Pipe Or Cable Patents (Class 248/49)
  • Patent number: 6660938
    Abstract: A mounting rail with a C-shaped cross-section extends in a length dimension (L) and has a rear or second wall (2) with side walls (1a, 1b) extending at right angles to the second wall. Each side wall (1a, 1b) has on its exterior surface (5) a recess (3) running in the length dimension (L), whose cross-section is essentially rectangular. To assure optimum stability of the mounting rail, the depth (t) of the recess (3) is less than the wall thickness (d) of the side walls (1a, 1b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Herb, Armin Hoffman, Stefan Unverzagt
  • Publication number: 20030222183
    Abstract: A device 1 for fixing a wire harness 5 includes a rotary member 6 which holds the wire harness and has an arc-shaped face in a three dimensional direction on its outer peripheral face, and a body 3 of the fixing body in which the rotary member is held so as to rotate in a three dimensional direction. The rotary member 6 has a generally spherical shape and can be divided into pieces. In the rotary member 6, there is formed an insertion part in which a corrugate tube 8 surrounding the wire harness 5 is inserted and held. The rotary member 6 is held in the body 3 of the fixing device so as to move in a longitudinal direction of the wire harness. There is formed, in the body 3, a space 4 for receiving the rotary member 6, and stopper parts 29 against which the rotary member is abutted at opposite ends of the space in its axial direction. Either of the body 3 and the rotary member 6 is provided with a harness guide wall 32 consisting of a shorter wall portion 33 and a longer wall portion 34.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsunobu Kato
  • Publication number: 20030218103
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a pipeline support for reducing corrosion on a pipeline surface comprising support fill material, a case for housing the support fill material; wherein when a cathodic protective current contacts the support, the current flows through the support to the pipeline surface to reduce corrosion on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Geoff Weyman Connors
  • Patent number: 6648281
    Abstract: A portable hose bridge for use in spanning a flexible wall of a portable spillage container so as to prevent the hose or other equipment extending from the container from distorting the flexible wall of the container and impairing the environmental integrity of the container. The hose bridge includes a pair of perpendicularly disposed archways, a pair of perpendicularly disposed and differently sized saddles disposed above and extending parallel to the archways and four support legs bordering the archways for securely supporting and positioning the bridge such that one of the archways extends along and over a portion of the spillage container wall and one of the saddles extends perpendicular to and above the wall for carrying a hose or other equipment over the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Western Oilfields Supply Co.
    Inventor: John W. Lake
  • Patent number: 6644601
    Abstract: A cable tray stand for supporting a cable tray is provided. The cable tray is for supporting at least one cable. The cable tray stand has a height adjustable first member, a support member attached to an upper end of the first member, and a base attached to a lower end of the first member. The support member is adapted to support the cable tray such that the cable tray is supported at a second vertical position above a first vertical position at which the base is located, and the first member is collapsible to a transport height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Glen Alan Aussiker
  • Patent number: 6644602
    Abstract: Guide (20) for a loop of a flexible line (40) between a pair of rotatable parts (12, 14) of an industrial robot (10) that rotate relative to one another around an axis (18), whereby the loop includes a pair of strands (42, 44) of the line joined by a bend (46) that extend around axis (18) with their outsides engaged with the respective parts so that the loop is caused to perform a movement around the axis (18) when the parts rotate relative to one another. To reduce wear on the cover of the line and to facilitate replacing the line, it is suggested that, among other things, the engagement consists of a separate groove (22, 32) arranged for each strand (42 respectively 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventors: Christer Lundstrom, Gunnar Thiede
  • Patent number: 6644603
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting an open wire channel for cables or the like wherein the bracket is formed from a sheet of metal and includes a part for supporting the channel and first and second clip members for laterally holding the channel and which clip members extend upwardly beyond the supporting part on opposite sides thereof and which clip members are secured by elastic deformation relative to sides of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gewiss France SA
    Inventor: Jacques Bailleux
  • Publication number: 20030205646
