Single Duct Conduits Patents (Class 174/68.3)
  • Patent number: 7099551
    Abstract: A cabling duct (10) comprises an elongate channel (1) having a longitudinal aperture (2) and an elongate lid (7). The opposite edges of the lid releasably engage the opposite edges of the aperture to close the aperture and the lid 7 is integrally connected to the channel by a flexible web (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Hallinan
  • Patent number: 7087840
    Abstract: A patch panel assembly having a bracket with a base extending between first and second side walls. The bracket defines a cable receiving passageway. First and second patch panels are coupled to the first and second side walls for pivotal movement about first and second vertical pivot axes between open and closed positions. The patch panels are selectively engageable with one another in their closed positions for limiting access across the cable receiving passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Nathaniel L. Herring, Robert C. Baxter, Glenn T. Kierstead
  • Patent number: 7078617
    Abstract: A cable organizer including a first member defining an elongate channel receivable of cables and including a plurality of apertures through which the cables can be passed into or out of the channel and a second member defining an elongate channel and slidably connected to the first member. The second member is positionable in communication with an aperture in a lower side of the first member by sliding the second member along the lower side of the first member, e.g., in a channel formed in connection therewith for this purpose, such that the cables can be guided from the channel in the first member to the channel in the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Ralph Luciere
  • Patent number: 7075007
    Abstract: An electrical connector that includes a connector body having an inlet end and an outlet end that slopes downwardly toward the outlet opening that is circumscribed by a complementary frustro conical outer snap-fit retaining ring mounted on the outlet end of the connector body. The outer frustro conical retaining ring is integrally formed from a blank of spring steel having integral locking and grounding tangs blanked or formed out of the plane of the blank. The connector assembly also includes an internal sleeve having inwardly formed spring fingers to secure an electrical conductor to the inlet end by a snap fit. In an alternate embodiment, a simple clamp arrangement is substituted for the internal snap fit sleeve for securing a wire conductor to the inlet end of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 7064272
    Abstract: An electrical connector that includes a connector body having an inlet end and an outlet end which has an outer surface sloping downwardly toward the outlet opening, and having a complementary frustro conical outer snap retaining ring mounted on the outlet end of the connector body. The outer frustro conical retaining ring is integrally formed from a blank of spring steel having integral locking and grounding tangs blanked or formed out of the plane of the blank. The connector assembly also includes an internal sleeve secured to the inlet end formed with spring fingers to secure an electrical conductor to the inlet end by a snap fit. In an alternate embodiment, a simple clamp arrangement can be substituted for the internal snap fit sleeve for securing a wire conductor to the inlet end of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 7060908
    Abstract: In a pair of tongue pieces 23, 24 which are opposed to each other and extended from the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body 20a in which the electric wire harness 11 is accommodated, the rising portions 23a, 24a are provided in the directions opposing to each other. Therefore, the rising portions 23a, 24a are located on the sides of the electric wire harness 11. Accordingly, when the tongue pieces 23, 24 are attached to the electric wire harness 11, the sides of the electric wire harness 11 can be protected by the rising portions 23a, 24a. Therefore, when the adhesive tape 12 is wound in such a manner that the tongue pieces 23, 24 are pressed to each other, the sides of the electric wire harness 11 can be easily protected and fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Daito
  • Patent number: 7060893
    Abstract: A raceway construction with an antislipping cover, specifically designed for holding cables, pipes and the like, a section member including a bottom wall and two sidewalls, which can be closed by a cover, and being characterized in that said raceway construction further includes interference means between the edges of the sidewalls and the cover, adapted to prevent the cover from slipping with respect to the edges of the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Canalplast S.p.A.
