With Opening Retaining Member Patents (Class 174/659)
  • Publication number: 20120090889
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a spherical cap for a high-voltage outgoing line, including an electrically conductive element, which is arranged hollow-cylindrically about a rotational axis and which merges into a hemispherical form at its first axial end. A connection device has a passage opening for electrically and mechanically connecting the element, to an electrical screening pipe. At least two insulation barriers are spaced apart from one another and respectively adapted to the form of the hollow-cylindrical element and enclose the latter at a respective first and second distance. The insulation barriers respectively have a pipe attachment connector for leading through a screening pipe to the connection device. The connection device has a first part for connection to a screening pipe and a second part connected to the conductive element and a connection adjustable in a force-locking manner is provided between the first and second parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ABB Technology AG
    Inventors: Hartmut Brendel, Matthias Starke, Raif Büchner, Jelena Braatz, Klaus Herkert
  • Patent number: 8143535
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly having a snap fit adaptor with bent grounding tangs providing improved electrical contact and enhanced grounding. An electrical connector assembly is adapted to snap fit within a knockout hole of an electrical box or panel for making electrical connections. A snap fit adaptor placed on the outlet end of a connector body has a plurality of locking tangs and grounding tangs. The locking tangs hold the connector assembly onto the electrical box, and a distal trailing edge of the grounding tangs extends into the knockout hole in the electrical box and are curved or shaped to provide a large surface area contact improving electrical continuity and providing enhanced electrical grounding. A safer more reliable electrical grounding connecting is made easily and without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 8129634
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a conduit connector can comprise: a body comprising a box engagement region capable of engaging an opening in an enclosure and a spring configured to engage the connector and the enclosure. The box engagement region can have a root surface, a leading tab, and a follower tab wherein the root surface and leading tab can be located between a leading edge and a secondary edge. A leading tab perimeter edge and a follower tab perimeter edge define a tab perimeter diameter that is larger than an opening in the enclosure. When the leading tab is inserted into the enclosure the spring can be disposed to engage the secondary edge and the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sigma Electric Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Sheehan, Vinayak Manohar Chavan
  • Patent number: 8124891
    Abstract: A duplex electrical fitting including a one-piece connector body that is die-cast of metal. The duplex fitting includes a pair of inbound bores on the inbound end and a single outbound bore on the outbound end. Two cable engaging clips are secured to the connector body, one adjacent each of the inbound bores, for engaging and securing an electrical cable in each of the inbound bores. An end stop with a pair of round openings therein stops the forward travel of the cables just before the outbound bore. The outbound end of the connector body includes a cylindrical nose portion and a split cylindrical snap ring for providing positive engagement of the outbound end of the duplex fitting to an electrical box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20120018217
    Abstract: An electrical connector feedthru insert assembly may include a connector body having a first leg projecting from the body in a first direction and second and third legs projecting from the body in a second direction substantially opposing the first direction. The first leg may be configured for insertion into a bushing well in a transformer, the bushing well including a conductive stud therein. The first leg may include a longitudinal bore extending therethrough configured for alignment with the conductive stud in the bushing well upon insertion of the first leg into the bushing well, the longitudinal bore having a bolt passage portion and a first shoulder portion. The feedthru insert assembly may further include a bolt sized for insertion into the longitudinal bore and including a tool engagement shoulder portion to engage the first shoulder portion of the longitudinal bore. Application of rotational force to the tool engagement shoulder portion may cause the bolt to threadingly engage the conductive stud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Larry N. Siebens, Alan D. Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 8097819
    Abstract: An improved structure for a wire outlet cover, arranged at a sidewall of a carton receiving a network wire, includes a body and a collar. The body has a hollow cylindrical shape and includes an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the body is, at the outlet end, provided with plural stop blocks, and wherein the body is, near the outlet end, provided with a stop flange. The collar has a hollow annular shape and is, at its internal edge, provided with plural axially-extended edges. The collar is assembled to the rear body, with the plural axially-extended edges stopped by the plural stop blocks, such that the collar and the stop flange are spaced apart for a predetermined distance for receiving the sidewall of the carton. Therefore, the network wire will not be twisted when entering into the wire outlet cover nor be twisted around the inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tatung Company
    Inventor: Der Sheng Su
  • Patent number: 8067703
