Grounding To Pipe, Rod Or Conduit Patents (Class 439/100)
  • Patent number: 11953130
    Abstract: A cylindrical cavity for receiving the tubular article and a metal casing body delimiting a seat substantially inside which the insert is wrapped around the article, the insert having an external projection which extends radially towards the exterior of the insert and is configured to cooperate with a corresponding orifice formed in the seat of the metal body so as to position the insert inside the body, the projection comprising a base attached to the insert and a head provided at the periphery of the head with a protruding clipping edge configured to hold the insert inside the metal casing body. The insert has, at the base of the projection, a through hole extending in line with the clipping edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: AKWEL SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Cécilia Lofgren, Jan Olofsson
  • Patent number: 11942749
    Abstract: A plug connection device for connecting an electrical cable and establishing a ground connection to an external component may have at least one plug connector and fastening means electrically and mechanically connectable therewith. The plug connector may have a housing and a plug body which is connectable to a conductor of the electrical cable and receivable in an axial direction in a receptacle of the housing. The contact element may plug into the housing to make electrical contact with the plug body received in the receptacle. The contact element and connection element are electrically connected to one another. The connection element may be connected to a ground cable that is connectable with the external component to establish, independently of the electrical cable, the ground connection with the external component via the plug body, contact element, connection part and the ground cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co KG
    Inventor: Till Bredbeck
  • Patent number: 11936148
    Abstract: Bonding clamps used to assemble photovoltaic (PV) arrays and provide an electrical bond between PV module frames and a rail system forming the PV arrays are described. The bonding clamp includes an electrically conductive body, first and second compression arms extending from body and a tab extending from the body in a direction away from a bottom side of the body. The first and second compression arms extend at an angle relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Evan Ronald Martin
  • Patent number: 11664612
    Abstract: A plate-shaped ground plate formed from a copper material, the ground plate includes: an outline frame; a plurality of horizontal ribs connecting the left and right inner peripheral surfaces of the outline frame and distanced from one another in the vertical direction; vertical ribs connecting between the outline frame and the horizontal ribs and between the plurality of horizontal ribs, respectively; and needle-shaped protrusions in the form of a branch which protrude outward on the outer peripheral surfaces of the horizontal ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventor: Moon Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 11616467
    Abstract: In an example, the solar tracker has a clamp assembly configured to pivot a torque tube. In an example, the assembly has a support structure configured as a frame having configured by a first and second anchoring region. In an example, the support structure is configured from a thickness of metal material. In an example, the support structure is configured in an upright manner, and has a major plane region. In an example, the assembly has a pivot device configured on the support structure, a torque tube suspending on the pivot device and aligned within an opening of the support, and configured to be normal to the plane region. In an example, the torque tube is configured on the pivot device to move about an arc in a first direction or in a second direction such that the first direction is in a direction opposite to the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: NEXTRACKER LLC
    Inventor: Alexander W. Au
  • Patent number: 11536304
    Abstract: A clamp assembly includes a body having a first side and a second side. The body includes a first channel configured to receive a flat wire, a second channel configured to receive a round wire, a first projection extending from the first side of the body, and a second projection extending from the second side of the body. The clamp assembly further includes a first clamp member coupled to the first projection and a second clamp member coupled to the second projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Jafet Garcia
  • Patent number: 11378111
    Abstract: A clip includes a clip portion, a neck, and a hook portion. The clip portion includes a base arranged at the bottom side and having at least one tooth projecting from it, at least one clip arm connected to the base at a proximal end and having an opposite distal end spaced from the base and extending toward the rear end. A neck is connected to the clip portion and extends toward the front end. A hook portion is connected to the neck opposite the clip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: Steven S. Kuhl
  • Patent number: 11251547
    Abstract: Various implementations of grounding cross connectors are disclosed. The grounding cross connectors may be used to clamp together two or more, often perpendicular, conductors. In some implementations, a grounding cross connector includes an upper clamping pad and a lower clamping pad held together by a pair of threaded fasteners. A pair of perpendicular conductors may be placed in between the clamping pads and secured together by torqueing nuts on the threaded fasteners. The upper clamping pad may include a hook through which one of the threaded fasteners may pass, thereby allowing the upper clamping to rotate relative to the lower clamping pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Julie M. Love