    Inventor: Piergiorgio Villi
  • Patent number: 7057104
    Abstract: Large-radius conduit box bodies for connecting electrical or telecommunications conduits have a body defining a chamber with an axial hub at one or both ends and at least one perpendicular hub defining passageways communicating with the chamber. The perpendicular hubs are adjoined to the body chamber with a large outwardly curved interior radius. The inner surface of the large radius eliminates sharp corners at the intersection of the hub passageways with the body chamber and provides a maximum radius of curvature for cables pulled through or passing through the chamber and hub passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Price C. McCleskey
  • Patent number: 7057107
    Abstract: An electric connector assembly having a connector body defining an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion interconnected by a through bore wherein the outlet end portion is provided with a tapering frustro conical surface that is circumscribed by an external retainer ring of a frustro conical shape complementing the frustro conical outer surface of the outlet end portion. The conical external retainer ring also includes locking and grounding tangs arranged to effect a snap fit connection of the connector assembly to a knock-out hole of an electric box or panel. The electric connector assembly further contemplates the use of internal wire conductor retainer associated with the inlet end portion so as to effect the attachment of an electric wire conductor thereto with a snap fit in a manner that prohibits any unintentional separation of the electric wire conductor therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 7053303
    Abstract: A secure conduit system is described through which electrical, electronic or optical fiber cables, pneumatic tubing, hydraulic tubing or other elongated wiring, cabling or tubing can be routed. The system includes open-sided raceways through which the cable is routed, covers for closure of the raceways, at least one locking device to lock a raceway and cover and being releasable only from within the raceway, with the device release being accessible only though an open end of the conduit, and the remainder of the conduit sections being openable only after release of the locking device of the first section. The conduit system may be multibranched and is intended to be connected at its ends to secure enclosures which allow for controlled access to the cabling and to the release mechanism. Typical uses will be for computer networks, communication systems, equipment control systems and remote environmental gas sampling and analysis systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Secured Systems Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Craig McCarthy, Stanley Dunaway, G. Bradford Saunders
  • Patent number: 7049521
    Abstract: A flexible wiring duct is disclosed. The wiring duct includes a base, a first side wall connected to the base, and a second side wall connected to the base. The wiring duct also includes a first aperture formed in the first side wall and extending into the base, and a second aperture formed in the second side wall and extending into the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Eugene R. Marcotte, Peter E. Bingham, Andrew J. Chaloupka
  • Patent number: 7049508
    Abstract: A flexible conduit that forms a raceway for cables and wires is provided. The flexible conduit includes a generally flat strip extending along an axis and a first plurality of hinges in the strip. Each of the first plurality of hinges is generally parallel to the axis such that the strip is foldable along the first plurality of hinges between a first open configuration and a second closed configuration wherein the strip of material defines the raceway. A second plurality of hinges, spaced along the axis, is also provided in the strip. Each hinge of the second plurality of hinges extends along a corresponding hinge axis generally perpendicular to the axis of the strip such that the strip is foldable along the second plurality of hinges between the first open configuration and a second folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Richard D. Bushey, Bret L. Bushey
  • Patent number: 7049517
    Abstract: A method comprises selecting a first elongated channel member with at least two open ends, placing an elongated carrier in the first channel member so that it extends through the at least two open ends, placing a first cover over an open side of the first channel member to form a hollow first conduit section in combination therewith so that the elongated carrier extends therethrough, and locking the first cover to the first channel member with a locking device that is operable only from within the first conduit section and is accessible only through an open end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Secured Systems Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Craig McCarthy, Stanley Dunaway, G. Bradford Saunders
  • Patent number: 7045707
    Abstract: Internal and external elbow base fittings have longer sides or legs that can be selectively severed at lines of weakening to make up the raceway base. The offset assembly also includes cover components that snap onto these elbow base fittings, and may match the perimeter raceway system with which the offset assembly is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventor: Marc Galasso
  • Patent number: 7045709