    Abstract: A protective cable frame for providing a portal for routing low voltage cables through a wall. The protective cable frame includes a substantially rectangular frame portion with an inner periphery having a rounded surface, two ends, and arms extending from each end. The arms include an outer bore and an inner slot therein. The inner slots enable insertion of fasteners for direct mounting of the cable frame to a low voltage bracket or an electrical box and permit squaring of the cable frame with respect to the wall. The outer bores in the arms of the protective cable frame enable receipt of fasteners for mounting a cover plate thereto. The protective cable frame is capable of receiving low voltage cables for routing them through a wall to an adjacent room. The rounded surface on the inner periphery provides a gentle bend radius to cables routed there through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20110226526
    Abstract: A waterproof jacket assembly applied in a communication device is disclosed. The communication device includes an enclosure defining a first through hole for a transmission wire passing through. The waterproof jacket assembly is mounted on the enclosure corresponding to the first through hole, and includes a sleeve, an elastic waterproof element and a cover board. The sleeve defines a receiving cavity in communication with the first through hole. The elastic waterproof element is received in the receiving cavity and helically wrapped around the transmission wire. The transmission wire passes through the cover board and the cover board engages with the sleeve to drive the elastic waterproof element to fill in the receiving cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHUNG-JUN CHU
  • Patent number: 7977585
    Abstract: A closed-type motor has an elastic grommet with a through-hole into which a lead wire is inserted. The grommet covers an opening portion of a case. An elastic tube is connected to the grommet, and a cover covers the grommet. The grommet includes a pedestal portion abutted to the case; a tubular projection with the through-hole; and an annular groove surrounding a basal portion of the tubular projection. The tubular projection has an internal sectional area being equal to or larger than the one of the lead wire. The tube has an internal sectional area being equal to or larger than the one of the lead wire and has an inner diameter being equal to or less than an outer diameter of the tubular projection. The cover is provided with a central hole having a diameter being equal to or larger than an outer diameter of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Minebea Motor Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yoshizawa, Katsufumi Ohkouchi, Hidenori Mizukami
  • Patent number: 7973251
    Abstract: A deadfront junction mounting plate comprises a sheet metal panel, a plurality of panel mounting holes, a plurality of junction module mounting holes, at least one ground shield hole and at least one parking stand wherein the plurality of junction module mounting holes are further provided with fasteners integral therewith. The sheet metal panel has a first planar portion, a second planar portion and a third planar portion, the first planar portion provided with the panel mounting holes, the second planar portion provided with the junction module mounting holes and the third planar portion provided with the parking stand and the ground shield hole. The second planar portion is disposed at an angle to the first planar portion and the third planar portion is parallel to the second planar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Alva Glen Pruitt, Daniel Meadows
  • Publication number: 20110155457
    Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing a terminal supporting device which can perform a fixing operation of a cable terminal quickly and easily with a simple configuration. The terminal supporting device of the invention comprises a main body 10, a socket 20, a biasing member 30, a stopper 40, and a lock member 50. The lock member 50 includes a lock body 51 which is arranged movably between a lock position located between the socket 20 and the stopper 40 and a lock release position separated outwardly from a position located between the socket 20 and the stopper 40. The lock body 51 has a fitting projection 54, and the stopper 40 has a fitting depression 42a which fits with the fitting projection 54 of the lock body 51 at the lock position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HI-LEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Horinaka
  • Patent number: 7952034
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors that include a connector body having an inlet end opening and an outlet end portion wherein the outlet end portion is provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, retaining ring with locking tangs and grounding tangs for snap locking the outlet end portion to an electric box or enclosure, and including an embodiment having a cable strap retainer hingedly connected to an associated cable support saddle to render the cable strap retainer readily detachable from the saddle in a manner that prohibits any unintentional detachment of the strap therefrom when rotated between a cable clamping and unclamping position suitable for securing thereto either a non-metallic cable or an armored or metal clad cable, wire conductor and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kiely, Delbert Auray
  • Patent number: 7915543
    Abstract: An isolator assembly includes an electrical receptacle housing. The housing defines an aperture extending inwardly from a first exterior wall of the housing and a longitudinal centerline of the aperture. The housing further has an internal cavity extending from the aperture and a slot spaced from the internal cavity and extending from a second exterior wall of the housing. The slot is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the aperture. The isolator assembly also includes a plurality of terminals positioned in the housing, a nut sized for placement in the slot of the housing, a conduit fitting including a stem having a portion thereof sized for placement in the aperture of the housing, and a flexible conduit. The conduit is connected to the conduit fitting and contains a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the plurality of terminals within the electrical receptacle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Group Dekko, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond H. Riner