  • Patent number: 10963019
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, two hinges, and at least one electronic assembly. The two hinges are connected between the first body and the second body, and the first body and the second body are adapted to rotate relatively through the two hinges. The electronic assembly is connected to the second body and is located between the two hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Chung Peng, Ko-Fan Chen, Chun-Yi Ho, Chien-Ting Lin, Yu-Jung Liu, Hsin-Jung Lee, Hsin-Yu Huang, Jih-Houng Lee, Ming-Feng Liu, Kuo-Jung Wu, Kuo-Pin Chen, Chia-Ling Lee, Jing-Jie Lin
  • Patent number: 10879632
    Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning element for twin axial cables as well as to a contacting element comprising a positioning element of said type. In an illustrative embodiment of a positioning element for twin axial cables, the positioning element is at least partially electroconductive. Furthermore, the positioning element has at least one recess which is arranged and designed to accommodate a twin axial cable in such a way that an electroconductive connection is established between an outer conductor of the twin axial cable and the positioning element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Leoni Kabel GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Jakobs, Nikolai Giske, Alexander Franck
  • Patent number: 10837189
    Abstract: A bonding kit for use with a water-holding structure, the kit having a bonding conductor with a body portion configured to reside within a component attached to the water-holding structure. The bonding conductor includes an extension portion configured to extend outwardly from the component. The bonding kit includes a conductor fitting configured to attach to the extension portion of the bonding conductor and to attach to a conductive system of the water-holding structure, providing an electrical connection between the bonding conductor, or water therein, and the conductive system, the bonding conductor providing equipotential bonding for water contained in the water-holding structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Custom Molded Products, LLC
    Inventor: Zachary T. Vogtner
  • Patent number: 10714844
    Abstract: Various implementations of grounding clamps and torque-controlled fasteners are disclosed. The grounding clamps may be used to attach grounding conductors to various structures, such as pipes, conduit, grounding rods etc. The torque-controlled fasteners may use various techniques to control the amount of torque applied to the fasteners used with the grounding clamps described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: David K. Osenga
  • Patent number: 10527077
    Abstract: A self-aligning system for joining electronic cabinets to ensure alignment and prevent rotation and deformation is disclosed. Paired aligners, each comprising complementary alignment tabs and alignment notches, are brought together such that angled portions of the alignment tabs guide the opposing aligner into position, ensure proper alignment of the electronic cabinet structure, and prevent rotation of the aligners and structures as the aligners are brought together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: William L. McCollum
  • Patent number: 10119640
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for a threaded plumbing connector to electrically ground pipes. The apparatus includes wire terminal block(s), connecting the threaded plumbing connector body to a wire or other conductive material. In the event that a pipe becomes electrically energized, the grounding connection of the threaded plumbing connector would be able to shunt the electrical current away from the pipes and reduce the risk of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Mark E Goodson
  • Patent number: 10008785
    Abstract: A clamping assembly for attaching a grounding conductor to a pipe having a protective coating includes an elongate conductive strap and a clamp. The conductive strap is sufficiently long to circumferentially surround the pipe and has longitudinally spaced sharp projections that are sufficient to penetrate the protective coating around the pipe to make an electrical coupling between the strap and a conductive part of the pipe beneath the protective coating. The clamp is coupled to the grounding conductor and clamps the conductive strap to the pipe at a tension sufficient to maintain an electrical connection between the conductive part of the pipe and the grounding conductor without the need for any welding of the grounding conductor to the pipe and without the need for any stripping of the protective coating from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Logan M. Trombley
  • Patent number: 9910078
    Abstract: A passive neutral fault current detection device fastened to cable television equipment detects the presence of a neutral fault within a subscriber's premises when the outer conductor of the coaxial cable is electrically bonded to the neutral conductor of the premises electrical service ground. In one example, the passive neutral fault current detection device employs a transformer circuit. The braided outer conductor of the coax cable acts as the primary coil of the transformer, and windings surrounding the coax cable act as a secondary coil. The windings are connected to an alert device to complete the circuit. As alternating current from a neutral fault flows through the braided sheath, a varying magnetic field is generated and impinges upon the secondary winding, which induces a varying voltage in the secondary winding. The voltage can drive the alert device which, in one embodiment, is a light emitting diode (LED).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Lawrence, Raymond W. Palinkas