    Abstract: A corrugated tube having an elastic material in which a slit is formed over the entire length of a cylindrical periphery of a flexible tube main body, and a wire harness is contained with the slit being in a closed state. Both ends of the slit are formed over a predetermined peripheral width with a soft material composition having a lubricant and a soft material having a hardness less than that of an outer skin of electric wires that constitute a wire harness to be contained. The corrugated tube is capable of accommodating a wire harness with no injury and enabling a smooth wire harness accommodating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Koike, Koji Nishina, Atsushi Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7041898
    Abstract: Cornice Molding raceway including a generally U-shaped base and reversible cover that can be used to expose differently shaped surfaces to allow different design variations for the installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Shawn Stempinski, Peter Currier, Antonio J. Vargas
  • Patent number: 7041912
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation device for cables (6) that are to be laid along walls, with cable holders (5) and a cover (10). The present invention makes provision such that the cover (10) is configured as a cable cover profile strip (1) with a front cover strip (2) and side cover strips (3) that extend from its two side edges (201), which can be wound on to a winding body and then unwound from same in order to be installed; the two side cover strips (3) are connected to the front cover strip (2) through a folding or hinged connection; in the wound-on state (LT), the two side cover strips are folded inward with their unattached side edges (301) facing each other, and extending in the same direction as the front cover strip (2); and in that each of the two side cover strips (3) can be moved into the installation position (MA) by being folded away from the front cover strip (2), transversely to the longitudinal dimension of said front cover strip (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Wien Kanal-Abwassertechnologie GesMbH
    Inventors: Helmut Kadrnoska, Gerhard Reiss, Alfons Fietz
  • Patent number: 7041897
    Abstract: Systems and methods for covering a trough member. A system can include a hinge clip coupled to a sidewall of the trough member and having arms creating a socket. The system can include a cover including a pivot member and a groove at one end. The pivot member can be received in the socket to allow the cover to pivot about the pivot member from open to closed positions, and one arm of the socket can be received in the groove in the open position. A capture clip including a ramp portion and a seat can be coupled to the other sidewall, and another pivot member at the other end of the cover can ride along the ramp and drop into the seat as the cover is pivoted from open to closed positions. The cover can also be two cover portions, each extending partially over the trough member and creating a slot therebetween. The hinge clip can include structures to limit rotation of the cover, and structures to capture portions of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Herzog
  • Patent number: 7038133
    Abstract: In a wire harness protector comprised of a gutter-like protector main body with a bottom wall and both side walls, for accommodating corrugated tubes 9, into which a wire harness is inserted, in multi tiers in the vertical direction and a cover for covering an opening between upper ends of the both side walls of the protector main body, a wire holding spacer for positioning and holding the corrugate tube located in a lower tier within the protector main body, the wire holding spacer is formed integrally with one side wall of the both side walls of the protector main body through a hinge portion, and at position opposed to the other side wall of the both side walls of the wire holding spacer, a locking portion for engaging/releasing with/from an engaging portion of the other side wall is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Arai, Aiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7034227
    Abstract: A cable trough for installing cables alongside a railway line or other right of way is described. The cable trough is constructed using longitudinally oriented reinforcing fibers coated with polymeric resin that generally aligns the reinforcing fibers with the length of the cable trough. One or more connector clips may be used to secure respective portions of the cable trough to one another. The cable trough is provided with a cover that may be removably secured to an elongate channel to protect the cables housed within the cable trough. Elbows, corners, tees, and other connectors may be provided to run the cable trough in any desired direction. A method of installing cables in a cable trough is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Ron W. Fox
  • Patent number: 7034221
    Abstract: An extendable channel unit such as molding unit (21) has a pair of telescopically arranged relatively extendable conduits (55, 75) with a conductor (22) interconnected in conductive relation between the conduits, with an intermediate section (137) of the conductor effective to accommodate the relative extension of the conduits. The intermediate section may include a sinuous configuration (133) or expandable coils (139). The channel unit may be installed along a wall (145) or other surface for decoratively covering the installation of the conductor for connection with an operated device (153). The channel unit may be installed into a ramp (163) when installed along a floor, such as within a doorway (171).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: David H. Johnston, Richard A. Clark
  • Patent number: 7017266