    Abstract: A tube position limiter comprises a supporting frame for locking to a wall and a positioning cylinder for receiving a tube. A center of the supporting frame is formed with a receiving hole for receiving the positioning cylinder. A top of the positioning cylinder is formed with a curl lip for receiving the tube. The positioning cylinder is placed into the receiving hole so that the curl lip of the positioning cylinder exactly places on the supporting frame. The helical wound tube is placed in a bottom of the positioning cylinder. A water inlet end of the tube exactly protrudes from a via hole at a bottom of the positioning cylinder. In use of the tube, the curl lip of the positioning cylinder has a round opening so that the tube is taken out easily. When it is desired to wind the tube, the tube is wound easily and conveniently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Wen Li Kao
  • Patent number: 6637165
    Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Patent number: 6637705
    Abstract: A flow meter strut assembly includes a strut portion having a first end plate, a second end plate, a longitudinally adjustable flow meter support structure between.the first and second end plates, and curved mounting surfaces formed on outer surfaces of each of the first and second end plates of the strut portion. At least one flow meter is adjustably mounted on the flow meter support structure. The flow meter support structure is adjustable longitudinally by a turnbuckle assembly connected between the flow meter support structure and the second end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Byron G. Sjoblom, Gary R. Berlam
  • Patent number: 6637704
    Abstract: A cable support apparatus and method. The cable support apparatus includes at least two substantially rigid cable support sections and an elongated flexible member configured and adapted to interconnect the at least two rigid cable support sections to form a flexible junction between the at least two substantially rigid cable support sections. Preferably, the flexible member is bendable, by hand, in at least one of a vertical and a horizontal direction to a selected set configuration. An alternative cable support apparatus includes a rigid spine member and a plurality of cable support members configured and adapted to be selectively mounted to specific locations along the length of the rigid spine member via a snap-fit type engagement. The method of installing includes providing the rigid cable support section and at least one article support member and selectively coupling at least one article support member to the cable support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Patent number: 6632994
    Abstract: The present invention provides a containment apparatus for cables, wires, and other cylindrical objects. The containment apparatus includes a channel member adapted to be attached to a clip member, the clip member is adapted to receive the channel member and is adapted to be mounted to a surface such as an exterior wall or a pole. The channel member is made of a rigid to semi-rigid material which can flex and can resile or can be urged back into its original position whereby the channel member is fixedly attached to the clip member. Multiple channel members can be adapted to be connected, one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Peter G. Mangone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6631874
    Abstract: An adjustable fiber optic cable trough bracket with a bracket mount structure configured to mount to a facilities support structure, a bracket with a first end, a second end, and a trough support surface, the bracket being pivotally mounted at its first end to the bracket mount structure at a bracket angle, an adjustment screw threaded into one of the bracket mount structure and the bracket, an end of the adjustment screw abutting the other of the bracket mount structure and the bracket; wherein rotation of the adjustment screw alters the bracket angle. An embodiment of the bracket may also be installed from one side of the facilities support utilizing open ended apertures in the bracket mount structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Telect, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy McBrien Turpin, Steven W. Ellison
  • Patent number: 6629675
    Abstract: A cable-supporting apparatus is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a rigid support member that may be attached to a framework that supports one or more components. At least one cable support member is attached to the rigid support member for receiving a portion of at least one cable therethrough. The cable support members may comprise split rings that each define central cable-receiving area that is surrounded by rigid portions of the split ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Bjorklund, Kenneth F. Bugg
  • Publication number: 20030183731
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew D. Ferris, Alex Watts
  • Publication number: 20030183732
    Abstract: Couplers for a cable trough system including a terminal end sized to receive a terminal end of a trough member along a longitudinal direction of the body. A spring may be coupled to the body for securing the terminal end of the trough member to the coupler, the spring including first and second spring arms extending generally in opposition to one another in a plane generally parallel to the longitudinal direction. The spring may be received in a slot formed by the trough member. Also included may be a spring release mechanism coupled to the body, the spring release mechanism sliding in the longitudinal direction between a locked position, such that the first and second spring arms engage the terminal end of the trough, and an unlocked position, such that the first and second fingers release the first and second arms of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary F. Nault, Timothy J. Haataja, Matthew D. Ferris, Alex Watts
