the outer ends of the troughs to maintain the gel in the half-sections during filling, and which are crushed by the cables when the two half-sections are pressed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: GardenAmerica Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick M. McInnis
  • Patent number: 4774390
    Abstract: The invention is an electrical shock prevention apparatus for electrical equipment having conductors capable of being connected to a voltage source comprising, a shield made of nonconductive material and guarding the conductors on at least three sides, and a cover attached to the shield by a living hinge so that when the cover is closed, the conductors are not accessible from a fourth side, and when the cover is open, the conductors are accessible from the fourth side. The invention also has rails molded into the side of the electrical apparatus, and grooves molded into a side of the shield so that the shield is attached to the apparatus by the grooves sliding over the rails. Protrusions extending from the side of the electrical apparatus snap into a recess of the shield, thereby locking the shield into position on the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Lewis M. Lehman, Thomas F. Kurland
  • Patent number: 4761354
    Abstract: A universal, one-piece-molded, protective cap adapted to fit both small and large diameter battery terminal posts. The cap includes a body portion having an accordion pleated wall which is molded to tightly fit small diameter terminals but expandable to fit large diameter terminal posts. Restraining means at both ends of the body help maintain constrictive engagement of the post by the cap. Openings at both ends of the pleats permit substantially uninhibited flexure of the pleats to effect expansion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Poe, Joseph T. Crouse
  • Patent number: 4746309
    Abstract: A closing element for closing an electrical connector has a hood-shaped body with a first narrow end side opening and a second bordering upper side opening for selective leading out of a conductor bundle connectable with the connector, and two closing pieces foldably connectable with one edge and releasably securable to the other edge of the openings, each of the closing pieces being separable into a plurality of partial segments, so that upon the separation a passage is open for leading out of the conductor bundle; however the separated partial segments remain foldably connected with the other edge of the respective opening to form pull release or strain relief means for the conductor bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: C. A. Weidmuller GmbH & Co
    Inventors: Willi Durkop, Hartmut Schmode, Klaus Strate, Walter Hanning, Ferdinand Steinkuhle
  • Patent number: 4744765
    Abstract: A high voltage ground stud and insulative enclosure consists of a double-ended bolt having one end threaded for attachment to the switchgear terminal bus, with the other end threaded for engaging the thermoplastic insulative enclosure. A thermoplastic insulative cap is arranged over that part of the stud that extends through the switchgear terminal bus. The insulating properties of the thermoplastic material virtually eliminate arcing between the ground stud and the surrounding atmosphere when the switchgear is energized with high voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: John DeLeo
    Inventor: John DeLeo
  • Patent number: 4742541
    Abstract: An interface for connection between incoming telephone lines and the customers equipment has a base for mounting on a support surface, with terminals for connection of incoming telephone lines and one or more plug-in positions for plug-in modules. Protectors are positioned in the modules. Each module has a modular jack. An intermediate cover fits over and is attached to the base, covering also the modules but with one or more apertures for access to the jack or jacks. The conductors from the customers equipment either terminate in modular plugs which insert directly into the jacks or terminate in spade terminals which are connected to terminals on the intermediate cover. In the latter case, a short interconnect cable connects at one end to these terminals and at the other end has a modular plug for insertion into a jack. An outer cover extends over the intermediate cover and the modular jack or jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Casimir Cwirzen, Donald F. Jaycox
  • Patent number: 4727220
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering electrical equipment which is connected to busbars of a bus system and has a maximum structural height, and wherein the upper sides of the busbars are equidistantly spaced from the clamping faces of holders for receiving and firmly retaining the busbars. A universally applicable cover which is not attached to the individual pieces of electrical equipment, but is adapted to be affixed to the busbars, is provided in that the cover is in the form of a cap having a rectangular cross section and comprising a cover plate and side walls. One pair of side walls extends parallel to the busbars and has an internal height with respect to the cover plate which corresponds to at least the sum of the fastening distance and the structural height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans Wagener
  • Patent number: 4700015
    Abstract: An insulating structure for an external terminal of an electronic part is formed of two insulating housing parts abutting along a junction to define an insulating housing for an electronic part. There is an insulating projection on each housing part and projecting outwardly of the housing from the corresponding housing part, each projection having a U-shaped cross-section with the open sides of the projections facing each other with one projection inside the other and the cross-sections telescopingly interfitted. One of the projections has a cross-section extending into the wall of the corresponding housing part from the junction and the other projection has the cross-section projecting from the junction toward the one projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuaki Saito, Tooru Harada, Masato Fujino