  • Patent number: 7824213
    Abstract: A cable connector is provided for connecting a cable to an electrical box. The cable connector has a body with an axial passage for receiving the cable where the body has a first end and a second end. The first end of the body is connected to the electrical box by a coupling member. Two spaced apart spring arms extend from the second end of the body and are angled inwardly to engage the cable and couple the cable to the connector. In one embodiment, the spring arms extend from a top portion of the body inwardly toward the axial center of the body. The first end of the connector includes a coupling tab for coupling to the electrical box and attaching the connector to the electrical box. In one embodiment, the coupling tab is formed with the front end of the body. In a second embodiment, the coupling tab is formed with the forward end of the coupling spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Krzysztof W. Korcz, Mahran H. Ayrton
  • Patent number: 7820922
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors, and more specifically to various types of electrical connectors, including an offset nipple connector assembly having an integrally formed connector body having opposed end openings provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, outer, retaining ring with locking tangs for snap locking the end portion of the connector body to an associated electric box or panel, and grounding tangs engaging the inner periphery of a knock out hole of an electric box or panel for effecting a positive electrical ground therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7786391
    Abstract: A ballast housing having a rolled edge lead wire exit for providing protection and strain relief to lead wires extending out from the housing. Grommets are not required in order to provide protection and strain relief to lead wires exiting the housing. The housing includes a lead wire opening having rolled upper and lower edges. The housing includes a lid including the rolled upper edge and a can including the rolled lower edge. The rolled upper edge is vertically aligned with the rolled lower edge but horizontally misaligned with the rolled lower edge. As a result, the rolled upper edge is positioned away from the rolled lower edge a distance that is horizontally shorter than the diameter of the lead wire. Additionally, the lead wire opening has a vertical diameter that is shorter than the diameter of the lead wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James Van Pelt, JC Kelley
  • Publication number: 20100212956
    Abstract: A sealed covering for exposed portions of electrical wires at an end of a protective tube, which houses a bus bar and has a cover shield, includes a plug. The plug includes two opposed hinged shells forming, when closed, a cavity for receiving a cable and a flange for engaging the cover shield. A method for enclosing at least one electrical splice between at least one electrical wire and at least one bus bar employs the sealed covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: James Parsons, Kevin L. Cousineau, Hanif Marshal
  • Publication number: 20100181088
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrical feed-through (200) for making a durable and reliable electrical connection through a wall (227) of a vacuum chamber (225). The electrical feed-through (200) comprises a tubular member having an open end (217) and a closed end (219). At least one conductor (201) extends through the closed end (217) and is fixed thereto by a vacuum sealing joint (214). The joint (214) is arranged so that it is not in line-of-sight from the open end (217). In this way impinging elements (220) and direct heat radiation (221) is prevented from directly reaching the joint (214), thereby extending the time it takes for contamination of the joint (214) to cause problems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Lars Stolt, Olle Lundberg
  • Patent number: 7723623
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors, and more specifically to a duplex or multiplex electrical connector having an integrally formed connector body having an inlet end portion defining a plurality of passageways for receiving a cable, and an outlet end portion wherein the outlet end portion is provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, outer, retaining ring with locking tangs and grounding tangs for snap locking the outlet end portion of the connector to an electric box or panel, and including a unidirectional cable retaining sleeve disposed within each of the inlet bores or passageways which are firmly secured therein in a predetermined oriented position relative to the respective passageway, and having a non-conducting bushing sandwiched between the outlet end opening and the outer frustro-conical retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kiely, Delbert Auray
  • Patent number: 7709755
    Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a strand-shaped body in an aperture of a wall, in particular for sealing a loom of cables in an aperture of a vehicle-body sheet, has a bush through which the strand-shaped body is guided. The bush has a circumferential wall bounding a cavity. A clamping element for clamping the bush against the aperture reaches with an extension into the cavity. The extension and/or the cavity are of a conical configuration such that, during clamping with the clamping element, the extension is pressed into the cavity, and therefore the circumferential wall is clamped radially against the aperture in the region of the conical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Pfister