    Abstract: Methods for electrical isolation of a locator wire for locating the position of a utility conveyance include, in one aspect, the steps of positioning at least one locator wire in substantial alignment with the utility conveyance, and placing the locator wire in electrical communication with an electrically conductive terminal at least partially enclosed within an electrically isolating sheath. In another aspect, a method is provided for locating a utility conveyance, including the positioning at least one locator wire in substantial alignment with at least a portion of the utility conveyance and placing an electrically conductive terminal in electrical communication with an end of the locator wire. The terminal is separate from the locator wire and further is at least partially enclosed within an electrically isolating sheath. A detectable signal may then be applied to the locator wire through the terminal, and the location of the utility conveyance may be ascertained with a detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: T-Squared, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Tanner
  • Patent number: 7019214
    Abstract: A device for supporting or routing lines in passages, in particular sewers, has a cable conduit that accommodates the lines. The cable conduit is made up of single segments that are connected to each other, which has a base from which cheek pieces protrude. The base is made up of adjacent segments, preferably of sheet metal, that are connected flexibly to one another. Cheek pieces that project from the base are formed of a flexible material, preferably plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wien Kanal-Abwassertechnologien GesmbH
    Inventors: Johann Kübel, Helmut Kadrnoska, Gerhard Reiss
  • Patent number: 7019213
    Abstract: A raceway assembly according to the present invention is used in conjunction with a conventional equipment rack to route cables between and otherwise to or from equipment stored in the rack. Guide members project from a trough portion of the raceway and position cables routed through spaces between the guide members. Versions of the guide members have elastic edging providing soft surfaces to reduce cable wear and otherwise protect cables from potential damage and lessening of life span. Some of the edging is formed as a substantial portion of the thickness of the guide member to provide enhanced cushioning of the cables. Versions of the guide members can include a core portion of a rigid or pliable material. Those guide members with a pliable core can be readily bent to provide enhanced support and positioning of cables being held by the guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Stephen McNutt, Joseph Patrick Conlan, Edwardo Solis
  • Patent number: 7017615
    Abstract: A protector includes a main body, lids, hinges, and lock portions. The main body including a bottom wall, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The lids are coupled to the main body through the hinges. The lock portions are disposed between the lids and the main body. The lids are configured to cover the main body from both sides thereof. A first lid includes a closure plate at an adjacent position thereof. The closure plate protrudes from an end portion of the first lid toward an inner surface side of the second lid. The closure plate closes gap between the first and second lids. A second lid includes a misassembly prevention rib at an adjacent position thereof. The rib protrudes from an end portion of an outer surface of the second lid toward a direction away from the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignees: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Hiroshi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7009108
    Abstract: In a two piece metal raceway having snap-in cover segments that engage marginal edges of the base, a gap between adjacent cover segments is fitted with a stamped device bracket including rearwardly bent end portions with angled tap and bottom edges that are snapped into the base. This device bracket lies in the same plane as the cover segments so a cover plate can overlap these raceway cover segments. The resulting assembly lends itself to considerable time savings for the installer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Wiremold Company
    Inventors: Antonio J. Vargas, Joseph A. Milheiro, Jeffrey Hemingway
  • Patent number: 7005581
    Abstract: A labor saving system, method, and apparatus for connecting or coupling lengths of electric metallic tubing (“EMT”). The invention uses couplings/connectors that have barbs that are designed to engage corresponding indentations on EMT to ensure proper installation. In one aspect, the invention is an EMT having: an EMT inner surface forming an EMT cavity; an EMT outer surface; an EMT first end; and at least one indentation in the EMT outer surface at or near the EMT first end, the indentation adapted to receive a corresponding barb from a sleeve device. In another aspect, the invention is a sleeve device comprising; a sleeve inner surface forming a sleeve cavity adapted to receive an end of an EMT; a sleeve outer surface; a first sleeve end; at least one barb on the sleeve inner surface at or near the first sleeve end, the barb adapted to engage a corresponding indentation on the EMT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: John Maneely Company
    Inventor: David Ruffin Burnette
  • Patent number: 6992247