  • Patent number: 9859628
    Abstract: An insulation piercing connector includes a body having a bore extending therethrough. One or more clamps secure the body to an electrical cable At least a portion of the bore is threaded or a threaded member is associated therewith. A piercing pin is threadingly engaged with the bore threads or the threaded member and includes a first end configured to pierce the insulation of the electrical cable and contact a conductor as the piercing pin is rotated in a first direction. The piercing pin includes a head that is configured to shear off as a result of torque exceeding a predetermined value after the first end contacts the conductor. The probe of a sensor can contact the second end of the piercing pin to obtain information from the conductor, such as voltage, current, and/or thermal information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada ULC
    Inventor: Alexandru P. Bulza
  • Patent number: 9768532
    Abstract: An irrigation system grounding strap including an adjustable lap-joint band clamp attachable to a wheel support lateral member of an irrigation system end tower with a flat braided copper wire strap having one end attached to the band clamp and an opposite end having a ground body, such as a flat washer, attached thereto that makes ground contact when the irrigation system is operating to dissipate electrical charges produced by a short circuit in the electric drive motor on a lateral wheel support member of an end tower of the irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Billy Letkeman
  • Patent number: 9768530
    Abstract: A fastening device for fastening an earthing contact to a metallic protective tube. The fastening device includes an annular guide eyelet having an end face, a half-shell-shaped fixed clamping jaw which is integrally molded on the end face, and a loose clamping jaw configured to be clamped to the fixed clamping jaw. In an assembled state, the half-shell-shaped fixed clamping jaw and the loose clamping jaw are configured to clamp the metallic protective tube. The fastening device further includes at least one of the half-shell-shaped fixed clamping jaw and the loose clamping jaw comprising a receptacle-forming clamping jaw having an inner surface that forms a receptacle configured to receive the earthing contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Wieland Electric GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Hadjiharalambous, Stefan Tluczykont
  • Patent number: 9748813
    Abstract: A bobbin for electrically insulating the stator core from a coil wire to be wound around the bobbin includes: a coil winding portion around which the coil wire is to be wound; and a terminal fixing portion to which a winding starting end portion and a winding finishing end portion of the coil wire are to be fixed. The terminal fixing portion includes a first groove configured to guide a winding starting section extending from the winding starting end portion of the coil wire to a winding starting position of the coil winding portion and a second groove configured to guide a winding finishing section extending from a winding finishing position of the coil winding portion to the winding finishing end portion of the coil wire to intersect the winding starting section when seen in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Manabu Harada, Mitsuru Iwakiri, Masanobu Kakihara, Kensuke Nakazono
  • Patent number: 9252585
    Abstract: A connector apparatus having a PG screw thread in a first end section and a first traversing bore, in which a first axial clamping surface is embodied. A grounding assembly has an electrically conducting, iris spring, is arranged in the first traversing bore and lies against the first axial clamping surface. An annular clamping body having a second traversing bore, a second frontside annular clamping surface, which surrounds the second traversing bore and which is arranged in the first bore facing the grounding assembly, wherein the grounding assembly is clampable between the clamping surfaces, whereby the iris spring is radially deflectable, wherein the clamping body has an external thread for engagement in an internal thread of the base body, and wherein the connector apparatus has with reference to the first end section of the base body, behind the grounding assembly a conduit screw thread for the connection of a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marc Schlachter, Michael Hugel, Romuald Girardey, Max Bauer
  • Patent number: 9196978
    Abstract: An improved grounding and bonding bracket-type electrical connector is described with improved properties for directionally orienting grounding conductors. The electrical connector has a body with a first and a second clamp area. The second clamp area may be partially formed by a second body member. A frame substrate is connected in the first clamp area, while a grounding conductor is connected in the second clamp area. The grounding conductor may be connected such that the path of the conductor runs parallel, at 45 degrees, or perpendicular as compared to the mounting line of the frame substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventor: Joey D. Magno
  • Patent number: 9158022