  • Publication number: 20030178535
    Abstract: A cable tray apparatus for use with a ladder-type cable tray having a pair of parallel spaced apart rails interconnected by a plurality of rungs is disclosed. The cable tray apparatus includes an elongate flexible spine member selectively bendable into a number of different configurations, and a plurality of spaced apart hangers attached to the elongate spine member along the length thereof, each of the plurality of hangers defining a partially enclosed area configured and dimensioned to receive at least one cable therein, wherein each of the plurality of hangers includes a support bracket integrally formed therewith for removably attaching the hanger to at least one of the pair of spaced apart rails of the ladder-type cable tray. The present disclosure also relates to methods of using the cable tray subassemblies disclosed herein in conjunction with ladder-type cable trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Jette
  • Patent number: 6622646
    Abstract: A case drain coupler mounting plate is mounted to the frame of the seeding machine. The case drain hydraulic coupler is secured to the case drain coupler mounting plate when it is not coupled to a tractor. The mounting plate is provided with a keyhole-shaped mounting aperture having an enlarged upper opening and a narrow channel projecting downwardly from the enlarged opening. The case drain hydraulic coupler is provided with a circumferential groove that engages the narrow channel in the keyhole shaped slot. A backing plate is mounted to the mounting plate at a fixed distance from the mounting plate. The backing plate engages the case drain hydraulic coupler and overcomes the biasing force to open the check valve. With the check valve open the case drain line provides a drain path for hydraulic fluid from the case drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Robert Edwin Bennett, Bradley John Meyer, William Douglas Graham
  • Patent number: 6619596
    Abstract: A collapsible support is provided for a flexible RV sewer hose which includes in the preferred form, a plurality of pairs of identical arches. The height of each arch pair is different from the preceding arch pair to allow a sewer hose placed therein to properly flow by gravitational forces from the RV to a septic system. The arches of the support are hinged along the side so that each arch will cradle the sewage hose at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the sewer hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Caine, William T. Brockington, Anthony D. Moore, Norman P. Geible
  • Patent number: 6615573
    Abstract: An energy drag chain is provided for guiding tubes, cables or the like between two points or connection that can be moved relative to each other. The drag chain comprises a plurality of chain members hinged to one another, each having two lateral flat links and cross members inter-linking the flat links. Such a drag chain provides a sound-damping which does not entail the deposit of dirt on the support or the guide channel, and which can be reliably installed and supplied in a pre-assembled state with a pre-manufactured system. At least in one chain section the chain members are provided with damping devices that comprise a relatively soft material and project on one side. The damping devices can be particularly configured as mushroom plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Blase
  • Patent number: 6612104
    Abstract: An energy guiding chain for guiding hoses, cables and the like has a number of chain links connected to one another in articulated fashion which are formed by parallel straps connected by cross-members. The energy guiding chain can be moved in such a way that it forms an upper strand, a lower strand and a deflection zone connecting the two, where the upper strand rests on the lower strand. In order that the upper strand can be moved lying on the lower strand with the least possible power and low wear, and the chain is of the simplest possible design, at least some of the chain links of the upper strand and/or the lower strand are provided with rollers that can roll on running surfaces provided on the chain links of the opposite strand when the energy guiding chain travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Blase
  • Patent number: 6609684
    Abstract: An adjustable cable management trough member and assembly. The assembly including first and second trough members having sidewalls extending from a base to define a U-shaped trough for receiving at least one telecommunications cable. The first trough member having a male end which is received by a female end of the second trough member. The trough members include slide posts and retention slots which engage each other to allow the trough members to be angled relative to each other in a first direction. The trough members also include a guide member and a guide slot which engage each other to allow the trough members to be angled relative to each other in a second direction. The first and second trough members may be identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Van Scoy, Alex Watts, Wayne Giesen
  • Patent number: 6604725
