Rods Patents (Class 174/3)
  • Patent number: 11248588
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade comprising a main blade portion having a root end and a tip end, wherein a leading edge and a trailing edge extend between the root end and the tip end, and a conductive blade tip module that abuts the tip end of the main blade portion; wherein the conductive blade tip module comprises an elongate body defining a longitudinal axis transverse to a spanwise axis of the blade, and wherein the conductive blade tip module has a length in a direction along said longitudinal axis that is greater than a chord length of the blade tip interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Jakob Hjorth Jensen, Lasse Lykkegaard
  • Patent number: 10004330
    Abstract: A bottle rack includes a panel that has a front surface and an opposing back surface, and support bars cantilevered from the panel and extending from the front surface. Each of the support bars has a linear bottle supporting portion that is positioned, and that is at an acute angle, relative to the front surface such that at least two of the support bars can support a bottle while forcing the bottle against the front surface. The rack may be a “label forward” rack. Additionally, the various joints, grooves, and slots used to join the support bars to the panel may also be used to join any the support bars and panels of any suitable bottle rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: STACT Wine Displays Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Dennis Kasza
  • Patent number: 9166391
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal can create an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal can collect ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system can induce a current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current can include a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge can be released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal can trigger the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Alltec LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Patent number: 9074584
    Abstract: A lightning rod for blades of a wind turbine generator is attached to a corresponding blade, includes an exterior electrode of electric conductive material and mechanically resistant, preferably aluminum, separated by one or several isolating disks from an interior electrode, is connected through a mechanical or electric connector and the appropriate electric conductor to a conductor of the ground circuit, and is equipped with an LED battery and a probe for vibration control at the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventors: Antonio Claveria Canal, Angel Rodriguez Montes, Diego Haro Cervantes, Marguerite Coll
  • Publication number: 20150122527
    Abstract: A bipolar lightning rod apparatus includes a fixation plate, a rod member configured to have one end connected to the fixation plate in a length direction thereof and charged with the electric charges of a ground, at least two insulators installed in the length direction, an electrification plate installed between adjacent insulators, electrically insulated from the rod member, and charged with electric charges having an opposite polarity to the electric charges of the ground, an electrification tube installed between the electrification plate and the insulators, electrically connected to the electrification plate, and charged with electric charges having an opposite polarity to the electric charges of the ground, and a rod cap connected to the top of the rod member and configured to induce the falling of a thunderbolt. The rod cap has an outside diameter greater than that of the insulators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: OMNI LPS. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Ki CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20150014015
    Abstract: An anchor for lightning protection systems includes a base and pad that extend over a sufficient area and a sufficient bearing length to hold in shear and in tension against the weight, shear force, and moment of cables, points, and other components of a lightning protection systems. A universal point mount includes a head presenting greater cross sectional area and greater contact surface area than any other part of the mounting system. Drilled and tapped to receive a point oriented vertically, the head mounts easily on a horizontal or vertical mounting surface by receiving studs from a cleat plate (mandible) whose teeth capture the cable against a relief slot in the head. Apertures and studs provide rotating arbitrarily to any necessary orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Kirk Partridge, Todd Vought, Travis Vought
  • Patent number: 8859895
    Abstract: A method for vertically grounding and leading down form a center of a composite pole tower includes the following steps: extending a ground down-leading wire from a center of a ground wire cross arm which is made of metal and is positioned on top of the pole tower, wherein the ground down-leading wire is vertically leaded down to the earth form the center of the composite pole tower, wherein when an lower portion of the tower body is a metal pipe, the ground down-leading wire is extended from the center of the composite material and is directly connected to the metal pipe. The method utilizes the advantage of the insulating intensity of the wall of the composite pole tower and enhances the insulating intensity of the transmission line on impact of lightning. The ground down-leading wires are prevented from short-circuiting with the tower body of the composite pole tower, so that advantage of the insulating property of the composite material of the pole towers is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: State Grid Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: Zhusen Sun, Qiang Zhang, Minghua Li, Zhijun Li, Ting Liu, Feng Huo, Min Dai, Kai Liu, Xiong Wu, Dingxie Gu, Peihong Zhou, Ying Lou, Zhenqiang Li, Huiwen He
  • Publication number: 20140262410