  • Publication number: 20100038132
    Abstract: A header assembly for connecting an implantable medical device to at least one conductor lead terminating within a patient intended to be assisted by the medical device is provided. The implantable medical device is comprised of numerous feedthrough wires in a dense, non-linear, scattered format extending from the control circuitry and through a wall of the housing. The header assembly is comprised of an insulative body that is mountable on the housing of the medical device. The insulative body supports at least one conductor subassembly comprising a terminal that is directly connectable to the conductor lead, an intermediate conductor wire comprising a distal end connected to the terminal and a proximal end connected to a connector sleeve. Methods for making the header assembly and for connecting the header assembly to the implantable medical device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: JAMES KINNEY, James Coffed, Gabriel A. Kustra
  • Patent number: 7645947
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion. The outlet end portion is held in a knock out hole of an electric box and the inlet end portion is provided with an adjacent opening for receiving a wire conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring configured to be readily connected to an external portion of a connector body for ease of manufacture and assembly. An electric conductor can be unidirectionally inserted in the inlet end portion and secured thereto so as to prohibit any unintentional separation from the connector body, all without the need of any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kiely, Delbert Auray
  • Publication number: 20100000786
    Abstract: A closed-type motor comprising: an elastic grommet with a through-hole into which a lead wire is inserted, the grommet covering an opening portion of a case; an elastic tube connected to the grommet; a cover covering the grommet, wherein the grommet comprises: a pedestal portion abutted to the case; a tubular projection with the through-hole; and an annular groove surrounding a basal portion of the tubular projection, the tubular projection having an internal sectional area being equal to or larger than the one of the lead wire, the tube has an internal sectional area being equal to or larger than the one of the lead wire and has an inner diameter being equal to or less than an outer diameter of the tubular projection, and the cover is provided with a central hole having a diameter being equal to or larger than an outer diameter of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: MINEBEA MOTOR MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Yoshizawa, Katsufumi Ohkouchi, Hidenori Mizukami
  • Patent number: 7582829
    Abstract: This invention relates to an Electrical Junction Box with an external Built-in Fitting and clamp for securing armored metal cable to the Electrical Junction Box. The Built-in Fitting is extruded from a side wall of the Electrical Junction Box and has at least one pry-out for receiving an armored metal cable. A clamp is attached to the Built-in Fitting with threaded fasteners. As the threaded fasteners are tightened, the armored metal cable is clamped in the opening of the side wall of the Built-in Fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Frank Shaochong Yan
  • Patent number: 7576290
    Abstract: A conduit connector assembly which receives an end of a conduit carrying electrical wires includes a sleeve, a spring clip and a retaining spring. The retaining spring and the spring clip are each coupled to the sleeve. The spring clip is disposed within an interior passage of the sleeve and has a resiliently flexible body and a leg having a gripping end portion. The gripping end has a configuration for gripping and fitting partially about the conduit so as to center the grip end of the spring clip body on the conduit. The retaining spring includes a leg extending into the sleeve and a body contacting the outer surface of the spring clip to hold the spring clip in position and apply a biasing tension of the gripping end of the leg against the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Krzysztof W. Korcz
  • Publication number: 20090200076
    Abstract: A compressor comprising a shell, a compression mechanism disposed within the shell, a drive shaft for operating the compression mechanism, and a motor for driving the drive shaft. A terminal is secured to the shell for delivering electric current to at least one of the compression mechanism and the motor. A terminal block is engaged with the terminal, and a wire carries the electric current from the terminal and the terminal block. A wire retainer located relative to the compression mechanism supports the wire in a predetermined orientation within the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Edward Reynolds, Todd Edward Tesch
  • Patent number: 7563993
    Abstract: In order to improve an insert for an opening in a wall area of an appliance comprising a housing socket, an assembly device provided on the housing socket, with an assembly section which can be guided through the opening in the wall area and has snap elements which engage behind an edge of the opening as well as with a pressure ring which is arranged on the housing socket at a distance from the snap elements and can be adjusted in the direction of the snap elements by means of an advancing guide as a result of a rotary movement about the central axis, in such a manner that a secure assembly of the housing socket is possible, it is suggested that the pressure ring be rotatable in a first direction of rotation in order to secure the housing socket and that the housing socket be adapted to be fixed against any co-rotation in the first direction of rotation by means of a holding section element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Lapp Engineering & Co.