    Abstract: A device for securing a hydraulic modulator to a vehicle includes a base for receiving a portion of the hydraulic modulator and a clamp movably connected to the base and movable between a first position, wherein the portion of the hydraulic modulator can be positioned on the base, and a second position, wherein the clamp is closed over the base to secure the portion of the hydraulic modulator to the base. The clamp includes a projection that extends over the base when the clamp is in the first position so that when the projection is engaged by the portion of the hydraulic modulator, the projection will automatically move the clamp from the first position toward the second position. In one aspect of the invention, the clamp is hinged to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Carlo Thullen, Michael Hellebrandt, Dietmar Sommer, Shawn Aaron Sullivan, Rene Kaiser
  • Publication number: 20030141419
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with an agricultural assembly including at least one rigid support member and a plurality of power cables that traverse along trajectories generally aligned with a cable trajectory adjacent a mounting segment on a mounting side of the support member, the apparatus comprising a substantially rigid restraining member that forms an elongated passageway that traverses between first and second ends and that defines a minimum cross sectional area that loosely accommodates all of the cables passing therethrough and a mounting member linked to the restraining member and operable to mount the restraining member to the mounting side of the support member such that the passageway is substantially aligned with the cable trajectory wherein the cables are loosely receivable through the passageway to generally retain the cables proximate the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Kregg J. Raducha
  • Patent number: 6596353
    Abstract: An artificial palm tree having a base, a frame fixedly attached to and extending upwardly from the base, the frame having an upper end; a helically wound metal strap having a leaf scar indicating edge, a multiplicity of heat fusion welds interconnecting the frame mounting edge of the helically wound metal strap and the frame; twelve rachis indicating shafts; a concentrically mounted cylinder slip sleeve and slip pin joint interconnecting the proximal ends of the rachis indicating shafts with the upper end of the frame; and a multiplicity of pinna indicating plates fixedly attached to the rachis indicating shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Wendell G. Turner
  • Patent number: 6588711
    Abstract: A fastening fixture of a simple and compact structure comprising: a fixture body; a screw having a stem portion inserted into the fixture body; and a fastening nut screwed on the stem portion of the screw. In order that a temporarily fixed state may be established by inserting the fastening nut into an entrance channel or hole into the fastening nut with the fixture body being griped and by turning the fixture body by 90 degrees, the fixture body is provided with a depending member in parallel with the stem portion of the screw, and the fastening nut is provided at its longer side edge portion with a guide portion which is regulated in its turn but allowed to move only in parallel with the stem portion of the screw by fitting on or confronting the depending member. Therefore, the fastening fixture can effect the temporary fixing and the fastening fixing simply independently of the depth or inner width of the channel or hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Masakatsu Onishi
  • Patent number: 6585195
    Abstract: A curved telescoping trough assembly and method of assembly. The assembly includes first and second trough members. Each trough member includes two upstanding sidewalls extending from a base defining a generally U-shaped trough having an open top and a trough interior for receiving at least one telecommunications cable defining a cable pathway. The sidewalls or the base of the trough members may be curved to create a curved cable pathway. The first trough member having an end which slidably receives an end of the second trough member and a portion of the second trough member so that the trough members create a combined angled cable pathway. The size of the portion of the second trough member received by the first trough member is variable so that the trough assembly may be selectively set at a third angle from a range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Wentworth, Thomas W. Kampf, Alex Watts, Pat Nault
  • Publication number: 20030116682
    Abstract: The joining member is provided for connecting a first mesh cable tray element to a second, longitudinally adjacent mesh cable tray element and includes: a first plate portion with first apertures formed therein for fixing the first plate portion to vertical arms of transverse wires and/or to side longitudinal wires of the two mesh tray elements; and a second plate portion, substantially perpendicular to the first portion, having second apertures formed therein for fixing the said second plate portion to bottom portions of the transverse wires and/or to bottom longitudinal wires of the two mesh tray elements. In a variant of the invention, the joining member enables a first mesh tray element to be connected to a second, longitudinally adjacent channel-like cable duct element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: LEGRAND S.P.A.