    Abstract: An electrode for electric survey includes a first electrode rod having a tip portion at one end thereof; and a second electrode rod connected to a side surface of the first electrode rod. The second electrode rod is formed at one end thereof with a removing/hook portion perpendicularly connected to the side surface of the first electrode rod, and at the other end thereof with a wire connecting portion for connection with an electric wire, and has a bent portion between the removing/hook portion and the wire connecting portion. The electrode allows convenient connection of electric wires, ensures good contact with the electric wires so as to prevent easy separation of electric wires therefrom, can reduce a time for installation and removal of the electrode and measurement error, and does not necessitate use of electrical tape in installation of the electrode to thereby reduce environmental contamination due to waste tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE & MINERAL
    Inventors: In-Hwa Park, Seong-Kon Lee, Kwon-Gyu Park
  • Patent number: 9147967
    Abstract: An electrical connection assembly includes a plurality of primary electrical conductors, a secondary electrical conductor, and an electrical connector. The electrical connector includes: a first connector body including an exterior conductor seat channel; a second connector body coupled to the first connector body such that the first and second connector bodies collectively form an axial through passage; a primary clamping mechanism on at least one of the first and second connector bodies; and a secondary clamping mechanism on the first connector body. The secondary connector extends through the exterior conductor seat channel and is clamped therein by the secondary clamping mechanism. The primary conductors extend through the axial through passage and are clamped therein by the primary clamping mechanism to the first and second connector bodies and to one another to mechanically and electrically connect the primary and secondary conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Canada ULC
    Inventors: Barry James Johnson, Alexandru P. Bulza
  • Patent number: 9136679
    Abstract: A split bushing and method for protecting electrical cables from abrasion by the cut edges of pipe or electrical conduit, also known as electrical metal tubing or EMT. The split bushing includes a substantially ring-shaped body and two cable guides extending from the outer periphery. The bushing includes an end wall and a raised area on the end wall adjacent the split. An overlap extends from the raised area. The bushing includes two ends and two cable guides adjacent the split. After being attached to the end of an electrical conduit, a cable tie is extended through the cable guides and tightened to secure the split bushing tightly to the electrical conduit. The overlap ensures that the entire inner periphery of a conduit will be covered by the bushing when secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 9106067
    Abstract: A ground bushing with a multi position lay and lag includes a lay and lag having several mounting surfaces for attachment of the lay and lag to the ground bushing in different positions. The bushing includes at least one mounting surface including indexing and the lay and lag includes at least two cooperating mounting surfaces to hold and position on the bushing. In one embodiment, the bushing includes one mounting surface with parallel grooves, and the lay and lag includes three cooperating mounting surfaces with cooperating parallel grooves. The lay and lag may include a smooth hole and the bushing may include a threaded hole for attaching the lay and lag to the bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Inventor: Mike Vernica
  • Publication number: 20150099377
    Abstract: Apparatus for electrically connecting and grounding at least two mechanically interconnectable, planar mats in a reusable load-supporting surface includes at least one removable, electrically-conductive cover configured to be engaged with each mat and extend at least partially across the top and/or bottom face thereof. Each cover includes at least one conductive interface configured to electrically connect its associated mat with at least one other mat in the load-supporting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: James Kerwin McDowell, Kenneth Edward Durio
  • Patent number: 8979557
    Abstract: A fitting for terminating a conduit includes a substantially tubular fitting body having a central bore extending therethrough, a forward end, and a rearward end opposing the forward end. The fitting body includes a first liquid-proof coating that includes a rearward sealing rim. A gland nut is rotatably coupled to the rearward end of the fitting body. The gland nut includes a second liquid-proof coating that includes a forward sealing rim. A grounding ring is positioned between the gland nut and the fitting body and contacts the fitting body. Upon axial movement of the gland nut, the grounding ring engages the rearward sealing rim of the first liquid-proof coating on the fitting body and the forward sealing rim of the second liquid-proof coating on the gland nut to form a sealed relationship therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Cong Thanh Dinh
  • Patent number: 8974245
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base member and first and second legs extending outwardly from the base member. A first recess is defined by the first and second legs for receiving a support. Second recesses extend inwardly from second sides of the first and second legs. A plurality of pairs of oppositely disposed grooves are formed in the second recesses. At least two pairs of the oppositely disposed grooves have different sizes for receiving various conductor sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Paul Kovalov
  • Patent number: 8899998