    Abstract: A portable lightning protection system is described for placement adjacent structures requiring lightning protection. The system includes a base mast section with an upper end and a plurality of radially extending, axially aligned ribs; a top mast section; preferably at least one intermediate mast section attachable to the upper end of the base mast section and to the lower end of the top mast section, the mast sections being axially aligned when attached; an air terminal having a conductive rod insertable into the bore of the top mast section; a base including a plurality of radially extending horizontal beams having inner ends attachable to the base mast section ribs and a plurality of inclined beams having inner ends attachable to the base mast section ribs and outer ends attachable to the horizontal beams; and grounding cables connecting the mast to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence V. Behr
  • Patent number: 8674216
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal can create an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal can collect ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system can induce a current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current can include a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge can be released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal can trigger the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alltec LLC
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Patent number: 8461452
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for directing a lightning current within a wind turbine. The arrangement includes a first component, a second component, a contact element and a guideway. One of the two components is arranged moveably in relation to the other. The contact element is arranged in a way that the first component is electrically connected to the second component in order to direct a lightning current within the wind turbine. The contact element is guided moveably by the guideway. According to the invention, the guideway is at least partly integrated in the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thorkil Munk-Hansen, Rune Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8436243
    Abstract: An anti-lightning system for a composite structure having an external surface liable to be subjected to an air flow, the aforementioned system including at least one electrically conducting strip and fasteners fastening the aforementioned strip to the structure, the aforementioned strip being electrically connected to an electrical earth for removing current. According the disclosed embodiments, the aforementioned strip has a shape intended to collaborate with a housing created at the aforementioned external surface so that the external surface of the strip lies flush with the aforementioned external surface of the structure, and the aforementioned fasteners include an upper part flush with the external surface of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Olivier Gattus, Charles Lambert, Jacques Fournie, Jean-Christope Loche, Mathieu Giraudineau, Gautier Destombes, Gilles Mercadier, Patrick Lieven, Damien Binaud
  • Patent number: 8428878
    Abstract: A lightning strike simulation apparatus includes a storage device for storing lightning strike data, a setting unit for setting a simulation target in a simulation space, a downward leader advancing unit for advancing a downward leader from a lightning strike start position set by the setting unit, an upward leader advancing unit for advancing upward leaders from lightning strike-receiving candidate points set in the simulation space when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a reference point is within a first threshold value, and a lightning strike point determination unit for, when a distance between a leading edge of the downward leader and a leading edge of any one of the upward leaders is within a second threshold value, determining that the lightning strike-receiving candidate point corresponding to the any one of the upward leaders is a lightning strike point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Naka, Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Shinji Arinaga
  • Patent number: 8420929
    Abstract: A ground fault protection device includes an electrically-conductive main body defining a reservoir having a plurality of drainage ports, and having downwardly-extending, ground-penetrating electrodes configured for minimal ground penetration. The device has handles for manual lifting and transportation, plus grounding terminals for connection of grounding cables. The device may be installed at a desired field location by applying downward force to the device to press the electrodes into the earth, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the grounding terminals and the ground via the main body and the electrodes. Grounding cables may then be connected between the grounding terminals and structures or equipment requiring grounding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: R U Grounded Energy Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Mundle
  • Patent number: 8373065
    Abstract: An omnidirectional, external, lightning protection system which serves to minimize damage from lightning current and lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP). Embodiments of the present invention disclose a variety of individual structural components which may be rapidly assembled to form an air termination system, down conductor system, and earth termination system, according to established standards of lightning protection. The apparatus may be erected to protect a structure, area, or equipment and dismantled to its components parts when no longer required. The assembled structure may serve as a temporary or permanent protective structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Hidetaka Azuma
  • Patent number: 8232472