    Abstract: Systems and method for installing computer equipment and power distribution equipment in facilities is provided. In one aspect, the present invention provides a power distribution rack, and uninterruptible power supply rack and a plurality of equipment racks. A plurality of power cables are run from the power distribution rack to each of the plurality of equipment racks using power cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. A plurality of data cables run between the plurality of equipment racks using data cable tracks located on the roofs of the equipment racks. The power cable tracks and data cable tracks are designed to be installed on the roofs of the equipment racks without the need for tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Rasmussen, William Ziegler, Peter Francis
  • Patent number: 6972367
    Abstract: A modular raceway system for any combination of high voltage power lines and low voltage data communication lines uses a combination hinge-latch cover member and a single piece base member. The system incorporates an elliptical profile and eliminates conventional sidewalls, and presents the hinge-latch mechanism to releasably secure a cover member in a snap-lock manner to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: HellermannTyton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Federspiel, Edward P. Dyer
  • Patent number: 6972368
    Abstract: A raceway system is disclosed. The raceway system includes a first office furniture panel and a second office furniture panel angularly positioned relative to the first office furniture panel, a base cap mountable to the first office furniture panel and the second office furniture panel, at least one corner raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, and a cover securable to the base cap. The base cap has at least one aperture for wiring to pass therethrough. The corner raceway section has a channel extending axially therethrough, and the corner raceway section allows the wiring to pass vertically through the aperture and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Charles VanderVelde
  • Patent number: 6967286
    Abstract: An electrical wire bundle W is accommodated in a main body 20 of a protector 10, a cover portion 30 is closed, and the main body 20 and the cover portion 30 are locked by lock portions 40 capable of engaging the two members. Namely, if a belt-shaped retaining piece 31 extending from the cover portion 30 toward the main body 20 is inserted into a retaining hole 25 of a through hole 23 provided through an attaching portion 21 of the main body 20, a pawl portion 32 of the retaining piece 31 rides over a flexible piece 24, which is provided between the retaining hole 25 and a flexible hole 26, while deflecting the flexible piece 24, so as to be retained by the flexible piece 24. Since a widthwise dimension of the flexible hole 26 is less than a maximum widthwise dimension of the retaining piece 31, when the retaining piece 31 is inserted in the retaining hole 25, even if an attempt is erroneously made to insert the retaining piece 31 into the flexible hole26 the retaining piece 31 cannot be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Daito
  • Patent number: 6948241
    Abstract: A corrugated tube includes a tubular body, formed with a slit extending in an axial direction of the tubular body; a plurality of ridge portions, formed on an outer periphery of the tubular body and arranged side by side in the axial direction; and a lap portion, protruded from one of opposed end portions of the tubular body which are separated by the slit and extended toward an inner face of the other opposed end portion of the tubular body. A plurality of fixation members are provided on the outer periphery of the tubular body to fix the corrugated tube onto the panel body in a state that the tubular body is so twisted that the slit is spirally extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Tadokoro
  • Patent number: 6946599
    Abstract: A raceway system is disclosed. The raceway system includes a base cap mountable to a top surface of an office furniture panel, at least one horizontal raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, at least one corner raceway section positionable adjacent the base cap, and a cover securable to the base cap. The base cap has at least one aperture for wiring to pass therethrough. The corner raceway section has a channel extending axially therethrough, and the corner raceway section allows the wiring to pass vertically through the aperture and the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Charles VanderVelde
  • Patent number: 6940019
    Abstract: To provide a horizontal arrangement type cable protection and guide device, which is bent without distortion between a stationary portion and a movable portion in a horizontal plane under a use environment and can smoothly follow a movement stroke of the movable portion, whereby excellent endurance can be exerted for a long period of time. In a horizontal arrangement type arrangement cable protection and guide device, link plates 12 arranged on a lower side of a large number of connected rectangular link frame bodies 10 are each formed in larger plate thickness than in link plates arranged on a upper side of said link frame bodies 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Masaaki Ikeda, Shoichiro Komiya, Takayuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 6940018