    Abstract: A grounding lug for an electrical conduit fitting includes a support ring sized to slide over a threaded portion of a conduit fitting body and a conductor securing portion having a channel to receive an externally-mounted conducting wire. The grounding lug also includes an extension arm configured to secure the support ring to the conductor securing portion, and a sealing ring, secured along an inside diameter of the support ring. The sealing ring is configured to form a seal between the support ring and the conduit fitting body. The grounding lug is configured to be freely rotated around the threaded portion of the conduit fitting body to position the conductor securing portion in a desired orientation after partial installation of the electrical conduit fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, LLC
    Inventor: Roger Pyron
  • Publication number: 20140342584
    Abstract: A ground electrode-coupling device functionally joined to a cylindrical body, with internal cylindrical form and external conical form. The device includes an internal blockage dividing the device into two cavities. The device also includes at least an orifice in each cavity communicating the internal coupling with the external coupling, for enabling the release of the air by coupling the bodies. The external form is a conical geometry for reducing the resistance of the device by being inserted in a solid medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Cobres de Colombia LTDA
    Inventor: Dolcey CASAS RODRIGUEZ
  • Patent number: 8864504
    Abstract: An intersystem grounding clamp including two clamp halves with flat mating surfaces at their ends and a recessed area at their centers. The recessed areas include teeth thereon to form opposing serrated gripping surfaces for securely gripping a water pipe or grounding rod. Through holes and clamping screws are provided through the clamp halves at the flat mating surfaces to connect the clamp halves in a clamping assembly and enable tightening of the grounding clamp to a pipe or rod. The clamp halves include a first clamp half and a second clamp half. The second clamp half includes a plurality of grounding terminals thereon for accepting grounding wires from equipment. The grounding terminals include open bores laterally through the second clamp half and threaded terminal screws screwed into the second clamp half and oriented to intersect the open bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8809680
    Abstract: By providing a single housing, component or element incorporating a plurality of passageways or receiving zones formed therein in cooperating association with a mounting ring or clamp constructed for being quickly and easily secured to a clamp, conductor or conduit mounted to an electrical box, junction box, meter box, or similar enclosure, an efficient, easily manufactured and easily assembled bonding bar or grounding bridge is achieved. Preferably, the plurality of passageways/receiving zones are constructed with each passageway or receiving zone cooperatively associated with a locking screw or set screw configured to enable grounding conductors to be inserted through the passageway/receiving zone and securely mounted therein. In this way, grounding conductors from telephones, cable televisions, satellite receivers, radios, television antennas, and the like may be inserted into the passageways/receiving zones and securely mounted in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 8602798
    Abstract: A saddle clamp which incorporates internal electrical bonding elements adapted to maintain electrical contact with a clamped tube structure without transferring structural load between the tube and the electrical bonding components. The saddle clamp includes an inner tube contacting surface having at least one surface groove. At least one electrical contact element extends between portions of the inner tube contacting surface. The electrical contact element includes tube contact segment disposed in opposing relation to a portion of the surface groove. The electrical contact element is electrically connected to the mounting bracket to transmit electrical charge from the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Mark L. Downing
  • Patent number: 8562361
    Abstract: An electrical conduit ground device is provided for electrically and environmentally shielding an electric cable. The device includes a conduit having a receiving end through which the cable passes axially; an internal seal that inserts into the receiving end; a gland boss that inserts into the receiving end; an external seal that inserts into the boss and extends axially outward from the receiving end; and a grounding assembly disposed between the internal and external seals. The assembly includes an adapter for providing electrical grounding contact between the cable and the swage tube; a space-retainer for structurally supporting the adapter; and a washer for axially separating the internal and external seals. The adapter is provided for electrically connecting an interior surface of a conduit and an external surface of a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Blaise L. Corbett, David J. Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8512052
    Abstract: An electrical grounding device includes a first and a second collar member, each having inner and outer wall surfaces, a flange projecting from the inner wall surface, and a shoulder projection extending radially from the outer wall surface. Further, the device includes a thickened wall region including an aperture passing transversely therethrough, wherein the thickened wall region is disposed in the outer wall surface of at least one of the first and second collar members. A fastener is operably associated with the shoulder projections of the first and second collar members to removably couple the shoulder projections together. Such coupling configures the inner wall surfaces to define an opening disposed through the electrical grounding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Barton L. Garvin