    Inventors: Rolf Drotleff, Martin Zankl, Daniel Mueller, Eugen Mikeler
  • Patent number: 7559511
    Abstract: A clamp-type retention element for an axisymmetrical component for vehicles, such as a cable or a tube for oil or fuel, has an axis of symmetry; the retention element has at least one through seat, which has an insertion opening and is designed to house a portion of the axisymmetrical component, a snap-action closing element of the insertion opening, hooking elements designed to co-operate with a support, elastic elements designed to co-operate with the portion of the axisymmetrical component within the seat, and a guide element of the portion of the axisyrumetrical component within the seat for identifying a housing position of the portion of the axisymmetrical component under the action of the elastic elements. The elastic elements are flexible in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of symmetry when the portion of the axisymmetrical component is in the housing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: ITW Automotive Italia S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fulvio Yon
  • Patent number: 7544901
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable duct (10), includes a base body (12), which may be operationally connected to a wall opening, for example, in a switch cabinet, at least one strain reliever (14, 16) with at least one opening (18, 20) for operational housing of at least one cable. The base body (12) is made from elastically deformable material, for example, rubber or plastic, includes at least one hinged housing (30, 32) for the strain reliever (14, 16) and may be plugged into the wall opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: ICOTEK Projekt GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bruno Ehmann
  • Publication number: 20090120687
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion. The outlet end portion is held in a knock out hole of an electric box and the inlet end portion is provided with an adjacent opening for receiving a wire conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring configured to be readily connected to an external portion of a connector body for ease of manufacture and assembly. An electric conductor can be unidirectionally inserted in the inlet end portion and secured thereto so as to prohibit any unintentional separation from the connector body, all without the need of any tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kiely, Delbert Auray
  • Patent number: 7495184
    Abstract: An electrical fitting with an improved arrangement on the trailing end for securing an electrical cable to a panel or an electrical box. The electrical fitting may include a single bore on the trailing end for connecting a single electrical cable to a knockout or two bores for securing two cables to a single knockout opening. The electrical fitting include a connector body having a leading body portion and a trailing body portion. The leading body portion may include a snap ring for snap-in connection to the panel or box or a threaded nose portion and locknut. The trailing body portion may include one or two inlet bores therein for the insertion of electrical cables. The improved arrangement for inserting a cable on the trailing end of the fitting includes an improved tandem tang with a common middle portion and a leading and trailing tang extending therefrom. A portion connecting the trailing tang to the common middle portion is of arcuate shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7488905
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to various embodiments of an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion. The outlet end portion has an associated locking member whereby it can be readily attached to a knock out hole of an electric box and the inlet end portion is provided with a wire conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring configured to be readily connected to an external portion of a connector body for ease of manufacture and assembly, and which is configured to extend through an opening formed in the inlet end portion whereby an electric conductor can be unidirectionally inserted in the inlet end portion and secured thereto so as to prohibit any unintentional separation from the connector body, all without the need of any extraneous tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kiely, Delbert Auray
  • Patent number: 7459643
    Abstract: A dual-clamp device attaches a pair of metal clad cables to a junction box. The clamp device is integrally formed defining a pair of side-by-side cable receiving members separated by a central web. Each cable receiving member is generally in the form of an elongate split cylinder permitting radial resilient movement. Forward fingers on each cable insertion end of the cable receiving member provides for engagement with the wall in the junction box upon insertion. The cable receiving member supports the wall of the junction box between the forward fingers and a spring tab on the central web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Rubin de la Borbolla
  • Publication number: 20080277160
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors, and more specifically to various types of electrical connectors, including an offset nipple connector assembly having an integrally formed connector body having opposed end openings provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, outer, retaining ring with locking tangs for snap locking the end portion of the connector body to an associated electric box or panel, and grounding tangs engaging the inner periphery of a knock out hole of an electric box or panel for effecting a positive electrical ground therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Lawrence J. Smith
  • Patent number: 7446267