    Abstract: An early streamer emission terminal is disclosed. According to embodiments, the early streamer emission terminal creates an upward propagating streamer earlier than conventional lightning protection systems and/or devices. In particular, the early streamer emission terminal collects ground charges during an initial phase of thunderstorm development. When a thunderstorm begins to generate downward step leaders, the ambient electric field around a grounded lightning protection system induces current into the grounded lightning protection system. The induced current is a flow of negative charge toward the ground, while a positive charge is released to form an upward streamer. The construction of the early streamer emission terminal triggers the flow of positive upward charge microseconds earlier than traditional lightning rods or other similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Alltec Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Bean, Woei Chiang Lee
  • Publication number: 20110162863
    Abstract: An omnidirectional, external, lightning protection system which serves to minimize damage from lightning current and lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP). Embodiments of the present invention disclose a variety of individual structural components which may be rapidly assembled to form an air termination system, down conductor system, and earth termination system, according to established standards of lightning protection. The apparatus may be erected to protect a structure, area, or equipment and dismantled to its components parts when no longer required. The assembled structure may serve as a temporary or permanent protective structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Hidetaka Azuma
  • Patent number: 7960647
    Abstract: A lightning protection device having a grounded Franklin rod and a conductive device attached to the rod and defining a predetermined overall shape of a predetermined size therearound. The lightning protection device is particularly devised to limit the amount of corona discharges under the ambient ground fields associated with lightning storms while the upward leader inception requirements remain unchanged during the descent of a lightning leader. The lightning protection device has a corona inception voltage that is substantially insensitive to contamination from pollution, insects, vermin or water droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Farouk A. M. Rizk, Amr Rizk
  • Patent number: 7919711
    Abstract: A utility pole grounding plate including a main section and a plurality of flaps. The main section has a general plate shape adapted to be connected around an outer curved surface of a utility pole. The flaps extend outward from an exterior side of the main section. The flaps are formed by material cut and bent from the main section such that the flaps are integral with the main section. The main section has apertures corresponding to the cut and bent material of the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Bernard C. Crutcher
  • Patent number: 7915525
    Abstract: A lightning direction device is provided. The lightning direction device includes a drag member, a pendant mass and a conductor. The drag member is configured to have a select amount of wind resistance. The pendant mass has a select weight and shape. Moreover, the conductor is coupled between the pendant mass and the drag member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventor: John S. Canham
  • Patent number: 7902455
    Abstract: Provided is a lighting arrester capable of preventing damage caused by a lightning by discharging charges charged by approach of a thundercloud. The lightning arrester includes: a conductive rod installed at an upper part of an object to be protected from a lightning and connected to a ground part; a charge pipe having a cylindrical shape, formed of an insulating body to be insulated from the rod, and electrically charged with charges having a polarity opposite to ground charges; and a plurality of charge pins disposed on the charge pipe such that space charges in the air are charged to the pins by a thundercloud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Publication number: 20100236808
    Abstract: A lightning protection device having a grounded Franklin rod and a conductive device attached to the rod and defining a predetermined overall shape of a predetermined size therearound. The lightning protection device is particularly devised to limit the amount of corona discharges under the ambient ground fields associated with lightning storms while the upward leader inception requirements remain unchanged during the descent of a lightning leader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Farouk A.M. Rizk, Amr Rizk
  • Patent number: 7794526
    Abstract: An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Sal Caro
  • Patent number: 7795530
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for conducting lightning currents and/or fault currents away from a roof area (2) and/or façade area of a building (3) to the ground (4). According to the invention, the system is equipped with at least one strip (5), which is laid in the roof area (2) and/or façade area of the building (3) and at least one potential compensation system for the building (3). The strip (5) comprises at least one electrically conductive layer for shielding electromagnetic radiation and the strip (5) is connected to the potential compensation system in such a way that lightning currents and/or fault currents can be conducted away via the strip (5) and the building potential to the ground (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ewald Dörken AG
    Inventors: Jörn Schröer, Gilles Schwaab, Peter Heinz Raidt
  • Patent number: 7786377
    Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a device that includes an assembly of a toroid and a rod with one or several pointed ends; and a filter system; wherein, around the pointed end or the pointed ends of the rod, an electrical field is formed with air ionization, wherein in the space around the toroid formation of electrical fields and air ionization are minimized, wherein the pointed end projects out above the toroid level, and wherein the filter system attenuates the electrical discharge of lightning rays. The device of the present invention is connected to a low resistance cable that goes to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Humberto Arenas Barragan
  • Patent number: 7655861