  • Publication number: 20130189860
    Abstract: A grounding lug for an electrical conduit fitting includes a support ring sized to slide over a threaded portion of a conduit fitting body and a conductor securing portion having a channel to receive an externally-mounted conducting wire. The grounding lug also includes an extension arm configured to secure the support ring to the conductor securing portion, and a sealing ring, secured along an inside diameter of the support ring. The sealing ring is configured to form a seal between the support ring and the conduit fitting body. The grounding lug is configured to be freely rotated around the threaded portion of the conduit fitting body to position the conductor securing portion in a desired orientation after partial installation of the electrical conduit fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8466378
    Abstract: A snap tight electrical connector for securing and grounding an electrical cable or conduit to a junction box. The electrical connector includes a one-piece, electrically conductive connector body with a seat on the leading end and an electrically conductive snap ring held in the seat. A raised grounding lug on the seat of the connector body extends through a notch in the snap ring and provides a direct path for establishing an electrical grounding path between the connector body and the junction box. Locking tangs on the snap ring provide a secure snap-fit engagement between the connector body and the junction box. The raised grounding lug on the seat of the connector body provides a direct grounding path between the connector body and the junction box, thereby improving electrical continuity and lowering the millivolt drop between the connector body, the junction box, and the electrical cable or conduit secured to the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 8449308
    Abstract: An adjustable ground clamp for easy positioning onto electric conduits of different diameters and grounding multiple electrical devices. A first and a second jaw are pivotally connected and have differently angled jaw surfaces. A distal end of the first jaw has an elongated hole and a distal end of the second jaw has a curved fork having a slot for receiving a bolt with a cylindrical nut. A fastener connects a ground conductor or wire to the ground clamp. A terminal block accepts ground conductors from multiple different electrical devices. The jaws may be easily separated for placement of an electrical conduit without separating or detaching any parts from the ground clamp, making attachment to an electrical conduit quick, easy, and secure. The terminal block permits different electrical devices to be grounded with a single ground clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20130089994
    Abstract: A split electrical grounding bushing having adjacent bushing portions with insulating bushing portions having guard tabs covering a gap formed between the insulating bushing portions creating a continuous insulating ring. The bushing portions are connected by a hinge permitting the bushing to be placed over electrical conductors or wires after being installed. Gaps in the insulating bushing portion are covered by attached guard tabs improving the safety of a split electrical bushing. The split electrical bushing is placed on a distal end of an electrical conduit. The split bushing may be an electrical grounding bushing providing an electrical ground connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence J. SMITH
  • Patent number: 8317526
    Abstract: A clamp may include two clamping members that are pivotally connected at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Halex Co.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gardner, Glenn A. Baker
  • Patent number: 8313334
    Abstract: An electrical ground connector including a first frame member, a second frame member and a spring. The first frame member has a section with a general hook shape. The general hook shaped section forms a first conductor receiving area adapted to receive a first conductor. The second frame member is slidably connected to the first frame member. The spring biases the second frame member towards the general hook shaped section of the first frame member. The first and/or second frame members form at least one second conductor receiving area adapted to receive a second conductor and locate the second conductor directly against the first conductor in the first conductor receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Rodd R. Ruland
  • Patent number: 8299362
    Abstract: An electrical adapter enables the conductors of a flexible cable to be extended into an armored conduit with electrical ground continuity and a rigid structural attachment. The adapter is cylindrical and has removable cover over an oblique aperture providing a highly rigid and strengthened fixture, which has a ground wire clamp for securement of the wires of the cable. An adapter collar is secured rotationally to one end of the adapter body for connecting the adapter to a nipple of an armored conduit mounted to a wall structure. The ground wire is secured to the ground wire fixture, and with the adapter collar secured to the armored conduit, electrical ground continuity is extended from the flexible cable to the armored conduit. With the removable cover secured over the access aperture, exposure of the ground wire clamp and the conductors of the flexible cable is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Metis Holdings LLC
    Inventor: James A Vaughan
  • Patent number: 8231392