    Abstract: A transit device is disclosed for passing at least one elongate line sealingly through an opening in a wall. The device comprises a clamping frame and a number of blocks which together fill-out the frame. At least one of the blocks has a through-penetrating channel for receiving the line, wherein the block is adapted to permit lateral insertion of the line into the channel. The device also comprises a separate tubular bush made of elastic material. The bush has a generally axial through-penetrating slot in its wall, to enable the bush to be laterally fitted to the line, and has an outer cross-section which corresponds generally to the cross-section of the channel in the block. The bush comprises a plurality of radially separated layers which can be separated from each other so as to adapt the through-penetrating channel of the bush to the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Roxtec AB
    Inventor: Hans Hedström
  • Patent number: 7434814
    Abstract: A waterproof grommet, includes an elastic grommet body which is provided with a flange portion to be mounted to a panel; an annular wall which is provided on a first face of the flange portion; a lip portion which is provided on a second face of the flange portion, the second face being opposed to the first face; an annular reinforcing portion which is provided on the second face of the flange portion, and disposed inwardly of the lip portion; and a plurality of wire-passage tubular portions which are provided on the reinforcing portion through respective flexible portions, and are disposed within the annular wall. Proximal ends of the tubular portions are interconnected at a thick wall through the flexible portions. The reinforcing portion is adapted to be inserted into a panel hole of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichiro Kumakura, Yoshihiko Nakahama, Takanori Kawai
  • Publication number: 20080236888
    Abstract: As well as forming a notch in a rear extreme of a rib wall protruding integrated with a rail which supports a main substrate, in which is locked a power cord pulled in a right direction across the rail, a rib which presses into a groove of a bush from a left-right direction is provided on a left wall surface of a support portion of a concave portion which houses the bush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Akihiro FUJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20080237191
    Abstract: A strain relief mechanism is provided for an accessory for an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The accessory includes an enclosure having a first end with an aperture, a second end disposed opposite and distal from the first end, and a number of electrical conductors, such as wires, extending through the aperture and outwardly from the first end of the accessory enclosure. The strain relief mechanism includes a support extending outwardly from the first end of the enclosure, and being proximate the aperture and the number of electrical conductors extending therethrough. A fastening mechanism, such as a wire tie, wraps around the electrical conductors and the support in order to secure the number of electrical conductors to the support and resist undesired movement thereof. First and second portions of the enclosure are fastened together without a plurality of separate fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Erik R. Bogdon, Thomas A. Whitaker
  • Patent number: 7418765
    Abstract: A grommet includes a first grommet, having a first insertion hole through which a wire harness passes, an inner cover, having a second insertion hole communicated to the first insertion hole, the inner cover being mounted into the first grommet and a second grommet, mounted on the inner cover, and having a harness containing portion between the second grommet and the inner cover. A rib is provided on one of the inner cover and the second grommet. A rib bearing portion is provided on the another of the inner cover and the second grommet so as to be disposed to face to the rib. The wire harness disposed on the rib is pushed out from the rib by the rib bearing portion when the second grommet is mounted on the inner cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Kameyama
  • Publication number: 20080185183
    Abstract: A resonance-coordinating device for an audio and video can clamp a transmission cable. The device including: a main body. An adjustable part for making the main body clamps oppositely or for moving opposite to the main body to adjust location sets on the main body. A vibration absorbing unit with a holding part sets in the main body directly or indirectly and a suppresser that surrounds the transmission cable mounts on the holding part. By the way, present invention can reduce the resonance that causes by the electric current pass through the conductor and provide the required audio/video quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Chien-Chung Chen
  • Patent number: 7399922
    Abstract: A wiring fixing member for fixing a receiving member, receiving wiring therein, to a mating member includes a base portion, a pair of holdingwalls which are formed on and project upwardly from the base portion, and can hold the receiving member therebetween in a manner to position the receiving member, and a pair of retaining portions which extend respectively from the pair of holding walls, and can retain the receiving member held by the pair of holding walls, the pair of retaining portions defining an opening therebetween which intersects a longitudinal direction of the receiving member, held by the pair of holding walls, at an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oga, Akihito Tsukamoto, Masahiro Takamatsu, Koji Nomura
  • Publication number: 20080156526
    Abstract: A connector for an armored cable mountable to a wiring box has a body provided with two biasing components which are operative to engage opposite sides of the wall of the wiring box and operative to maintain the desired position of the connector upon mounting its body to the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Lucien Ducret
  • Publication number: 20080149388