    Abstract: A cable guide for creating an organized cable bundle. A plurality of channels for receiving cable are provided in a rotating column ring at one end of the cable guide and a cylindrical portion terminates at a flexible boot on the opposite end. A slot in the cable guide extends between the two ends of the guide and can be aligned with the individual channels by rotating the column ring to provide access to the channels to add or remove cable therefrom. Each channel is labeled so that the installer can identify its associated cable. Cable ties that are pre-tied around the cylindrical portion can be slid off the cable guide and around the cable bundle. An alternate embodiment of the invention is provided with a second rotatable ring that effectively separates each channel in two separate compartments for receiving twice as many cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffery Boyd Dewhirst
  • Patent number: 6933439
    Abstract: For preventing clamping an elastic grommet main body at open/close, a waterproof grommet (25) has an elastic grommet main body (2) passing electric wires therethrough and a hold member (30) mounted on an outer surface of an intermediate portion in a lengthwise direction of the grommet main body. The hold member is mountable on a mounting part. The grommet main body (26) has a cylindrical portion (4) and bellows portions (2), (3) at the both side thereof. The hold member (30) is provided on the cylindrical portion. The hold member 30 includes a ring portion (14) and a holding portion (15) provided at the ring portion 14. The ring portion (14) is lockable and capable of being opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Nishihara, Seiji Ito
  • Patent number: 6933440
    Abstract: A protector includes a protector body which has a receiving portion for receiving at least one wire. A groove is formed on a bottom face of the receiving portion. The groove has a width smaller than a diameter of the wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ichikawa, Shigemi Hashizawa
  • Patent number: 6934456
    Abstract: A cable trough cover assembly and method of assembly including a cover plate and a hinge piece. The cover plate includes a pivot member along at least one edge, and the hinge piece defines a pocket for releasably receiving the pivot member. The pocket and pivot member arrangement allow the cover plate to be rotated relative to a cable trough to which the hinge pieces may be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Joel T. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6924432
    Abstract: A firewall damper fitting for data transmission lines having a damper body and a vertically sliding cover plate. The cover plate and the damper body having protruding lip portions which allow removable access to data lines while providing an effective damper which retards heat and fire through a sleeve without damaging the data transmission lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas V. Connors
  • Patent number: 6916992
    Abstract: A cord organizing sheath assembly for facilitating placement of multiple cords through a sheath to organize the cords and provide a desirable aesthetic effect. The cord organizing sheath assembly includes a sheath having a pair of open ends, a pouch for receiving and holding socket ends of cords, and a tether line attached to the sheath for pulling the pouch through the sheath such that the cords are threaded through the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Jesenia Ortiz
  • Patent number: 6916988
    Abstract: An electric connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion that is provided with a frustro-conical snap fit retaining ring having a face portion about which laterally extending arms are bent to define a frustro-conical ring circumscribing the face portion. The retainer ring is integrally formed of a spring steel type material an equivalent thereof. Certain of the arms have locking tangs formed or blanked out of the surface thereof, that are cantileverly bent or offset relative to the surface of its corresponding arm. The free end of the arms are arranged to function as an electrical grounding tang in the operative position of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Delbert Auray, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 6916986
    Abstract: Systems and methods for covering a trough member. A system can include a hinge clip coupled to a sidewall of the trough member and creating a socket. The system can include a cover including a pivot member that is received in the socket to allow the cover to pivot from open to closed positions. A capture clip including a ramp portion and a seat can be coupled to the other sidewall, and a portion of the cover can ride along the ramp and drop into the seat as the cover is pivoted from open to closed positions. The hinge clip can include structures to limit rotation of the cover and to capture portions of the cover. The cover can include a capture member having an elbow to be received in the seat of the capture clip when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Herzog, Chad J. Sjodin
  • Patent number: 6910903
    Abstract: A modular wall panel assembly including a modular wall panel and a mounting bracket connected to the modular wall panel. The mounting bracket includes a base configured for connection to the modular wall panel and a pair of parallel side plates connected to and extending transverse from the base. An electrical distribution harness is included with at least one channel at least partially enclosed by the pair of parallel side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Pent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn J. Kondas
  • Patent number: 6911597