    Inventors: Alan Finco, Luca Garassino
  • Patent number: 6580867
    Abstract: The filamentary elements are of a diameter that is less than or equal to 1 millimeter. The support comprises longitudinal channels each intended to house a respective filamentary element, each channel being defined by two longitudinal walls interconnected by a web and defining a longitudinal channel opening, the width of said longitudinal opening being variable by elastically deforming the longitudinal walls between an access configuration giving access to the channel enabling a filamentary element to pass through said opening and a retaining configuration for retaining a filamentary element in the channel. The filamentary elements are selected from optical fibers and electrical coaxial cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Stanislas Galaj, Sophie Vanpoulle, Xavier Andrieu
  • Patent number: 6578350
    Abstract: An energy guiding chain comprises chain links that are open at the end face and connected to one another in articulated fashion, each of which comprises two side elements connected by at least one cross-member and has a connector in the areas adjacent to the end faces for articulated connection to a chain link adjacent to the end face about an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chain. In order to simplify the insertion of, and access to, the lines inside the chain, at least one chain link is provided, whose side elements are connected by a cross-member (center web) located roughly in the middle and which have openable cross-members (outside webs) on the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für die Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Blase, Dirk Mönikes
  • Patent number: 6575411
    Abstract: A curved portion 1g of a lead line set 1e is received in a recessed portion 13d that is formed in an inner face 13c of a base piece 13 in the open state. An inner face 17a of a first folded piece 17 is folded on the inner face 13c of the base piece 13, and the curved portion 1g of the lead line set 1e is sandwiched between the base piece 13 and the first folded piece 17. Thereafter, an inner face 21a of a second folded piece 21 is folded on an outer face 17e of the first folded piece 17, and the lead line set 1e portion that is slightly nearer the distal end than the lead line set 1e portion that is folded along a folding line X is sandwiched between the first and the second folded pieces 17 and 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Serizawa, Minoru Kubota
  • Patent number: 6570092
    Abstract: A wire cable duct includes a grid made up of wires of two different types, namely longitudinal wires which run longitudinally the entire length of the duct and U-shaped transverse wires disposed transversely to the longitudinal wires, from place to place along their length and appropriately attached thereto. The resulting trough-like combination forms three panels, namely a bottom panel and two side panels. The side panels include a longitudinal row of successive planar and substantially rectangular edge meshes which constitute upper parts of the side panels, each of which is defined between two facing flange portions of two consecutive transverse wires, and each of which includes at least one anti-flexing member to limit its flexing about an axis perpendicular to its plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Krieg & Zivy Industries
    Inventor: Stéphane Quertelet
  • Publication number: 20030085326
    Abstract: A bracket for securing an end portion of a flexible agricultural chemical delivery tube along an end portion of an elongate rigid seed tube on a planter. The elongate bracket has a rear surface adapted to be positioned along and in contact with the front surface of the seed tube, and has a longitudinally extending row of sockets opening through its rear surface that are adapted to receive protrusions projecting above the front surface of the seed tube. The sockets are defined by surfaces adapted to engage those protrusions to retain the position of the bracket along the front surface of the seed tube. Along a front surface of the bracket are members adapted to receive and retain the end portion of the flexible chemical delivery tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: REDBALL, LLC
    Inventors: Chad A. Simonson, Robert L. Claussen
  • Patent number: 6554230
    Abstract: A shroud 100 is provided for carrying an electric motor 118 of an engine cooling assembly. The motor 118 has a lead wire assembly 128 to control the operation of the motor. The shroud includes a frame 112 defining an opening 114 there through. A motor mount structure 116 is provided in the opening. A plurality of struts 124 extends in the opening from the frame to the motor mount structure thereby coupling the motor mount structure to the frame. At least one of the struts 124′ defines a lead trough 127 constructed and arranged to receive the lead wire assembly of the motor. A resilient locator 130 is associated with the lead trough and is constructed and arranged to guide the lead wire assembly into the lead trough and to maintain the lead wire assembly within the lead trough without applying constant pressure on the lead wire assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Marek Horski
  • Patent number: 6556762
    Abstract: A cable management bar and bracket assembly is mounted within an equipment enclosure. The brackets are supported on and movable along the bar to present cable support positions at various transverse locations. The brackets are of generally U-shaped configuration with cable supporting hooks formed in one depending flange and with inwardly projecting tabs formed in the other depending flange which extend beneath the bar to make the bracket captive on the bar. Slots formed in the bar at one axial location permit the bracket to be assembled to and removed from the bar when the tabs are aligned with and passed through the slots. The assembly also includes mounting brackets at each end of the bar which are formed integral with the bar of a single piece of material while the bar portion is formed as a downwardly opening U-shaped channel element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ricky Dean Erickson, David George Lund, Aleksander Miroslaw Mustwillo, Christopher Lee Tuma