    Abstract: A surge protector which has a metal grounding plate having holes and tubular sleeve guides, standard UL-approved ground rods that are inserted through the sleeve guides and are affixed to the sleeve guides using a durable exothermic weld, and leads attached at one end to the grounding plate also using an exothermic weld to affix any number of grounding devices, traditional ground rings, electronic equipment, structures, sites or combinations thereof. The durable exothermic weld is a permanent connection that stands in contrast to commonly used mechanical connections. The present invention also has a minimal footprint requirement allowing for placement in areas where space limitations are unsuitable for placement of conventional grounding rings. The present invention can be used in combination with or in lieu of conventional grounding rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Wayne C. Duley
  • Publication number: 20090308630
    Abstract: Provided is a lightning arrester capable of preventing damage caused by a lightning by discharging charges charged by approach of a thundercloud. The lightning arrester includes: a conductive rod installed at an upper part of an object to be protected from a lightning and connected to a ground part; a charge pipe having a cylindrical shape, formed of an insulating body to be insulated from the rod, and electrically charged with charges having a polarity opposite to ground charges; and a plurality of charge pins disposed on the charge pipe such that space charges in the air are charged to the pins by a thundercloud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Patent number: 7501574
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a high voltage electrical conductor suspended from a lattice-type tower during maintenance and repair includes a pair of elongate support arms, each of the support arms having an aperture extending therethrough intermediate its ends, the aperture opening in a direction transverse to the length of the support arms, and an elongate conductor support bar slidably received in the apertures of the support arms and extending between the support arms to define with the support arms a generally H-shaped support assembly, the support arms being slidable on the support bar for adjusting the distance between the arms and being movable on the support bar between a first position wherein the arms are parallel to each other and a second position wherein the arms are arranged at an angle to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Haverfield International Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry Graham
  • Patent number: 7495168
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is an electric dipole streamer discharge type lightning conductor, which can gather electric charges in the atmospheric air at one side thereof and generate an electric discharge due to a dielectric breakdown when a potential difference is formed between the electric charges gathered by an electric dipole and the electric charges of the earth so as to emit a great deal of electric charges of the earth toward thunderclouds to thereby induce a thunderbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sunkwang LTI Inc
    Inventor: Woo-Heon Park
  • Publication number: 20090000802
    Abstract: The invention of the present application provides a device that comprises an assembly of a toroid and a rod with one or several pointed ends; and a filter system; wherein, around the pointed end or the pointed ends of the rod, an electrical field is formed with air ionization, wherein in the space around the toroid formation of electrical fields and air ionization are minimized, wherein the pointed end projects out above the toroid level, and wherein the filter system attenuates the electrical discharge of lightning rays. The device of the present invention is connected to a low resistance cable that goes to ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: HUMBERTO ARENAS BARRAGAN
  • Patent number: 7465874
    Abstract: An electrical grounding strip has a first link and a second link, wherein the second link is connected directly to the first link, and each of the first and second links has a portion lying substantially in a plane and has at least one electrically conductive spike attached to the portion. The spike projects generally orthogonally to the plane of the link portion. An electrically conductive ground strap is in electrically conductive contact with the spikes of each of the first and second links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Obleman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7456354
    Abstract: A pole with knock-outs allows for quick, easy and versatile installation of hardware to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Valmont Industries Inc
    Inventors: John H. Wawrzeniak, Tony Schuler, Allan D. Abney
  • Patent number: 7365267
    Abstract: A ground rod having an induction discharge skin-effect plate is disclosed, in which an electric current inputted into a ground rod can be easily discharged to the ground by forming an induction discharge skin-effect plate in parallel with a ground rod at a certain interval and increasing a critical surface area when a thunderbolt falls. In addition, an electric potential increase of the ground can be lowered by allowing an electric potential discharge to take place between the upper and lower vertical portions of a ground rod and an induction discharge skin-effect plate when a thunderbolt falls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Dong-Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080023210
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is an electric dipole streamer discharge type lightning conductor, which can gather electric charges in the atmospheric air at one side thereof and generate an electric discharge due to a dielectric breakdown when a potential difference is formed between the electric charges gathered by an electric dipole and the electric charges of the earth so as to emit a great deal of electric charges of the earth toward thunderclouds to thereby induce a thunderbolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: WOO-HEON PARK
  • Publication number: 20080011500