    Abstract: A system of architectural moldings that form a passage for electrical wiring (30), coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and associated devices used in transmitting low-voltage power, communication, and control signals. The architectural moldings may also be used to cover pre-existing wiring raceways and conduits. The system may be installed when constructing a building or when retrofitting an existing structure. The moldings can be removably mounted on the interior surfaces of residential and commercial structures in a manner that allows for easy removal and replacement of some or all of the moldings without disturbing the enclosed wiring and cables or harming finished surfaces. The moldings may be made of wood, polyurethane, fiberboard, or any material suitable for manufacturing pieces that resemble baseboards, cornice moldings, chair rails, casings, or other interior millwork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: James D. Seamans, William J. Seamans, David L. Seamans
  • Patent number: 6909044
    Abstract: A cover fitting for connecting more than one raceway includes an L-shaped top having first and second curved grooves extending along the inner surface of the top and a plurality of hooks extending outwardly from the inner surface for engaging a portion of each raceway base. The cover fitting further includes first and second opposing sides extending from the inner surface of the top. The cover fitting can be used with a fitting base received in first and second grooves for situations requiring a specific bend radius, or in applications without a fitting base, where there are no bend radius requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen Ewer, David McBain, Gary W. Bateson
  • Patent number: 6903274
    Abstract: A harness protector for accommodating a wire harness in a protector main body in a curved shape includes a friction member for holding the wire harness in the accommodating state temporarily. The friction member abuts resiliently on the wire harness. The harness protector is provided on a sliding member or a fixed member. The wire harness is wired from the harness protector to the sliding member and the fixed member. The friction member temporarily prevents the wire harness from being removed while the sliding member moves. A spring member for biasing the wire harness in a direction where the wire harness is accommodated is provided in the harness protector. The wire harness compresses the spring member to the maximum at a first moving end of the sliding member. The friction member is disposed at a position so as not to interfere with a restoring of the spring member during moving the sliding member from the first moving end to a second moving end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Aoki, Tsukasa Sekino, Mitsunori Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 6903265
    Abstract: A hinged duct system having a base and a cover hingedly attached to the base. The base has a bottom wall, a first sidewall and a second sidewall that define a channel therebetween. The cover has a top wall, a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover is attached to one of the sidewalls of the base by a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism has a hook member located at a distal end of one of the sidewalls of the base and a hook member located at one of the end portions of the cover. A flexible member is disposed along the hinge mechanism to preventing the cover from sliding with respect to the base when the cover rotates about the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Charles VanderVelde, Randall T. Woods, Rodney G. Rouleau
  • Patent number: 6903275
    Abstract: A mounting device has a lock component attached to a wire harness shield and a bracket component for attachment to an engine part. The bracket component has two spaced, upright parallel arms defining an opening between them. The arms have free ends extending toward each other and separated by a gap. The lock component has a box-like shape with spaced sides. A deflectable section is formed in a first side. A stem extends from the deflectable section toward a second side of the lock component and through a slot in the second side. A push element is formed on an end of the stem extending from the slot. Latches or ledges are formed on ramp-shaped protrusions formed on the deflectable section on each side of the stem. When the lock component receives the parallel arms of the bracket component, the free ends of the arms act on the protrusions to force the deflectable section outward until the ledges snap beneath the free ends of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Thomas Jetton
  • Patent number: 6903266
    Abstract: A cable organizer including a first member defining an elongate channel receivable of cables and including a plurality of apertures through which the cables can be passed into or out of the channel and a second member defining an elongate channel and slidably connected to the first member. The second member is alternatively alignable with each of the plurality of the apertures in the first member by sliding the second member along the first member, e.g., in a channel formed in connection therewith for this purpose, such that the cables can be guided from the channel in the first member to the channel in the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Ralph Luciere
  • Patent number: 6888069
    Abstract: An equipment tray for simplified insertion and removal of electronic equipment to a rack is described. The electronics equipment can be horizontally or vertically mounted. The tray has a first region in which electronics equipment is releasably secured and a second region that provides cable management and exhaust airflow control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Edward Chen, Michael Bishop, David Donald, David Pell