  • Publication number: 20030075646
    Abstract: An inexpensive, flexible cable management device is constructed from a thin sheet of flexible material by cutting slits or openings in the material configured to efficiently and compactly route cables within an electrical system. Information such as assembly instructions and wiring diagrams may be printed on the device, and adhesive may be applied to the device to ease installation. The cable management device may be bent to allow three-dimensional routing of cables and to act as a barrier between air flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher C. Womack, Martha G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6550233
    Abstract: Energy guiding chains serve to guide cables, hoses and the like from one connection point to another, at least one of the two connection points being movable, the energy guiding chain having a plurality of plastic chain links that are, or can be connected to one another in articulated fashion, each of which includes two side straps and two cross-members, where at least one of the cross-members is connected to the side straps in detachable fashion and a snap mechanism is provided, which interacts with a snap ridge provided on each end of the cross-member. In order to also make it possible for the snap mechanism to be easily released by hand, it is designed as an elastic hook, which is located in the center of the cross-member when the respective cross-member is mounted and protrudes beyond the outside surface of the cross-member, so that is accessible by hand. In the area in front of the hook, the outside surface of the cross-member has a grip extending from the snap ridge towards the center of the chain link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Igus Spritzgussteile für die Industrie GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Blase
  • Patent number: 6550232
    Abstract: An energy line guide chain for running lines between a stationary and a movable connection, with jointed chain links of plastic, which define each a channel section extending in the direction of the energy line guide chain. Each chain link comprises opposite link plates extending in spaced relationship in a longitudinal direction of the energy line guide chain. The link plates are interconnected by at least one crosspiece. Each link plate comprises a joint body (6) and a joint receiver (7), which extend substantially crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the energy line guide chain. The joint body (6) of a link plate engages the joint receiver (7) of an adjacent link plate. Between the partially overlapping link plates of two adjacent chain links, a clearance is provided. The joint body (6) comprises two diametrically opposite outer surface areas (19). The joint receiver (7) has two diametrically opposite inner surface areas (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Kabelschlepp GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Raymond Achs, Herbert Wehler, Willibald Weber
  • Patent number: 6547192
    Abstract: A junction for the joinder of convergent cable trays. The junction comprises a panel for interconnection of the trays, and at least one cable guide extending up from an upper face of the panel having a curved surface for guiding cable as it is pulled around from one tray to another. The curvature of the surface is such as to enable the bending of the cable as it is pulled around the curved surface while preserving the integrity of the cable. The junction includes several different features. In one feature, the cable guide is removably fastened on the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Eric R. Rinderer, Bruce A. Neace
  • Patent number: 6547191
    Abstract: An apparatus for the temporary stowage of cables and lines which emanate from a docked vessel for obtaining power, cable TV and telephone reception, which apparatus may be permanently or temporarily mounted to a substrate such as a marina's decking. The apparatus includes a base to which is attached at least one and preferably up to four spaced springs, each of which is also mounted to an upper plate, from which a preferably flexible shaft extends in an upwardly direction. Mounted on the shaft is at least one cable and line receiving means for retaining the cables and lines therein. Cables for TV, telephone, and lines for fresh water and perhaps fuel can be stowed on the apparatus pending and during connections to such utilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Innovative Marine Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20030066936
    Abstract: A cable management system is provided for routing cables through an office area. The cable management system is particularly useful for open office areas to improve collaboration between office workers. The cable management system includes a top post for routing cables from a ceiling down to a connecting hub. Horizontal beams are attached to the connecting hubs, and the cables pass through the horizontal beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Applicant: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Beck, Andrew J. Kurrasch, Thomas W. Granzow, James H. Nienhuis, Glen V. Walter, Mehmet T. Ergelen, Benjamin J. Beck
  • Patent number: 6543731