    Abstract: It is believed that Raytheon uses lightning strikes to prevent rotating clouds from building into hurricanes. In this invention, metal towers are placed on islands so as to safely ground the Raytheon man made lightning strokes without damage to property or loss of life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Beckwith
  • Publication number: 20070181323
    Abstract: A ground rod having an induction discharge skin-effect plate is disclosed, in which an electric current inputted into a ground rod can be easily discharged to the ground by forming an induction discharge skin-effect plate in parallel with a ground rod at a certain interval and increasing a critical surface area when a thunderbolt falls. In addition, an electric potential increase of the ground can be lowered by allowing an electric potential discharge to take place between the upper and lower vertical portions of a ground rod and an induction discharge skin-effect plate when a thunderbolt falls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: DONG-JIN KIM
  • Patent number: 7127804
    Abstract: A device for installation of signalization spheres and verification of the status of a lightning-rod cable. A supporting structure, consisting of two bases equidistant, parallel to each other, linked to each other by axial segments, the axial segments acting as supports for activation engines, respectively, a grounding and idler tension system including a structure formed by two parallel rods that move along the vertical direction linked to two bases equidistant and parallel to each other in its intermediate portion through an axis. In its superior extremity through an axis and presenting in its inferior extremity slots for the introduction of an axis of a wheel. A first axial segment being equipped in its intermediate portion with a threaded rod which is linked it its inferior extremity to the axial segment of the bases superiorly equipped with a crank and spring. A fork is articulated over a pivot to the external part of the bases whereto are projected the feeding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Furnas Centrais Eletricas S/A
    Inventors: Milton Panico, Jr., Jose Robson Brandao De Oliveira, Ricardo Coelho Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 7041895
    Abstract: A streamer discharge type lightening rod is disclosed, which is capable of generating lots of ions so that a certain object can be effectively protected from lightening in such a manner that an induction current is formed using ions in the air as thundercloud is formed, and ions having polarities corresponding to the ions in the air are greatly generated at a surface of the lightening rod, and a streamer by a corona discharge is increased at a surface of the thundercloud for thereby inducing lightening from a thundercloud similar to when lightening is naturally generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Dong-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 6965079
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing an electrical ground connection through a pipe or conduit system including electrically non-conductive portions. A pipe fitting, preferably although not necessarily made of electrically non-conductive material, is equipped with an electrically conductive member extending within the fitting for intimate contact with a fluid carried by the fitting. A portion of the conductive element extends outside the pipe fitting, for connection to a suitable electrical ground. The conductive element within the fitting thus is at electrical ground potential, and that ground potential is transferred through an electrically conductive fluid medium within the pipe system to any electrically conductive element of the pipe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Wyman Westberry
  • Patent number: 6963026
    Abstract: A ground rod includes first and second ends connected by a shaft portion. The first end has an auger configuration permitting it to be drilled into the ground. The opposite end is adapted to attached to either an electric drill or an impact wrench. This drastically reduces the time required to drive the ground rod into the ground. In an alternate embodiment, the ground rod also adapted to attach to a handle which allows it to be manually inserted or removed from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: Bob Brennan
  • Patent number: 6943285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Bipolar Discharge-Dissipation Lightning Air-Terminals, and an object of the present invention is to disperse and discharge an earth charge following a thundercloud approach in a space according to electric dipole, bipolar and electric double layer principle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Patent number: 6930239
    Abstract: A ground bar includes a bar, a head securely connected to a first end of the bar, and a cap securely connected to a second end of the bar. The head is composed of a solid cone and a hollow sleeve securely connected to the solid cone and having a diameter larger than a diameter of the bar in such way that the outer periphery of the bar is protected so that after the head is extended into the ground, the outer periphery of the bar is protected from damage. The outer periphery of the hollow sleeve has slits defined thereon for guiding dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6916983
    Abstract: A grounding electrode suited for installation in very hard or rocky soil is a long conductive metal rod having a drilling bit at one end and a head adapted to mate with a drilling tool, preferably a hammer drill. The grounding electrode, together with a suitable connecting wire and a clamping device clamping the wire to the grounding electrode form an electrical grounding system for a home or commercial structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Tocini Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Orsini, Daniel Toce
  • Patent number: 6894216