    Abstract: An electrical grounding device includes a first collar member having first inner and outer wall surfaces, a first flange projecting from the first inner wall surface, and a first shoulder projection extending radially from the first outer wall surface. The device further includes a second collar member having second inner and outer wall surfaces, a second flange projecting from the second inner wall surface, and a second shoulder projection extending radially from the second outer wall surface. Further, the device includes a thickened wall region including an aperture passing transversely therethrough, wherein the thickened wall region is disposed in the outer wall surface of at least one of the first and second collar members. A fastener is operably associated with the first and second shoulder projections to removably couple the first and second shoulder projections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Barton L. Garvin
  • Publication number: 20120164857
    Abstract: An electrical adapter enables the conductors of a flexible cable to be extended into an armored conduit with electrical ground continuity and a rigid structural attachment. The adapter is cylindrical and has removable cover over an oblique aperture providing a highly rigid and strengthened fixture, which has a ground wire clamp for securement of the wires of the cable. An adapter collar is secured rotationally to one end of the adapter body for connecting the adapter to a nipple of an armored conduit mounted to a wall structure. The ground wire is secured to the ground wire fixture, and with the adapter collar secured to the armored conduit, electrical ground continuity is extended from the flexible cable to the armored conduit. With the removable cover secured over the access aperture, exposure of the ground wire clamp and the conductors of the flexible cable is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: James A. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 8192210
    Abstract: A ground clamp kit may include a first clamp having a wire reception member suitable to receive and electrically connect to an associated electrical wire to be grounded and a second clamp. Each clamp may be suitable to be clamped to an associated grounding component. The ground clamp kit may also include an electric conductor that electrically connects the first clamp to the second clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Halex Co./a Scott-Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Gardner, Glenn A. Baker
  • Patent number: 8177563
    Abstract: A ground fitting allows electrical connection between a ground wire carried in a metal sheathing, and a ground point such as a water spigot on a short pipe extending from a wall. The pipe clamp is tightened on the short pipe or ground rod. The metal sheathing is cut to expose a short length of ground wire. The ground wire is inserted into the wire clamp, and the metal sheathing is inserted between a clamping plate and clamp seat at the near end of the wire clamp. A ground screw is tightened against the ground wire to hold the ground wire in the wire clamp and plate screws securing the clamping plate are tightened to secure the sheathing between the clamping plate and clamp seats. The wire clamp is attached to the pipe clamp selectively parallel or perpendicular to the short pipe or ground rod to compete the ground fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Mike Vernica
  • Patent number: 8163416
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a battery unit comprises a plurality of cells and a case to contain the cells. The case includes a first part to contain at least one cell, a second part to contain at least one cell, and a third part to connect the first and second parts. At least a portion of the third part is made thinner than the first and second parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Horii, Yuji Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20120088380
    Abstract: An adjustable ground clamp for easy positioning onto electric conduits of different diameters and grounding multiple electrical devices. A first and a second jaw are pivotally connected and have differently angled jaw surfaces. A distal end of the first jaw has an elongated hole and a distal end of the second jaw has a curved fork having a slot for receiving a bolt with a cylindrical nut. A fastener connects a ground conductor or wire to the ground clamp. A terminal block accepts ground conductors from multiple different electrical devices. The jaws may be easily separated for placement of an electrical conduit without separating or detaching any parts from the ground clamp, making attachment to an electrical conduit quick, easy, and secure. The terminal block permits different electrical devices to be grounded with a single ground clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Lawrence J. SMITH
  • Patent number: 8152538
    Abstract: An assembly for bonding a fluid, wherein the assembly comprises a fitting having an electrically conductive body comprising: a base, a first extension member which extends from a first part of the base, and a second extension member which extends from a second part of the base; and an electrically conductive protrusion extending from an exterior surface of the body; a fluid filter having a receiver which is in operable communication with the first extension member of the fitting; and a pump which draws the fluid from a fluid source and into the fluid filter, wherein the fluid further flows from the fluid filter and through the fitting; whereby the fluid, when it flows through the fitting, and when a bond wire is in electrical communication with the electrically conductive protrusion of the fitting, is bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy A. Papageorge