    Abstract: A modular suspension system for supporting conduit between structural members, such as walls studs or ceiling joists, of a building. The system includes a transverse support bracket for securement between the building structural members and further includes an elongate conduit segment of tubing and end mounts received over opposite ends of the conduit segment for securing the conduit segment to respective building structural members. The end mounts are constructed of tubular segments coaxially received over end portions of the conduit segment and these tubular segments have one or more ears protruding therefrom for securing the tubular segments to the building structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: John Mercier
  • Patent number: 6536717
    Abstract: A single post adjustable support device to provide interval support to a drain piping system where the piping is required to be suspended above a roof surface at continually changing elevations due to the need to have the piping system maintain a continual and gradual slope, compensating for un-regular surface conditions of the roof surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Philip A. Parker
  • Publication number: 20030052234
    Abstract: In a cable mounting structure, a casing body is formed with a through hole through which a cable is inserted. A first retainer is secured to a first part of the cable and fitted with the through hole. A second retainer is attached on the casing body while holding a second part of the cable. The first retainer is an elastic member having a groove fitted with an edge of the through hole. The second retainer includes a retaining member provided on the casing body while being formed with a guide groove, and a holding member detachably fitted into the guide groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Akio Nakagawa, Tetsuzo Nakazawa, Takashi Sato, Takaki Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 6530545
    Abstract: A suspension bracket can be mounted on a rod, such as a screwthreaded rod, and has a metal body including a hook-shaped support part and, opposite the support part, a substantially plane fixing part including a notch. At the entry of the notch, a retaining lug upstanding from one of its edges extends obliquely to the plane of the notch at a distance from the opposite edge of the notch, enabling the rod to pass between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Krieg & Zivy Industries
    Inventors: James Deciry, Michel Durin
  • Patent number: 6528721
    Abstract: An aerial conductor suspension clamp includes a housing, two split PTFE sleeves and a restraining sleeve. The restraining sleeve is bonded to the conductor and is placed within the housing between the split sleeves. The clamp permits rotation of the conductor while restraining longitudinal movement of the conductor within the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Allan Dane
  • Patent number: 6527478
    Abstract: For installation, a cable (5, 17) or empty pipe is anchored in a canal or pipe system (1, 3) at a minimum of 2 anchoring points (2) along the longitudinal direction of the canal or pipe system. The cable (5, 17) or an empty pipe and at least one holding device (12, 21) fastened to the inner wall (16) of the canal or pipe system are installed in the area of a branch point (6) in such a way, that the cable or empty pipe are guided around the branch point by means of the holding device and due to their defined pre-tension. The installation can be done comparatively quickly and easily, and after installation the function of the branch point, for example, in the form of an inlet canal, is not diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lothar Finzel, Jorge Serrano
  • Patent number: 6525274
    Abstract: An insulator assembly has a base assembly that is rigidly connected and is not prone to movement over time. A first support member has first and second ends with first and second pluralities of holes for receiving a first switch assembly. A second support member has first and second ends with third and fourth pluralities of holes for receiving a second switch assembly. A third support member has first and second ends. The first end of the third support member is attached to the first support member and the second end of the third support member is attached to the second support member. The third support member has a fifth plurality of holes for attaching the base assembly to a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald B. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6520456
    Abstract: A device or apparatus that receives and supports a pipe, especially a pipe exposed on a horizontal surface like a roof. The device has a base with a substantially flat bottom for resting on the horizontal surface and a supporting structure with a recess rising from the base to support the pipe. Positioning means are provided in the bottom of the recess to position and center the pipe within the recess. Such a device maximizes the sliding ability of the pipe and minimize erosion of the recess since the pipe rarely abuts the walls of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Miro Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Neider, Nathan M. Sargent
  • Publication number: 20030029971
    Abstract: Apparatus for supporting cable, hose and the like between a tractor and trailer of a tractor-trailer rig. The apparatus includes a base member attached to the frame of the tractor and a tubular sleeve member extending vertically therefrom. A support member has a portion insertable into the sleeve member for rotation therein and from an upper end of which extends, at an angle therewith, an arm portion. An attachment member is connected to the distal end of the arm member for attachment to cable, hose and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Gene R. Hill