    Abstract: A method of installing signalization spheres on energized transmission lines. A supporting structure, consisting of two bases equidistant, parallel to each other, linked to each other by axial segments, the axial segments acting as supports for activation engines, respectively, a grounding and idler tension system including a structure formed by two parallel rods that move along the vertical direction linked to two bases equidistant and parallel to each other in its intermediate portion through an axis. In its superior extremity through an axis and presenting in its inferior extremity slots for the introduction of an axis of a wheel. A first axial segment being equipped in its intermediate portion with a threaded rod which is linked it its inferior extremity to the axial segment of the bases superiorly equipped with a crank and spring. A fork is articulated over a pivot to the external part of the bases whereto are projected the feeding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Furnas Centrais Eletricas S/A
    Inventors: Milton Junior Panico, Jose Robson Brandao De Oliveira, Ricardo Coelho Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6875915
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lightning arrester. The lightning arrester safely discharges earth charge of a main electrode section and an auxiliary electrode section regardless of a variation of charge contained in air, so charge charged in a thundercloud is safely discharged into the earth even if the thundercloud is located far-remote from the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Publication number: 20040238193
    Abstract: A method of installing signalization spheres on energized transmission lines. A supporting structure, consisting of two bases equidistant, parallel to each other, linked to each other by axial segments, the axial segments acting as supports for activation engines, respectively, a grounding and idler tension system including a structure formed by two parallel rods that move along the vertical direction linked to two bases equidistant and parallel to each other in its intermediate portion through an axis. In its superior extremity through an axis - and presenting in its inferior extremity slots for the introduction of an axis of a wheel. A first axial segment being equipped in its intermediate portion with a threaded rod which is linked it its inferior extremity to the axial segment of the bases superiorly equipped with a crank and spring. A fork is articulated over a pivot to the external part of the bases whereto are projected the feeding system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Furnas Centrais Eletricas S/A
    Inventors: Milton Panico, Jose Robson Brandao De Oliveira, Ricardo Coelho Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6815606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar multi electrostatic inducing discharge-dissipation lightning air terminal, in which different charges are applied to upper and lower sections thereof by an isolation polymer insulator in such a manner that an earth-charge is preliminarily discharged as a thundercloud approaches, so that a thunderbolt is prevented from falling onto a building, thereby preventing a loss of lives and protecting electronic products installed in a building from being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Patent number: 6741438
    Abstract: A lightning-arresting system includes a lightning rod and an underground conductive network connected to the rod. The network includes a plurality of rectangular meshes or radially extending lines. The network is laid under a structure protected from lightning strikes. The coverage area of the network is greater than the building area of the structure to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Zenji Sakai
  • Patent number: 6703556
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for mobile lightning protection. In one embodiment of the present invention, a lightning interception rod is positioned above a vehicle. In one embodiment, the rod connects to four down-conductors to conduct the current supplied by the lightning towards the ground. In one embodiment, the four down-conductors are positioned in a rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, down-conductors are covered by a insulating material. In one embodiment, the insulating material is a 3 mm thick layer of polymer. In one embodiment, one or more chains are attached to the vehicle and allowed to contact the ground. In one embodiment, two chains are attached to the vehicle. One chain is positioned at the front of the vehicle and another chain is positioned at the back of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Mat Darveniza
  • Patent number: 6677517
    Abstract: A lightning suppression system for a power supply line including an enclosure with an interior volume, a first coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure, a second coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure, and a third coil positioned within the interior volume of the enclosure. The power supply line is connected to the leads of the first, second and third coils. A conductive grit fills a portion of the interior volume of the enclosure. A grounding rod is connected by a conductive line to the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: William J. Fowler, Benjamin P. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6649825
    Abstract: A lightning rod system including both methods and specific types of lightning rod protection apparatus, which address the need for lightning rod safety features to deter impalement and minimize injury when humans inadvertently fall upon or strike the projecting air terminal through use of a hebetative contiguous impact surface (10) on an end cap(s). The system involves lightning rod system components such as humanized quantal rod (3) or coil spring coupler (13) engineered to be responsive within the range of forces achieved when a human of average size and weight falls onto the projecting air terminal from a standing surface level with that on which the lightning rod system is mounted to. The lightning rod system also involves a method and engineered components to retrofit existing lightning rod assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: National Lighting Protection Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Rapp