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to electrical connectors, and more specifically to a duplex or multiplex electrical connector having an integrally formed connector body having an inlet end portion defining a plurality of passageways for receiving a cable, and an outlet end portion wherein the outlet end portion is provided with an outer surface that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening and having a complementary sloping or frustro-conical, snap fit, outer, retaining ring with locking tangs and grounding tangs for snap locking the outlet end portion of the connector to an electric box or panel, and including a unidirectional cable retaining sleeve disposed within each of the inlet bores or passageways which are firmly secured therein in a predetermined oriented position relative to the respective passageway, and having a non-conducting bushing sandwiched between the outlet end opening and the outer frustro-conical retaining ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Kiely, Delbert Auray
  • Patent number: 7390979
    Abstract: A conduit connector assembly which receives an end of a conduit carrying electrical wires includes a body, a grommet and a spring clip. The grommet and the spring clip are each mounted to the body. The spring clip is disposed within an interior bore of the fitting body and has a resiliently flexible body and a leg having a gripping end portion. The grip end has a substantially scalloped configuration for gripping and fitting partially about the conduit so as to center the grip end of the spring clip body on the conduit. The spring clip also includes a latching member to couple with the body to hold the spring clip in position and apply a biasing tension of the gripping end of the leg against the conduit. The grip end having the scalloped configuration is in the form of an arcuate concave-shaped edge surface on the gripping end portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7358448
    Abstract: An electric connector assembly made up of a connector body having an inlet end portion, an outlet end portion, and a bore communicating the inlet end portion to the outlet end portion; and having a frustro-conical retaining ring mounted on the outlet end portion wherein the retainer ring includes locking tangs and one or more grounding tangs wherein the free end of the grounding tang defines the trailing end of the retainer ring. The locking tangs effect a snap-fit locking arrangement while the grounding tang effects an electrical grounding of the connector assembly, when connected to a knock-out hole of an electric box or panel. Various embodiments are disclosed wherein the grounding tang is formed so as to enhance the electrical grounding effect between the connector assembly and the electric box or panel connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Publication number: 20070278006
    Abstract: In a snap-in electrical connector for attaching helical metal cable and conduit to a junction box or the like, the connector having the locking ring with flexible tabs engageable with the cable/conduit, the improvement wherein the tabs have legs angled inwardly of the ring at specified angles, tips that form specified angles with the legs, and tip ends that are biased relative to the legs in the same direction. The specified angles of the legs, tips and tip ends provide improved pull-out strength, electrical conductivity and stability for a wide range of sizes and types of cable and conduit, including metal clad cable, armored cable, and flexible metal conduit, made of aluminum and steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: HALEX/SCOTT FETZER COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael J. Gardner
  • Patent number: 7304251
    Abstract: A duplex electrical fitting having angled cable insertion bores that direct the cables to a leading outlet. The duplex electrical fitting includes a connector body, an internal snap ring holder, and snap rings secured to the snap ring holder. The angled bores are axially aligned with the leading outlet of the electrical fitting. Electrical cables inserted within the angled bores are directed to the leading outlet of the fitting. The inserted electrical cables are held within the fitting by the snap rings. The angled cable insertion bores enable easier insertion of electrical cables through the electrical fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7282650
    Abstract: A conduit gland that is adapted to engage at least one conduit that passes through an aperture in a housing. The conduit gland includes a bracket adapted to engage the housing; and a resilient member that has a portion retained by the bracket and the housing. The conduit gland also includes a clamp surface that, together with the resilient member, at least partially covers the aperture and engages the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Czuhanich, John J. Ford
  • Patent number: 7251409
    Abstract: A cable strain relief that includes an over-molded portion affixed to a cable and a flexible decorative boot. The decorative boot is passed through an opening in an enclosure. The cable is passed through a cylindrical space form in the decorative boot until the over-molded piece engages the walls of the cylindrical space, holding it in place. The over-molded portion is positioned within the decorative boot such that a flange is seated on a collar of the decorative boot within the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Mohammad Shakeri
  • Patent number: 7244895
    Abstract: A cost efficient electrical feedthrough is provided for forming a hermetic seal with a container and allowing a desired number of inputs to be connected between varied environmental conditions. The electrical feedthrough can be employed for environmental conditions including high pressures, high temperatures, low temperatures and the presence of corrosive gases. A first wire situated in a first environmental condition and a second wire situated in a second environmental condition are connected via a conducting material. The first environmental condition and the second environmental condition are separated by a divider having an opening for passing therethrough either the first wire or the second wire. A first seal extends from the divider to a material in contact with the conducting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid R. Borzabadi